

The Studio Music and Jazz Instrumental Bachelor of Music program at the University of Miami offers an intensive, performance-centered education designed for students who aspire to excel as professional jazz musicians. This four-year, full-time degree combines technical mastery with artistic development, providing students with the opportunity to explore the rich traditions of jazz while also engaging with contemporary and cross-genre approaches. The curriculum emphasizes instrumental proficiency, improvisation, ensemble collaboration, and music theory, allowing students to build a strong foundation in both classical and modern jazz idioms. Instruction is guided by renowned faculty, many of whom are active performers and composers, offering mentorship rooted in real-world experience.
Students benefit from a dynamic learning environment that includes private lessons, small combo and big band performances, and access to professional recording studios. Courses in arranging, ear training, music technology, and jazz history support a well-rounded education that blends creativity with practical skills. Regular performance opportunities on and off campus help students refine their stage presence and adapt to diverse musical settings. With access to the Frost School of Music’s state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant artistic community, students receive an education that encourages originality, discipline, and artistic innovation at the highest level.
Year 1 – Technical Foundations and Jazz Language
• Applied Lessons (Primary Instrument)
• Jazz Theory I
• Jazz Ensemble or Combo
• Aural Skills and Sight Singing
Year 2 – Improvisation and Historical Context
• Jazz Improvisation I
• Jazz History and Repertoire
• Music Technology for Musicians
• Applied Jazz Arranging
Year 3 – Advanced Performance and Composition
• Jazz Improvisation II
• Small Ensemble Performance
• Advanced Jazz Harmony
• Electives in Recording or World Music
Year 4 – Professional Preparation and Showcase
• Senior Recital
• Music Business and Entrepreneurship
• Capstone Project in Studio Jazz
• Internship or Independent Project
Graduates of the Studio Music and Jazz Instrumental program are well-prepared for diverse and creative careers in the music industry. Many pursue paths as professional jazz performers, session musicians, arrangers, or band leaders, performing in clubs, festivals, touring ensembles, or recording studios. Others work in film scoring, music production, or arts education, teaching at schools, conservatories, or privately. The program also serves as excellent preparation for graduate study in performance, composition, or music theory. With technical mastery, artistic confidence, and a deep understanding of the jazz tradition, graduates are equipped to thrive in both performance and behind-the-scenes roles in the global music scene.
The University of Miami’s Studio Music and Jazz Instrumental program offers a premier jazz education led by world-class faculty in one of the most vibrant music schools in the country. Students are immersed in a performance-driven curriculum that emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and professional readiness. With access to top-tier facilities, frequent live performance opportunities, and a strong network of alumni and industry partners, the program provides a direct link between academic training and real-world success. Whether your goal is to tour the world, record original music, or lead the next generation of jazz artists, this program delivers the artistic depth and practical tools to launch a sustainable music career.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 305 284 2000
Email: admissions@miami.edu
Address: University of Miami, 1320 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States