As one of the first conservatories in the U.S. to acknowledge the prime importance of jazz as an art form, Manhattan School of Music’s programs of study for jazz arts majors are designed to develop skilled performers, composers, arrangers and jazz educators in preparation for careers in jazz music. Systematic and rigorous conservatory training, combined with a myriad of performance and networking opportunities in New York City make this program one of the richest of its kind for young jazz musicians. Student ensembles include the Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra, Concert Jazz Band, Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Philharmonic, Chamber Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Combos. All students in the Jazz Arts degree programs are required to fulfill their ensemble requirement as outlined in their course sequence plans and as assigned by the associate dean of the Jazz Arts Program.
In addition to studies with our expert faculty, students are provided additional opportunities to play for and observe world-renowned guest artists. Recent master classes have included: Gary Burton (vibraphone), Wycliffe Gordon (trombone, faculty), Stefon Harris (Class of 1997 — vibraphone),Vijay Iyer (piano, faculty), Lee Konitz (saxophone), Dave Liebman (saxophone, Artist-in-Residence), Jason Moran (Class of 1997— piano), Butch Morris (Conduction Workshop), Christian McBride (bass), Jimmy Heath (tenor saxophone), Jon Faddis (trumpet), and Maria Schneider (composition). Every concert season, guest soloists are featured in concert with our large ensembles, providing enriched performance experiences for students. Recent guest soloists include Paquito D’Rivera, NEA Jazz Masters Candido and Dave Liebman, Randy Brecker, Joe Lovano, Bob Mintzer, and vocalists Jane Monheit, Roberta Gambarini and Judi SIlvano. Specific courses and degree sequence plans can be found in the course catalog. 2011-2012 Course Catalog >
Our department's handbook includes information for current students on a variety of issues including ensemble and audition requirements, juries, recitals, grading systems, etc. Jazz Department Handbook >
Manhattan School of Music and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam present the Summer Jazz Workshop in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Get more information on the Conservatorium van Amsterdam website >
Students who major in jazz composition at Manhattan School of Music are presented with several unique and special opportunities to develop their art. These include monthly composers’ reading sessions for large and small ensembles, Quarterly Jazz Philharmonic reading sessions with full studio orchestra (symphony orchestra & jazz big band; both sessions recorded for faculty review and study), student commissions with performance and monetary awards, performance of compositions at Jazz at Lincoln Center concerts, quarterly jazz composers’ concerts for chamber and jazz orchestra ensembles, and open access to two computer-based electronic music studios. Classes in studio synthesis techniques, composing and arranging for MIDI synthesizer, arranging for jazz composers, advanced studio recording, film scoring classes, songwriting classes.
Facilities for Electronic Music Composition >
The master’s program in jazz voice at Manhattan School of Music is designed to prepare each vocalist to be an exceptional performer who is able to function in today’s business of music. The program is spearheaded by our internationally known faculty, including Theo Bleckmann, Peter Eldridge, Nancy Marano and Darmon Meader. Here are some of the highlights of the program:
The program of study leading to the Manhattan School of Music doctor of musical arts degree is offered with a major in Jazz Arts Advancement. Doctoral Jazz Arts Advancement Program >
Jazz Bass Audition > Jazz Composition Audition > Jazz Drumset and Hand Percussion Audition > Jazz Guitar Audition > Jazz Piano Audition > Jazz Saxophone, Clarinet, Harmonica, and Flute Audition > Jazz Trombone Audition > Jazz Trumpet and Horn Audition > Jazz Vibraphone Audition > Jazz Violin Audition > Jazz Voice Audition > Doctoral Jazz Arts Advancement Program Audition >
Justin DiCioccio Associate Dean / Chair
Chris Rosenberg Manager for Jazz Administration
Stephanie Crease Coordinator
Kenny Barron Stefon Harris
Jazz Arts Faculty page >