Program Overview

Master of Music in Studio Jazz Writing

The Master of Music program in Studio Jazz Writing is designed to provide students with advanced study opportunities in jazz and studio arranging, composition, and orchestration. The primary goal of the program is to help students develop a high-level skill set that will enable them to pursue a career as a professional arranger/composer, orchestrator, film and media composer, and educator.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Master of Music program in Studio Jazz Writing is to provide students with opportunities for advanced study in jazz and studio arranging, composition, and orchestration. The overriding goal is to help students develop a high-level skill set that will enable them to pursue a career as a professional arranger/composer, orchestrator, film and media composer, and educator. Students encounter a creative, challenging, and nurturing educational experience that respects tradition, reflects current professional trends, fosters innovation, and stimulates growth among students and faculty alike.

The Curriculum

Studio Jazz Writing is a unique and intense two-year course of study that includes writing for large and small jazz ensembles, symphonic orchestra, large and small jazz vocal ensembles, and writing for film and media. In addition, studio jazz writing majors learn "hands-on" how to run a recording studio. Students gain experience in recording, mixing, and mastering their own writing projects. All SJW (Studio Jazz Writing) majors receive training in Pro Tools Digital recording and have access to the jazz department's 24 channel Pro Tools HD2 Recording Studio and a Pro Tools 8 channel studio/mixing lab. Additional course work also includes Virtual Orchestration: creating mock-ups of orchestral scores with our extensive sample library.

Program Details

• The program is designed to provide students with advanced study opportunities in jazz and studio arranging, composition, and orchestration.
• The primary goal of the program is to help students develop a high-level skill set that will enable them to pursue a career as a professional arranger/composer, orchestrator, film and media composer, and educator.
• The program includes writing for large and small jazz ensembles, symphonic orchestra, large and small jazz vocal ensembles, and writing for film and media.
• Students learn "hands-on" how to run a recording studio and gain experience in recording, mixing, and mastering their own writing projects.
• All SJW (Studio Jazz Writing) majors receive training in Pro Tools Digital recording and have access to the jazz department's 24 channel Pro Tools HD2 Recording Studio and a Pro Tools 8 channel studio/mixing lab.
• Additional course work includes Virtual Orchestration: creating mock-ups of orchestral scores with our extensive sample library.

Career Opportunities

Alumni from this program are working throughout the music industry as:

• film and game composers
• feature film orchestrators
• trailer and library music composers
• concert music composers
• music producers
• music directors
• studio session players
• educators (public schools, colleges, and universities)

Program Structure

The program is a two-year course of study that includes:

• Writing for large and small jazz ensembles
• Writing for symphonic orchestra
• Writing for large and small jazz vocal ensembles
• Writing for film and media
• Recording, mixing, and mastering
• Virtual Orchestration

Program Outcomes

The program is designed to provide students with a high-level skill set that will enable them to pursue a career as a professional arranger/composer, orchestrator, film and media composer, and educator. Students will develop a strong foundation in jazz and studio arranging, composition, and orchestration, and will be prepared to work in a variety of roles within the music industry.