The Jazz Studies program provides students with an in-depth understanding of jazz music, performance, theory, and history, emphasizing technical proficiency, creative expression, and critical analysis. Students engage with a wide range of jazz traditions, studying improvisation, composition, arranging, and ensemble performance. Courses cover jazz history, theory, ear training, music technology, and performance practice, integrated with applied projects and collaborative workshops. Students develop skills in musical interpretation, composition, ensemble collaboration, and critical listening, preparing them to perform, analyze, and create jazz music at a professional and scholarly level.
Throughout the program, students cultivate expertise in musical performance, theory, and research essential for careers in music performance, education, composition, and cultural programming. Exposure to interdisciplinary approaches, including musicology, cultural studies, and digital media, ensures graduates can analyze and contextualize jazz within broader social, historical, and cultural frameworks. By fostering independent inquiry, applied research, and creative production, the program prepares students to contribute meaningfully to the jazz community, performance industry, and academic scholarship in music.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Jazz Studies
- Degree Type: S. Bachelor
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 January 2026
- Location: Columbia University, United States
- Field of Study: Music
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Jazz Studies
• Introduction to Jazz History and Styles
• Music Theory and Ear Training
• Academic Writing and Research Skills
• Applied Performance and Ensemble Work
Year 2 – Core Studies in Jazz Performance and Theory
• Improvisation Techniques
• Jazz Composition and Arranging
• Music Technology and Recording
• Elective Modules in Musicology, History, or Performance
Year 3 – Advanced Performance and Applied Research
• Seminar in Contemporary Jazz Studies
• Research Project or Performance Internship
• Ensemble Leadership and Collaboration
• Elective Modules in Composition, Ethnomusicology, or Media
Year 4 – Independent Research and Capstone Project
• Independent Research Project or Thesis
• Advanced Topics in Jazz Studies
• Performance Recital and Portfolio
• Capstone Project Presentation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in music performance, jazz education, composition, arrangement, music production, cultural institutions, and media. They can work as professional performers, educators, composers, arrangers, music producers, or researchers in academic, cultural, and media organizations. The program equips students with expertise in performance, composition, analysis, research, and collaboration, enabling them to pursue versatile roles in performance ensembles, teaching, music production, cultural programming, and scholarly research. Alumni may also continue their education in graduate programs in jazz studies, music performance, music education, or composition, providing highly competitive and adaptable career pathways.
Why Choose This Program
This program combines performance, theory, and creative research, giving students a comprehensive understanding of jazz music, history, and practice. Small classes and faculty mentorship provide personalized guidance, fostering independent research, musical innovation, and analytical skills. The curriculum emphasizes applied performance, composition, interdisciplinary study, and critical engagement with musical traditions, preparing graduates to address complex challenges in music performance, education, research, and cultural programming. By engaging with performance projects, research assignments, and advanced coursework, students gain the knowledge, technical expertise, and practical experience necessary for impactful careers in jazz performance, education, research, composition, and further graduate study.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 212 854 1754
Email: admissions@columbia.edu
Address: University of Columbia, Admissions Office, New York, NY, United States
