This program, which is the only one of its kind, prepares students
for research, publishing, and teaching. It also provides students with
access to the renowned Institute of Jazz Studies, the largest
public-access jazz library in the world.
Applicants to the
program should have a bachelor`s degree in any field, and basic
competence in music reading and performing. In addition to standard
application forms, applicants must submit one research or analysis
paper (an undergraduate paper is acceptable), a short recording of
their playing, and a page of sheet music that they have written or
transcribed. The GRE is not required.
The M.A. degree requires
a total of 36 credits. The 12 required courses in the program involve
historiography, transcription of music from recordings, musical
analysis, archival research, interviewing techniques, and detailed
studies of particular artists or genres. There also is a list of
required listening that students must complete. At the end of the
course work, each student takes a comprehensive examination. Courses
are scheduled in long blocks, generally two or three days a week, from
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Following are the core courses in the
program:
26:561:501,502 Jazz Historiography (3,3)
26:561:503 Transcription and Analysis (3)
26:561:504 Research Methods (3)
26:561:505,506 Topics courses (3,3)
26:561:509 Thesis I (3)
26:561:513,514 Jazz Theory and Analysis (3,3)
Students also are encouraged to choose one course in a related field
such as history, African-American studies, or anthropology. Typically,
students carry a full-time load of 12 credits per term. In limited
circumstances, however, individuals are permitted to enroll in courses
on a part-time basis. After students have completed three terms, they
spend the fourth term finishing the required listening and revising
their theses. During the last term, usually around March 1, students
take the comprehensive exam.
Private lessons or participation
in the Mosaic jazz ensemble, led by noted saxophonist Leo Johnson, is
highly recommended for some students. There are no additional fees for
these activities, which students may be mandated to take in addition to
the regular 36 credit requirement.
The program gives credit
for a maximum of 12 credits of work done toward a master`s degree at
another institution as long as that work fulfills any of the program
requirements.
