Overview

The Jazz Studies programme at the University of North Texas offers a comprehensive graduate experience designed to foster artistic excellence and professional growth. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum that balances practical performance with deep academic research into the rich traditions of the jazz genre.

This Master of Music provides three distinct pathways for students to tailor their education: performance, composition, and pedagogy. By choosing a specific track, individuals can focus on their unique career goals while benefiting from the collective expertise of a renowned faculty and a vibrant musical community.

The learning environment is structured to provide individual attention within a large, active musical scene.

Why Jazz Studies at University of North Texas?

The institution is home to one of the most comprehensive music schools in the world, recognised internationally for its academic and artistic standards. Students have access to the UNT Music Library, which is considered one of the finest facilities in the nation for jazz-related research and historical study.

Performance opportunities are vast, featuring nine jazz lab bands, including the multi-Grammy nominated One O'Clock Lab Band. Other ensembles include the Latin Jazz Lab, Jazz Singers groups, and various specialised instrumental collectives that allow for diverse stylistic exploration and professional stage experience.

The university maintains strong industry links through its Jazz Lecture Series and the Gomez Artist Residency. These initiatives bring legendary guest artists to campus for workshops and performances, providing students with direct networking opportunities and insights into the global music industry and entrepreneurship.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 16404 per year
National fee: USD 16404 per year
Local fee: USD 8700 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Conducting College Jazz Ensembles
Jazz Styles and Analysis
Advanced Jazz Improvisation
Composition for the Media
Psychology of Music
Research in Jazz Studies

Careers with Jazz Studies

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional roles including jazz performers, composers, and arrangers. The programme also equips students with the pedagogical skills necessary for careers in music education at the collegiate level or within private conservatories and community arts organisations.

Beyond performance, the skills developed during the course allow alumni to work as ensemble directors or music researchers. The focus on communication and industry knowledge also supports careers in music production, media composition, and various entrepreneurial ventures within the global arts sector.

Accreditation

The College of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. This accreditation means the college meets or exceeds strict academic standards for excellence in education.

Programme Structure

You'll have many performance opportunities to choose from, including:

Nine jazz lab bands, among them the six-time Grammy nominated One O'Clock Lab Band®, directed by Jay Saunders
Three Jazz Singers groups guided by Jennifer Barnes
L-5 and Super 400 Electric Guitar Ensembles directed by Fred Hamilton and the graduate teaching fellows he mentors
Latin Jazz Lab directed by José Aponte
Jazz Chamber Music (approximately 25 small groups)
Jazz Repertory Ensemble
Zebras (a contemporary music ensemble)
U-Tubes Jazz Trombone Ensemble

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-16 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

32 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Denton, United States

Disciplines

Music View 1020 other Masters in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

We prefer master's applicants who have an undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies, but applicants can be admitted with undergraduate degrees in other music fields or in another field. We prefer doctoral applicants who have a master's degree in Jazz Studies, but applicants can be admitted with master's degrees in other music fields.
All applicants must participate in an in-person audition or submit a video recording. Applicants to the composition track are also expected to submit a portfolio of compositions and arrangements.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

16404 USD / year

≈ 16404 USD / year
Out-of-State

16404 USD / year

≈ 16404 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8700 USD / year

≈ 8700 USD / year

Living costs

Denton

United States

1036 - 1920 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Jazz Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Jazz Studies

About

On this page

About

Overview

Accreditation

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Denton

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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