MM in Jazz Studies

Launch a Successful Career as a Jazz Artist and Educator

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Locations Offered
In Person
2 years
Time to Completion
$730
Cost Per Credit Hour
32
Credit Hours Required

Become a jazz legend

Webster’s master’s in Jazz Studies immerses you in the intricacies of jazz performance and composition. Under the guidance of renowned faculty members, you'll hone your performance and composition skills, fueling your creative expression and technical mastery. Graduate prepared to pursue doctoral studies, share your passion with aspiring musicians in a private studio, or captivate audiences as a soloist, ensemble member, conductor or composer, leaving your lasting impression on the world of jazz.

Why Webster for your Jazz Studies degree?

Transform your passion for jazz into a world-class career

Immerse yourself in a hands-on learning experience that equips you for a world of opportunities. Whether you plan to perform or lead behind the scenes, you’ll graduate with experience that prepares you for your future career. Our MM in Jazz Studies is ideal for:

Harmoniously blend education and performance

Deepen your knowledge of jazz and develop your musicality through coursework, private lessons, and jazz performances. As a graduate of Webster’s MM in Jazz Studies, you will be able to:

Immerse yourself in a vibrant musical community

Study alongside fellow jazz musicians and refine your skills through private lessons with esteemed faculty mentors. Webster's Jazz Studies master’s extends beyond theoretical knowledge, fostering hands-on learning through participation in our jazz ensembles and bands. Culminate your graduate studies with a final recital that showcases a portfolio of your work.

Your course list

The 32 credit hours required for the MM in Jazz Studies must include the following courses:

Core Courses
  • Analytical Techniques I, II
  • Seminar in Music Literature

Performance Courses

Applied Lessons

  • Applied Jazz (lessons)

Major Ensemble

  • Webster University Jazz Collective OR
  • Webster University Jazz Ensembles OR
  • Webster University Jazz Singers

Supportive Courses
  • Advanced Studies in Music: Jazz History
  • Graduate Colloquium
  • Independent Study: Advanced Arranging
  • Jazz Scoring and Arranging I

Electives
  • Advanced Topics in Music Entrepreneurship
  • Independent Study: Jazz Pedagogy
  • Independent Study: Topics in Jazz Improvisation
  • Jazz Education Methods
  • Seminar in Music Pedagogy

In addition to these courses, all MM Jazz Studies students must successfully pass an oral examination and complete a final project/recital program.

Learn More About Courses

A world of music at your doorstep

Jazz up your music education at Webster University's St. Louis campus, just 15 minutes from downtown. Enjoy private lessons, ensemble performances and world-class concerts from faculty, peers and professional groups. Enrich your experience with access to local vocal, instrumental, and jazz organizations, including Jazz St. Louis, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.

Set the stage for a successful music career

Whether you aspire to teach in a private studio, perform as a soloist or ensemble member, compose new music, or pursue a doctoral degree in music, a Webster Jazz Studies master’s degree will help you realize your dreams. Our graduates have successful careers as private music teachers, musicians and composers in St. Louis and around the world.

Let’s Discuss Career Goals

Achieve your personal and professional goals

We’re here to help

Webster is committed to your success, and you'll never be alone as you pursue your MM in Jazz Studies.

An education nationally recognized for quality

Earn your Master of Music in Jazz Studies from Webster University, an independent, nonprofit university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

Learn from renowned jazz musicians

Combine theory and practice as you work alongside faculty members with professional experience as composers, educators and performers. They will mentor you throughout your program and connect you to their professional network for additional jazz study and performance opportunities.