Skip to main content

Programs

Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media

The strength of Eastman’s Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media degree program lies in the hard work expected of each student in every aspect of study, coupled with the individual attention received from faculty. The sheer scope of material covered in the curriculum sustains the discipline level, while the faculty members as mentors provide personal encouragement as they coach the necessary skills.

Information about faculty and research can be found on the Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media website.

AdmissionsLink to section

Applying to Advanced CertificatesLink to section

Certificate in Performance Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • A personal statement
  • A resume or CV
  • A prescreening and audition on the major instrument 
  • Three recommendation letters

Applying to Master's ProgramsLink to section

Master of Music Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • A personal statement
  • A resume or CV
  • A prescreening and audition on the major instrument
  • Three recommendation letters

Applying to Doctoral ProgramsLink to section

Doctor of Musical Arts Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • A personal statement
  • A resume or CV
  • A sample writing of a past research paper and/or previously published article or submission 
  • A prescreening and audition on the major instrument 
  • Three recommendation letters

See https://www.esm.rochester.edu/admissions/grad/ for the most up-to-date application/audition and prescreening requirements.

AcademicsLink to section

Advanced Certificates and RequirementsLink to section

The Advanced Diploma in Performance is a one-year program (which can be extended) that centers around private instruction on the major instrument, as well as high-level chamber music and ensemble experiences. In addition, students can enroll in practical elective coursework that will supplement their performance study and better prepare them for a career as a professional musician. For each of the two semesters, the core courses are four units of applied music lessons, one unit of ensembles, a one-unit diploma colloquium, and a performance project (completed in the second or final semester of study). For the most up-to-date information, see: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/admissions/grad/adp/.

The JCM department also offers the Certificate of Advanced Achievement in the Art of Improvisation to current Eastman degree students. (This is not a stand-alone certificate.) It is open to Eastman graduate students who want to explore and advance their improvisation skills in a wide array of musical styles. More information is here: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/certificates/art-of-improvisation/.

Master's Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The Master of Music degree is a two-year program with strong emphasis on applied instrumental or vocal study and performance as well as broad intellectual development. Prerequisites include demonstrated proficiency on the major instrument or voice and an undergraduate degree in music or its equivalent. Core requirements for jazz majors include 16 units of applied instruction, jazz performance workshops and ensembles, jazz history, pedagogy, jazz forum, electives, and a degree recital. For the most up-to-date course requirements, see https://www.esm.rochester.edu/registrar/policy/06-00/#06.02.08.

Doctoral Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The Doctor of Musical Arts degree is designed to represent high attainment in the practice of music. Prerequisites include demonstration of high achievement in performance through an audition and demonstration of writing ability through submission of a scholarly paper and academic credentials, including transcripts of all previous collegiate-level coursework. The coursework for the degree is typically completed over six semesters (three years), followed by the doctoral comprehensive exam. Core coursework for jazz majors generally includes six semesters of applied study (with performance and writing emphases available), four doctoral seminars, three theory courses, jazz composition/arranging courses, and a minor or electives. In addition, there are two performance recitals and a lecture-recital. The degree culminates in the comprehensive exam: a two-day written exam covering music history and theory, and a final oral exam centered around the student’s major instrument and its repertoire, pedagogy, and organology. For the most up-to-date requirements, see https://www.esm.rochester.edu/registrar/policy/06-00/#06.03.14.

Graduate Course TitlesLink to section

  • JAZ 430A: Primary Lesson (1/2 time)
  • JAZ 460A: Primary Lessons
  • JCM 428: Advanced Jazz Theory Concepts
  • JCM 429: Advanced Jazz Theory Concepts – Lab
  • JCM 451-452: Jazz Performance Workshop
  • JCM 483-484: Advanced Studies in Improvisation
  • JCM 485-486: Advanced Writing Project
  • JCM 487-488: Advanced Studies in Jazz Composition
  • JCM 491-492: Jazz Forum
  • JCM 501: Jazz Ensemble
  • JCM 523: Theory/Practice Harmony
  • JCM 524: Theory/Practice Improvisation
  • JCM 528: Advanced Jazz Theory Concepts – Lab
  • JCM 551: DMA Dissertation Project