Program

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.

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, and 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 may 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 his or her fourth semester while putting the 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, 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.

Application Requirements

All transcripts
TOEFL
Three letters of recommendation
Sample of academic or professional writing
Personal Statement: the Personal Statement is not optional. This is where you tell us who you are, what you've been doing lately, and why you want to join our program.
In addition, all applicants will need to submit the following to Dr. Martin via email: one research or analysis paper on any topic as a writing sample. An undergraduate paper is fine, and it does not even have to be about music--the point is to show that you write well in English.

Note that a background in music is no longer required. Students will learn to read and write music and understand basic music theory in the course of the degree program.