Jazz Arts

Overview

At Jazz Arts from Manhattan School of Music, the programs of study for majors in the Jazz Arts 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.

Jazz Majors

• Alto Saxophone

• Baritone Saxophone

• Bass Trombone

• Cello

• Clarinet

• Composition (MM only)

• Double Bass

• Drum Set

• Electric Bass

• Flute

• Guitar

• Harmonica

• Piano

• Tenor Saxophone

• Tenor Trombone

• Trumpet

• Vibraphone

• Viola

• Violin

• Voice (MM & DMA only)

Jazz Composition

Jazz composition is offered for graduate applicants who wish to pursue a Master of Music degree.  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 regularly scheduled composers’ reading sessions each semester for large and small ensembles; two Jazz Philharmonic reading sessions with full studio orchestra (symphony orchestra & jazz big band; sessions are 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 are offered in studio synthesis techniques, composing and arranging for MIDI synthesizer, arranging for jazz composers, advanced studio recording, film scoring classes, songwriting classes.

Jazz Voice

Jazz voice is offered for graduate applicants who wish to pursue a Master of Music degree. The jazz voice program 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 reknown faculty Theo Bleckmann and Kate McGarry. 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)