Overview

The Music - Jazz Studies M.M. at the University of South Carolina provides a comprehensive platform for professional jazz musicians to refine their creative and technical skills. This advanced programme focuses on developing faculty-ready expertise in improvisation, performance, and original composition. Students engage in a rigorous academic environment that balances practical artistry with theoretical and historical depth.

Candidates can choose between two specialised tracks: jazz performance or jazz composition. Both pathways integrate modern digital technology for music production and creation, ensuring graduates are equipped for the contemporary industry. The curriculum culminates in a significant final project, requiring either a graduate recital or the creation of an original jazz work alongside an oral examination.

Why Music - Jazz Studies at the University of South Carolina?

The School of Music has maintained prestigious accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music since 1969, ensuring high educational standards. Students benefit from a unique gender-balanced faculty and access to specialised facilities, including the Greene Street Jazz Church. The programme also features the Spark: Music Leadership initiative, which fosters personal exploration and professional skill development.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 572 per credit
National fee: USD 572 per credit
Local fee: USD 572 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide advanced training in core jazz disciplines while allowing for elective exploration in digital media and ensemble work. Modules may include:

Jazz Performance
Jazz Composition
Jazz Theory
Jazz History
Digital Technology in Music
Ensemble Performance
Music Production
Research Methods

Careers with Music - Jazz Studies

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the global music industry and academia. The programme provides the necessary foundation for those seeking to enter doctoral-level music education or secure faculty positions at higher education institutions. Common career paths for alumni include:

Professional Musician
University Professor
Composer
Arranger
Music Teacher

These roles are typically found within the education sector, professional performing arts organisations, and the broader creative industries. The programme's emphasis on communication, innovation, and cultural awareness ensures graduates can navigate various professional workplace settings effectively.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music Bibliography and Research
Jazz composition studies
Non jazz composition studies
Recital
Composition recital
Music History
Music Theory

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-05-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-04-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

32 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Columbia, United States

Disciplines

Music Musicology Liberal Arts View 1020 other Masters in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

GMAT

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Audition
Official Transcripts
Official Test Score (GRE or MAT)
TOEFL/IELTS Score (international students)
3 Letters of Recommendation
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Writing Sample(s)

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

18304 USD / year

≈ 18304 USD / year
Out-of-State

18304 USD / year

≈ 18304 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

18304 USD / year

≈ 18304 USD / year

Living costs

Columbia

United States

999 - 1508 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 Music - Jazz Studies.

Available Scholarships

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

On this page

About

Overview

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

Columbia

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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