Mature artistically and professionally
In its 30-year history, UNC’s jazz studies program has won more than 100 Downbeat Magazine student awards, plus a Grammy nomination. Few other Master of Music programs offer you comparable opportunities to develop as a jazz performer, composer and teacher. You’ll belong to a rich musical community that includes leaders in the world of jazz, while maturing as an artist and a professional.
UNC offers exceptional opportunities for you to perform, record and get noticed. Our award-winning ensembles have performed all over the world, including frequent high-profile appearances at national and international conferences such as Jazz Education Network and the International Association for Jazz Education. You’ll work with internationally respected faculty who excel as performers and educators, getting amazing preparation for a career in professional music—or continued study in a doctoral program.
Degree Option
M.M. in Jazz Studies
The Master of Music degree with emphasis in Jazz Studies covers a well-rounded set of professional skills. You’ll work on performance, teaching, composing, arranging, and improvisation. The jazz studies program also provides opportunities for scholarship, research, and teaching. You’ll graduate with a highly respected master’s degree and be extremely well prepared for doctoral studies.
Take the next step! Explore courses, contact information and admission requirements.
Your Future in Jazz Studies
Graduates of our Jazz Studies master’s program have an excellent track record of career success.
Consider UNC’s Jazz Studies M.M. if you want to:
- Gain admission to a doctoral program
- Teach in a community college or offer private instruction
- Advance your career as a professional musician
- Broaden and deepen your skills as a performer, composer and arranger
You’ll learn:
- Research and scholarship
- Improvisation
- Advanced individual and ensemble performance
- Teaching group and individual lessons
Sample courses:
- Jazz Pedagogy
- Seminar in Jazz Composition
- Advanced Arranging
- Introduction to Musical Scholarship
Beyond the Classroom
UNC’s jazz ensembles are diverse, dynamic, and renowned. You’ll perform alongside more than 75 extremely talented young jazz artists and have opportunities to connect with top bandleaders, agents and record producers. With five big bands, vocal ensembles, small combos and a jazz guitar ensemble, we showcase a wide range of talents and styles. Our students have performed throughout the United States and overseas.
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