Jazz Studies
The Jazz Studies program at Northwestern University offers a dynamic, performance-based curriculum designed for students who aspire to become creative, versatile, and knowledgeable contributors to the world of jazz. This four-year degree combines intensive private instruction, ensemble participation, music theory, and improvisational training to help students develop a deep and practical understanding of the jazz tradition and its contemporary expressions. From bebop to fusion, students study the historical evolution of jazz while honing their technical skills and individual voice through rigorous practice, composition, and collaborative performance. The program encourages students to think beyond genre boundaries, supporting an environment of artistic experimentation and stylistic fluency.
Students receive mentorship from faculty who are nationally recognized performers, composers, and educators, gaining access to a wealth of real-world insight and industry experience. Through jazz combos, big band, arranging labs, and theory courses, the curriculum balances creativity with academic depth. Students are also encouraged to participate in interdisciplinary projects, community engagement, and recording sessions. Proximity to Chicago—a city deeply rooted in jazz history—provides countless opportunities to perform, attend live concerts, and connect with a professional jazz community. By graduation, students leave with strong musicianship, compositional awareness, and improvisational mastery, prepared to contribute meaningfully to both traditional and evolving forms of jazz expression.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Jazz Studies
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Music
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Northwestern University, United States
- Field of Study: Music
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Jazz Fundamentals and Technical Development
• Private Jazz Lessons I & II
• Jazz Theory and Ear Training I
• Ensemble Participation (Jazz Combo, Big Band)
• Music History and Listening Analysis
Year 2 – Improvisation and Repertoire Building
• Private Jazz Lessons III & IV
• Jazz Improvisation Techniques I & II
• Small Group Arranging and Composition
• Jazz History and Cultural Contexts
Year 3 – Advanced Performance and Individual Voice
• Private Jazz Lessons V & VI
• Advanced Jazz Composition and Arranging
• Jazz Pedagogy and Teaching Methods
• Recording Studio Techniques or Contemporary Improvisation
Year 4 – Recital, Professional Preparation, and Innovation
• Private Jazz Lessons VII & VIII
• Senior Jazz Recital and Jury
• Independent Project or Portfolio Recording
• Career Planning in the Music Industry
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Jazz Studies program are equipped with the performance skills, stylistic range, and artistic maturity necessary to pursue careers across a wide array of musical and creative industries. Many alumni go on to become professional jazz performers, composers, or arrangers, working in live performance, recording, and touring. Others take roles as music educators, ensemble directors, or arts administrators, where their jazz background enhances instruction and community outreach. With strong skills in improvisation and collaboration, graduates are also successful in film scoring, music production, or interdisciplinary projects involving theater, dance, or media. The program provides an excellent foundation for further graduate study in performance, composition, or ethnomusicology. With their creativity, discipline, and musical adaptability, graduates are prepared to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the music industry while contributing to the continued evolution of jazz.
Why Choose This Program
Northwestern’s Jazz Studies program stands out for its integration of artistic excellence, academic depth, and real-world experience. The curriculum encourages students to explore their individual voice while grounding them in the fundamentals of jazz performance and theory. Faculty mentorship, frequent performance opportunities, and access to professional-grade facilities ensure a rich and supportive learning environment. The location near Chicago further amplifies students’ exposure to diverse musical traditions and professional networks. Whether you aim to perform, compose, teach, or innovate, this program nurtures creative expression, technical mastery, and musical entrepreneurship, making it the ideal choice for aspiring jazz musicians who want to shape the future of the art form.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 312 555 2040
Email: admissions@northwestern.edu
Address: University of Northwestern, 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
