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 the standard
application form including the personal statement, applicants must submit a writing sample (an undergraduate paper on any topic is acceptable), a short recording playing any kind of music (classical is fine) to demonstrate their level of musical competence, and a page of sheet music that they have written or
transcribed (simply to indicate familiarity with music notation). The Graduate Record Examination is not required.
The master of arts (M.A.) degree requires
a total of 36 credits. The required 12 courses cover such topics as historiography, the literature about jazz, music theory and analysis, archival research, interviewing techniques, as well as in-depth studies on individual musicians and topics such as "jazz and race," and "jazz and world music." Many students choose to take private lessons and to play in the jazz ensemble in addition to the 12 courses. Also, private theory study, one-day writing workshops, and/or a semester-long writing seminar my be required, at our discretion, in addition to the required 12 courses. At the end of the coursework, each student takes a final comprehensive exam, usually in their fourth semester while putting finishing touches on the thesis.
Courses
are scheduled in long blocks, generally two or three days a week, and usually between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. On occasion, a summer course will be offered as well, meeting one long day a week. Following are some of the courses offered:
26:561:501,502 Jazz Historiography (3,3)
26:561:505,506 Topics courses (3,3)
26:561:509 Thesis I (3)
26:561:512 Charlie Parker (3)
26:561:513,514 Jazz Theory and Analysis I,II (3,3)
26:561:515 Stride Piano (3)
Students also are welcome to choose from courses in related fields such as history, African-American studies, or anthropology, and at other campuses and universities.
Typically,
students carry a load of 9 credits per semester, but individuals are also permitted to enroll in courses on a part-time basis.
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.
