The programs of study for jazz majors are designed to develop skilled performers, composers, and arrangers in preparation for careers in jazz music. Students who wish to enter these degree programs are expected to demonstrate the same level of proficiency in musical skills that Manhattan School of Music requires of its other degree candidates. All students are required to fulfill their ensemble requirement as outlined in their course sequence plans and as assigned by the assistant dean of the jazz division.

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 in this department have included: Gary Bartz (alto saxophone), Hamiet Bluiett (baritone saxophone), Graham Collier (composition/bass), Wycliff Gordon (trombone), Andrew Hill (piano), Dave Liebman (saxophone), Jason Moran (Class of 1997— piano), Lewis Nash (drums), Antonio Sanchez (drums), Christian McBride (bass), Jimmy Heath (tenor saxophone), Jon Faddis (trumpet), Maria Schneider (composition), and Stefon Harris (Class of 1997 — vibraphone).

Summer Jazz Workshop 2009

Manhattan School of Music and The Conservatorium van Amsterdam present the Summer Jazz Workshop from July 6–10 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. For more information, download a flyer or follow the link to the Conservatorium van Amsterdam website:

• Download a flyer
• Visit the Conservatorium van Amsterdam website

Department Handbook

Our department's handbook includes information for current students on a variety of issues including ensemble and audition requirements, juries, recitals, grading systems, etc. To download a PDF version of the Jazz Department Handbook, click here.

Jazz Composition

Students who major in jazz composition at Manhattan School of Music are presented with several unique and special opportunities to develop their art:

• 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
• Open access to two computer-based electronic music studios
• Classes in:
  o Studio synthesis techniques
  o Composing and arranging for MIDI synthesizer
  o Arranging for jazz composers
  o Advanced studio recording
  o Film scoring classes
  o Songwriting classes
• To read about available facilities, visit our Electronic Music Studios page.

Jazz Voice

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 Luciana Souza, Peter Eldridge, and Nancy Marano. Complete bios can be found in the faculty box to the right.

Here are some of the highlights of the program:

• Vocalists are part of our unique performance track, combining vocalists and instrumentalists
• Small combo setting allows for individual attention
• Improvisation classes mix voice, composition, and instrumental students in an ensemble setting
• There are performance opportunities with big bands, as well as Jazz Philharmonic orchestra (symphony orchestra with jazz instrumentalists)
• Performances at Jazz at Lincoln Center
  

Doctoral Jazz Arts Advancement 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.

• For more information about this exciting advanced degree program, click here.

The degree sequence plans for the various majors, which will show you what courses and numbers of credits are required for graduation, are found by clicking the links below:

• Doctoral Jazz Arts Advancement Program Degree Sequence Plans (all instruments)