Degree Requirements

Master of Music: Jazz Studies

Program of Study – 18 units, 2 Years 

Courses outside of the Bienen School of Music do not count toward the minimum 18 units required for the degree. 

 

Applied Lessons – 6 units 

Students should select the section appropriate to their instrument. 

  • JAZZ ST 462 Applied Jazz 

 

Jazz Studies – 1 unit 

  • JAZZ ST 430 Advanced Jazz Composition and Arranging 

 

Ensembles – 5 units 

  • JAZZ ST 377 Jazz Orchestra, 3 units 
  • JAZZ ST 391 Small Ensemble, 2 units 

 

Music Studies Core – 1 unit 

  • MUSIC 440 Introduction to Music Research 

 

Music Studies Electives, 300 level or above – 3 units* 

Music Studies Electives are Music Studies courses of the student’s choosing. Music Studies courses are 1 unit, academic in nature, and typically begin with the subject MUS_COMP, MUS_TECH, MUS_THRY, MUSIC_ED, and MUSICOL. Courses must be at the 300 level or above. 

  • MUS TECH, 1 unit 
  • Music Studies Electives, 2 units 

 

Music Electives, 300 level or above – 2 units* 

Music Electives are courses within the Bienen School of Music of the student’s choosing. Courses must be at the 300 level or above. 

*1 unit between Music Electives and Music Studies Electives must be at the 400 level. Students may combine 0.5 and 1 unit courses to meet this requirement. 

 

Recitals – 0 units, 1 registration required 

Students should select the section appropriate to their instrument. 

  • JAZZ ST 480 MM Recital 

Students must register for the recital in the quarter of the recital. The applied lessons professor or a faculty-designated substitute must attend and pass students on all recitals. Students who do not complete the recital by the end of six quarters must register for MUSIC 480 Recital Continuation in the quarter of the final recital. 

Download Degree Checklist

Questions?

Contact Graduate Services: 
musicgradservices@northwestern.edu 
847-491-5740