Music, Jazz Studies Concentration, M.M.

The Master of Music degree program with a jazz studies concentration is an advanced course of study that focuses on individual jazz instruction, improvisation, ensemble work, history, and pedagogy. The Jazz Studies program enhances the cultural life of both the university and community, most notably through the MTSU Jazz Artist Series and the annual MTSU Illinois Jacquet Jazz Festival.

Careers

Alumni from the School of Music teach thousands of students every day in private studios and schools from kindergarten through university levels. MTSU graduates perform in orchestras, military ensembles, and opera companies; appear in clubs and recording studios with the famous and yet-to-be-known; compose music for Hollywood films and commercial jingles; lead professional music organizations; work in the music industry; serve as church musicians; and continually enrich the lives of others. Some continue on to enter prestigious doctoral programs. A sample of potential professional pathways for music master's students:

• Artistic director
• Band director/leader
• Choral/choir director
• Church musician/worship leader
• College professor/instructor
• Conductor
• General music teacher at elementary/middle schools
• Music educator
• Music theater director
• Musical director
• Orchestra librarian
• Studio musician

Employers of MTSU Alumni

• Bellevue Middle School
• Belmont University
• Cane Ridge High School
• Case Western Reserve University
• Chattanooga Symphony
• Cumberland University
• The Downtown Band
• Earl Klugh (Grammy winner)
• EMBRA Artists, LTD.
• Fairview Middle School
• Jeff Coffin (Grammy winner)
• Jonathan Fletcher Music
• Lipscomb University
• MEINL Percussion
• Middle Tennessee State University
• Murfreesboro City Schools
• Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra
• Nashville State Community College
• Northeast Mississippi Community College
• Old Center Elementary School, Nashville
• Onks Woodwind Specialist
• Siegel Middle School
• Trevecca Nazarene University
• University of Louisiana-Lafayette
• University of Northern Colorado
• Vine Street Christian Church, Nashville

Requirements

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Music degree program requires:

1. an earned bachelor's degree in Music from an accredited university or college;
2. an acceptable grade point average in all college work taken (at least 3.00).

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies. Applicant must:

1. submit application with the appropriate application fee;
2. submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
3. submit three letters of recommendation.

Additionally, those seeking a concentration in Jazz Studies must complete an audition. Applicants who do not pass the audition may be allowed, at the discretion of the faculty, to be admitted as non-degree seeking for one semester and must register for MUAP 5020 - Private Instruction. They must re-audition at the end of their first semester of study. Students who do not pass the audition on their second attempt will not be admitted to the program.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Music degree in Music with a concentration in Jazz Studies requires completion of 32 semester hours. Candidates must:

1. complete the curriculum with 70 percent of the total degree hours at the 6000 level;
2. successfully complete both written and oral comprehensive examinations no earlier than the student's last semester of study. Comprehensive examinations may be repeated once.

Additionally, those with a concentration in Jazz Studies must establish proficiencies in music history and music theory.

Curriculum: Music, Jazz Studies

The following illustrates the coursework requirements.

Core Courses (9 hours)

• MUS 6620 - Bibliography and Research
• MUTH 6050 - Analytical Techniques
• MUS 6630 - Music Seminar

Concentration Courses (14 hours)

• MUAP 668_ - Private Instruction, 3 credit hours
• MUAP 669_ - Private Instruction, 3 credit hours
• MUAP 670_ - Private Instruction, 3 credit hours
• MUAP 6670 - Graduate Recital
• Two MUEN courses (music ensembles) 1 credit hour each (courses vary), 2 credit hours

Guided Electives (9 hours)

Three courses to be selected from the following:

• MUHL 5530 - History of Jazz
• MUPD 6330 - Jazz Pedagogy and Program Administration
• MUTH 5280 - Advanced Jazz Arranging
• MUTH 6060 - Advanced Improvisation

Faculty

• Don J. Aliquo, Professor
• Lalo Davila, Professor
• Brian Mueller, Instructor
• Jamey Simmons, Professor

Information

Brochures

• Graduate Studies in Music
• Jazz Studies

General Application Procedures

1. Submit through the University's Application tool:
   • Submit application with the appropriate fee
   • Submit official transcripts of all previous college work
   • Submit three letters of recommendation.
2. Email directly to the program coordinator of interested area:
   • Additional Requirements (video links, papers, compositions, etc)
3. By the February 1 deadline:
   • Complete a Student Application (if interested) for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship

Additional Requirements: Audition

Please submit all Jazz Studies Area requirements to the program coordinator. Jazz Percussion auditions should be sent to the percussion faculty.

Pitched Instruments Requirements (includes jazz guitar, double bass, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and piano) The audition will consist of an assessment of the following:

1. Performance of major scales and modes, harmonic minor scales, melodic minor scales and modes, chromatic scale, half/whole diminished, blues scales, and dominant bebop scales. All scales must be prepared in all 12 keys and played the full range of instrument/voice.
2. Arpeggios: major, minor, augmented, and diminished triads; major 7th, dominant 7th, minor 7th, minor 7th b5, diminished 7th chords; all in root position, twelve keys.
3. Sight-reading skills in the jazz/big band style.
4. Three songs, one each from lists 1 and 2 & 3 below, all memorized (melody and chords). Play the melody (acoustic bass players must play melody arco), comp one chorus (guitar and piano only), walk one chorus (bass only), improvise between one and three choruses, and play the melody again.

LIST 1

• Scrapple From The Apple
• Half Nelson
• Blues For Alice
• Ornithology

LIST 2

• Have You Met Miss Jones
• All the Things You Are
• Stella By Starlight
• Ladybird

LIST 3

• Body and Soul
• In A Sentimental Mood
• I Can't Get Started
• Round Midnight

For those graduate students seeking graduate assistantships, we look for a combination of a high level of performance, academic achievement, and teaching experience.

Drum Set – Jazz Studies Graduate Audition Requirements

1. The applicant should submit a screening recording which will be reviewed by the faculty to determine if an invitation for an on-campus audition will be extended.
2. The student must also contact Dr. Jamila L. McWhirter, Director of Graduate Studies, for possible additional requirements.

Jazz Voice Audition Repertoire

• Perform selections from each of the following categories and perform, memorized. Please provide the faculty panel with the lead sheets and/or arrangements that you are using.
• 2–3 standards from the American Songbook, demonstrating different styles/tempos.
• 1 blues
• 1 other selection of your choice that demonstrates your abilities. A classical or "latin" tune may be chosen to demonstrate ability in those areas.
• Provide the faculty with a professional resume and a list of memorized jazz repertoire.
• A jazz theory diagnostic exam may be required.
• Complete all other MTSU application materials, including reference letters and transcripts.

Middle Tennessee State University

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Overview:

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large university with a small-town feel, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is known for its affordability, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. MTSU is a public university with a diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation students.

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Services Offered:

MTSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Financial Aid:

83% of students receive financial aid, with over $230 million in assistance available.

Campus Improvements:

The university has invested $1.5 billion in recent campus improvements and renovations.

Academic Support:

MTSU provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed.

Student Life:

The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.

Career Services:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

MTSU boasts a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy:

Large Campus with Small-Town Feel:

MTSU's 515-acre campus offers a scenic, park-like setting while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.

Active Student Organizations:

Students can join over 200 student organizations and clubs, catering to diverse interests.

Athletics:

MTSU has 17 Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both participation and spectator enjoyment.

Campus Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.

Student Union:

The Student Union serves as a central hub for students, offering dining, a bookstore, a game room, a theater, and more.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordability:

MTSU offers the lowest tuition among Tennessee's three largest universities, making it a highly affordable option.

Strong Academic Programs:

MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations, including highly ranked programs in areas like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Audio Engineering.

Diverse Student Body:

MTSU is home to a diverse student population, including a significant number of first-generation students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.

Career Opportunities:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges, including:

Arts and Sciences:

Offers majors in fields like biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics.

Business:

Offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.

Education:

Offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.

Engineering and Technology:

Offers majors in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Fine Arts:

Offers majors in music, theater, and art.

Health and Human Sciences:

Offers majors in nursing, health sciences, and human development.

Liberal Arts:

Offers majors in communication, journalism, and political science.

University College:

Offers a variety of general studies programs and interdisciplinary majors.

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Other:

• MTSU is the number 1 producer of college graduates in the greater Nashville area.
• MTSU is home to the first public Honors College in Tennessee.
• MTSU has more than two dozen Fulbright scholars.
• MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff have won 47 Grammy Awards since 2001.
• MTSU is known for its flexible programs that emphasize real-world projects and soft skills development.