Program Overview

Program Overview

The Jazz Studies MM program at Temple University is a 30-credit graduate degree that requires students to complete a combination of core courses, jazz seminars, electives, and a final project.

Program Requirements

General Requirements

• The program requires 30 credits beyond the baccalaureate.
• Students must complete a series of required courses, including:
  • MUST 8100: Jazz Ensemble (4 terms, 4 credits)
  • MUST 8104: Jazz Major (3 credits)
  • MUST 8114: Jazz Major (3 credits)
  • MUST 8124: Jazz Major (3 credits)
  • Jazz Seminars or Jazz Special Topics Courses (9 credits)
  • Electives (5 credits)
  • MUST 8184: Jazz Major (Recital, 3 credits)

Additional Requirements

• Diagnostic Examinations: All entering Master of Music students in Jazz Studies are required to take diagnostic examinations in Jazz Theory and Jazz Styles and Analysis prior to the first term of graduate study.
• Remedial Courses: Depending on the examination results, students may be required to take one or more remedial courses, which are graded on a "Credit/No Credit" basis.
• Professional Development Policy: Students are obligated to serve in various capacities to enrich their academic and musical expertise, including conducting laboratory classes, tutoring, teaching private lessons, and participating in ensembles.
• Performing Ensembles: Master's degree candidates in Jazz Studies must be available for ensemble assignments at the discretion of the department chair, including participation beyond curricular requirements.
• Independent Study Courses: Independent study courses provide a special opportunity for graduate students to work in a highly individualized setting with one or more faculty members, with approval from the faculty member, major advisor, and Associate Dean.
• Acceptable English: All students are expected to present all written work in acceptable English, with no double standard for students whose native language is not English.
• Graduate Private Lesson Policy: Weekly one-hour private lessons are provided for all matriculated master's and doctoral performance majors in good standing, with a $250 per term lesson fee (subject to change without notice).

Culminating Events

• Comprehensive Final Project: Embedded in MUST 8184 Jazz Major (Recital), the final project is based on the total studio experience and the final recital, demonstrating completed research, composition, and arranging.
• Public Recital: Performance majors present a public recital as the culminating event for the master's degree, typically one hour in length, presented on campus, and adjudicated by three full-time music faculty members.

Recital Extension

• Students withdrawing from the recital requirement during the recital term receive an Incomplete and must register for extended study for non-degree credit (MUSC 5000 Recital Extension for 2 credits).
• Recital Extension must be taken each term until the recital has been presented, with tuition for these additional terms of private study being the cost of 2 graduate credits plus a $500 Recital Extension fee.