Jazz and Contemplative Studies
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz and Contemplative Studies at the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive program for students passionate about music performance, composition, and contemplative practices. The curriculum emphasizes jazz theory, improvisation, music history, and mindfulness practices, preparing students to perform, compose, and interpret music with creativity and insight. Students engage in ensemble performances, solo projects, and reflective studies, developing skills necessary to analyze musical structures, improvise in diverse settings, and integrate contemplative techniques into performance. This program cultivates both musical proficiency and creative expertise, equipping graduates for careers in performance, composition, and arts education.
Learners explore interdisciplinary connections between music, contemplative practices, and cultural studies. The curriculum offers opportunities for collaborative performances, recording projects, and applied research, allowing students to refine technical skills, artistic expression, and reflective practices. Through mentorship, ensemble work, and individual projects, students enhance improvisation, composition, and professional presentation abilities. With a focus on applied artistry and creative development, the program prepares graduates to contribute to music ensembles, recording projects, educational programs, and cultural initiatives that require both technical and artistic skill.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Jazz and Contemplative Studies
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 February 2026
- Location: University of Michigan, United States
- Field of Study: Music
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 - Foundations in Jazz and Contemplative Studies
• Music Theory and Ear Training
• Introduction to Jazz Improvisation
• Foundations of Contemplative Practice
• History of Jazz Music
Year 2 - Core Performance Studies
• Intermediate Jazz Performance
• Ensemble Techniques
• Composition and Arrangement
• Applied Music Studies
Year 3 - Advanced Applications
• Advanced Improvisation
• Jazz History and Analysis
• Collaborative Music Projects
• Elective Modules in Music or Contemplative Studies
Year 4 - Capstone and Professional Integration
• Senior Recital / Performance Project
• Applied Music Research
• Professional Development in Music
• Seminar in Contemporary Jazz and Contemplative Practices
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program acquire advanced performance, composition, and analytical skills that prepare them for careers in professional ensembles, music education, recording industry, compositional work, and cultural arts organizations. They develop expertise in improvisation, music theory, and contemplative practice, enabling them to perform, teach, and create music with artistic integrity. The program also prepares graduates for roles in arts administration, music therapy, and community arts programs, equipping them to apply creative and reflective skills in diverse professional environments. Graduates leave ready to contribute to musical innovation, performance projects, and arts education initiatives.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students seeking a curriculum that integrates musical performance with contemplative practice, improvisation, and compositional development, offering mentorship, ensemble participation, and applied learning opportunities. Learners benefit from faculty expertise, performance spaces, and rigorous coursework that strengthen technical, creative, and reflective skills. The curriculum emphasizes applied artistry, improvisation, and professional development, preparing graduates to perform at a high level, develop original compositions, and engage audiences through music. With its focus on applied excellence and creative proficiency, the program provides a dynamic academic environment for students aspiring to careers in performance, composition, and music education.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: 734-764-8129
Email: rackadmis@umich.edu
Address: Graduate Admissions Office, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
