Overview

The Music Performance Jazz programme at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) represents a prestigious collaboration between the Herb Alpert School of Music and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. This advanced Master of Music degree is designed to cultivate the next generation of jazz icons through rigorous artistic training.

Students in this concentration benefit from a unique educational model where masters of the genre pass on their extensive expertise directly to enrolled performers. The curriculum focuses on high-level musicianship, allowing participants to refine their technical skills while exploring innovative directions in contemporary jazz performance.

Every two years, the university selects a small, exclusive cohort of six to eight musicians known as Jazz Fellows.

Why Music Performance Jazz at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)?

The partnership with the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz provides students with unparalleled access to visiting jazz legends who serve as artists-in-residence. These icons provide personal mentoring, ensemble coaching, and specialised lectures regarding the deep-rooted traditions of the jazz genre.

Facilities at the Herb Alpert School of Music support a creative environment where students are encouraged to experiment with new compositions. Beyond the classroom, Jazz Fellows participate in major concerts and community outreach programmes across the United States and internationally, gaining significant professional exposure.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the comprehensive financial support provided to its students. Qualified fellows receive full tuition scholarships from the university, alongside stipends to cover monthly living expenses and on-campus housing, allowing them to focus entirely on their musical development.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 36297 per year
National fee: USD 36297 per year
Local fee: USD 21115 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to balance individual mastery with ensemble performance and historical context. Modules may include:

Jazz Performance
Ensemble Coaching
Jazz Tradition
Composition
Music Research
Advanced Mentoring

Careers with Music Performance Jazz

Graduates of this programme are prepared for prominent careers as professional performers, composers, and recording artists within the global music industry. The intensive training and high-profile performance opportunities help students establish connections with leading figures in the jazz world.

Many alumni go on to lead their own ensembles, perform at international festivals, or contribute to the evolution of the genre through innovative recordings. The programme also equips musicians with the skills necessary to engage in community outreach and educational leadership within the arts sector.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Analysis for Performers

Notation and Performance

Music Bibliography for Performers

Problems in Performance Practices: Jazz

Graduate Instruction in Performance: Jazz

Preparation of Master’s Recital

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

63 alternative credits

Quarter Units

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Beverly Hills, United States

Disciplines

Music Music Performance View 1017 other Masters in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance accepts up to eight (8) extremely talented jazz musicians into a two-year Master’s program, designed to enhance their musicianship and develop their artistic vision through intensive study with renowned jazz masters, combined with a unique performance-based education.

The program aims to create a learning environment in which gifted jazz musicians can create and experiment musically without the artistic and financial pressures of the working world.

All applicants must be planning to pursue a career as a performing and/or recording jazz musician.

Applicants should note that the program requires a two-year commitment, during which time the program must take priority over all other music touring, teaching and recording opportunities.

An advanced level of performance skills, including sight-reading ability, is required.

International applicants must submit a TOEFL score.

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

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Out-of-State

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

21115 USD / year

≈ 21115 USD / year

Living costs

Beverly Hills

United States

1100 - 1600 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

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Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Scholarships Information

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

Available Scholarships

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

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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

Beverly Hills

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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