Overview

The Jazz Studies programme at Western Michigan University provides an innovative approach to music education that attracts talented graduate students from across the globe. This curriculum is designed to prepare artists for leadership roles in the modern music industry through rigorous training and creative exploration.

Why Jazz Studies at Western Michigan University?

The university has gained international acclaim for its forward-thinking jazz curriculum and high-quality instruction. Students benefit from the Center for Contemporary Music, Improvisation and eXperimentation (CMIX), which serves as a hub for sonic arts, multimedia, and contemporary concert music production.

The Irving S. Gilmore School of Music hosts prestigious events such as the Western Michigan University John Stites Jazz Festival. These partnerships provide students with unique opportunities to engage with professional jazz artists and participate in national competitions where student ensembles frequently secure outstanding performance awards.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15620 per year
National fee: USD 15620 per year
Local fee: USD 10414 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the creation, production, and study of jazz and contemporary music. Modules may include:

Jazz Performance
Contemporary Music
Improvisation
Sonic Arts
Multimedia Production
Jazz Arranging
Music Education

Careers with Jazz Studies

Graduates of the programme are recognised as leaders in various sectors of the global music industry. The training provided enables alumni to pursue successful careers in jazz and pop performance, as well as roles in Broadway productions and recording studio environments.

The diverse skill set acquired during the programme also prepares students for professional paths in writing, arranging, and singing. Many graduates also find success in music education, contributing to the next generation of performers and scholars in the field of contemporary music.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Applied Music
Jazz Aural Skills
Lab Band
Jazz Orchestra
Advanced Jazz Combo

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-05-05 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Kalamazoo, United States

Disciplines

Music 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

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

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

Copy of passport identification page.
$100 non-refundable application fee.
Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study according to estimated cost of attendance.
Completed application form (including a resume/curriculum vitae, written statement, and contact information for letters of recommendation).

Official transcript from the institution from which you received your bachelor degree is required, as well as a transcript from the institution where any additional graduate level courses or degrees have been taken/completed. Applicants are not required to submit an official transcript of courses taken/completed at WMU.
Proficiency examinations in theory, history-literature and placement interview-auditions in piano, composition, electronic composition, musical acoustics and counterpoint.
You will be required to complete an audition and/or submit a portfolio of documents as appropriate to your intended degree and area of concentration.

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

15620 USD / year

≈ 15620 USD / year
Out-of-State

15620 USD / year

≈ 15620 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10414 USD / year

≈ 10414 USD / year

Additional Details

Local Summer: 2,386 International Summer: 3,579

Living costs

Kalamazoo

United States

1000 - 1500 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.

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Kalamazoo

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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