2026-2027 Course Catalog

Source: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/faa/music-mmus/jazz-performance/ Parent: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Jazz Performance Concentration

Students must choose a concentration:

The School of Music has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music since 1933.

Admission

For all degree programs, consult the admission requirements stated on the School of Music’s website. Fall admission only.

Requirements for admission to the Master of Music (MM) programs are a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or an equivalent degree from another accredited institution. Students holding other degrees may be admitted but will be expected to make up for any deficiencies in addition to fulfilling all requirements for the graduate degree.

The School of Music requires all new MM students to complete entrance examinations in music theory and musicianship. These exams take place the week before the fall term begins.

Applicants to the MM whose native language is not English must present an iBT score of 90 for the Master of Music (MM). A TOEFL iBT score of 103 or higher is required for full-status admission to the University of Illinois Graduate College and School of Music. Please see the full English proficiency requirements.

Graduate Teaching Experience

Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an essential part of the graduate experience.

Financial Aid

Fellowships, teaching, graduate, and research assistantships are awarded on a one-year basis, with continuation dependent upon success in the program. Specific information on application procedures is available from the Music Admissions Office, (217) 244-7899, or by email.

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Jazz Performance Concentration

For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Handbook and the Graduate College Handbook.

Requirements for the MMUS in Music with a concentration in Jazz Performance

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | MUS 528 | Res & Bibliography in Music (select from sections A1-A3) | 2 | | 500-level Applied Music Major (MUSC) | | 8-12 | | Credits determined in consultation with advisor. | | | | MUSC 531 | Graduate Jazz Voice | | | MUSC 532 | Graduate Jazz Saxophone | | | MUSC 533 | Graduate Jazz Trumpet | | | MUSC 534 | Graduate Jazz Trombone | | | MUSC 535 | Graduate Jazz Piano | | | MUSC 536 | Graduate Jazz Bass | | | MUSC 537 | Graduate Jazz Guitar | | | MUSC 538 | Graduate Jazz Percussion | | | MUSC 539 | Graduate Jazz Mallets | | | MUSC 540 | Graduate Jazz Woodwinds | | | MUSC 541 | Graduate Jazz Brass | | | MUSC 542 | Graduate Jazz Strings | | | Supporting studies in Jazz course list | | 8 | | Credits determined in consultation with advisor. | | | | MUS 435 | Jazz Aural Skills I | | | MUS 436 | Jazz Aural Skills II | | | MUS 462 | Jazz Listening Seminar I | | | MUS 464 | Jazz History I | | | MUS 465 | Jazz History II | | | MUS 548 | Advanced Jazz Harmony I | | | MUS 549 | Advanced Jazz Harmony II | | | Advanced Jazz Courses | | 4-8 | | Credits determined in consultation with advisor. | | | | MUS 499 | Proseminar in Music (Jazz Composition 1 or 2 and/or Jazz Keyboard 1 or 2) | | | MUS 504 | Grad. Jazz Improv. I | | | MUS 508 | Grad. Jazz Improv. II | | | MUS 574 | Jazz Arranging III | | | MUS 575 | Jazz Arranging IV | | | Electives | | 6 | | Electives, including ensembles, may be selected from additional jazz courses, musicology, music theory, and non-music major courses. A maximum of 4 credits of ensemble may be counted towards electives. Courses to be chosen in consultation with the student's advisor. | | | | Master's Comprehensive Examination | | | | MUSC 500 | Graduate Recital | 0 | | Total Hours | | 32 |

Other Requirements

Grad Other Degree Requirements

Requirement	Description
Other requirements may overlap
Concentration required	Yes
Minimum 500-level hours required overall:	12
Minimum GPA:	3.0

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Jazz Performance Concentration

Students in the Master of Music program, with a concentration in Jazz Performance will:

Develop performance skills at a high professional level, using creative and critical thinking to inform stylistic choices and artistic expression while demonstrating spontaneity and collaboration as appropriate, and will communicate their artistry to diverse audiences.
Exhibit an ability to summarize, synthesize, and discuss disciplinary content in relation to their major area of study, and to communicate their findings, using appropriate academic conventions, in written, oral, notational, or performative form.
Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate methods for library-based musical research and scholarly writing, and a facility in handling print and technology sources.
Pursue specialized studies, to develop expertise and an ability to synthesize knowledge in areas of interest that enhance their required curriculum and/or professional goals.
In addition, some Illinois MM students will develop experience and expertise in instruction, pedagogy, and student assessment in one or more areas of musical study, gaining insights into studio and/or classroom teaching and appropriate methods of evaluation.

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Jazz Performance Concentration

School of Music

Director of School: Dr. Linda Moorhouse\ Associate Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Reynold Tharp\ Program Contact: Jenny Phillips\ School of Music website\ School of Music faculty\ 2040 Music Building, 1114 West Nevada Street, Urbana, IL 61801\ (217) 333-3459

College of Fine & Applied Arts

FAA College website

Admissions

Overview of School of Music Admissions & Requirements\ musicadmissions@illinois.edu\ (217) 244-7899\ Graduate College Admissions