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Jazz Studies Performance Major

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies Performance

Gain a holistic understanding of jazz as a performing art across an array of ensembles with the Bachelor of Music (BM) in Jazz Studies Performance in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. You’ll develop a strong foundation for a career as a jazz composer, educator or performer. The 123-credit, full-time undergraduate degree prepares students to play with both instrumentalists and vocalists or as a solo performer.

Courses take a deeper dive into your jazz performance instrument of choice, taught by some of the most renowned  in the field. Jazz Performance majors take music history and theory courses in addition to the Jazz Studies curriculum, which includes arranging, improvisation, and style and analysis.

Outside of the classroom, students have opportunities to regularly perform at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Performing Arts Center, as well as venues such as the and .

You can also explore information about the Bachelor of Music in Performance.

Classes & Curriculum

In the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies PerformanceÌýdegreeÌýprogram, you’ll advanceÌýyour knowledge of key areas of study such as

  • Basic Conducting,
  • Jazz Studies,
  • Music Theory and
  • The Business of Music.

Required courses also depend on which performance concentration you choose.

Learn more about the specific curriculum for the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies Performance.

    Related Graduate Degrees

    Related Graduate Certificates

    Boyer student playing the trumpet.

    Tuition & Fees

    In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Music offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

    are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

    These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

    Pennsylvania resident: $22,248.00 per year
    Out-of-state: $39,072.00 per year

    Our Academic Advisors

    The Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts has a centralized advising office with five staff members. This advising team serves all undergraduate students in the Boyer College of Music and Dance and the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts.

    Advisors help students navigate the undergraduate curriculum for each degree program. The academic advising team for music, dance, theater, and film and media arts majors is located in Mitten Hall, Suite 200 West.

    To schedule an advising appointment based on your individual needs or for more help, contact the advising team.
    Phone: 215-204-2227

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    Program Contact

    Terell Stafford is the director of Jazz Studies.

    Phone: 215-204-8036
    Email: Ìý

    Student Clubs & Organizations

    Participating in student groups provides peer support and future professional contacts.ÌýThere are more than 200 student organizations at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

    • provides students with guidance and support for navigating the complex network of the modern music industry, in addition to providing space in which members can meet and discuss various creative and technical topics.
    • is a conservatory chapter of the national organization of music educators. Semester activities include creating projects, presenting guest speakers and workshops, attending the PMEA All-State conference, participating in outreach activities, and learning to use various online music education resources.
    • holds educational clinics, events and weekly meetings guided by percussion faculty members and professional percussionists, covering an array of drum-related topics such as percussion gear and marching percussion.

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    Study Away

    51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s study away programs offers all full-time, degree-seeking students the opportunity to spend an academic year, semester or summer abroad. Host countries include Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain.

    Study abroad advisors will help you with your study abroad plans for either a 51³Ô¹ÏÍø program or an external program.

    .

    Conservatorium van Amsterdam

    Exchange places with a student from the Netherlands and study jazz at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. While conservatory students study at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, immerse yourself for a semester or academic year in a historical city and at an institution that is more than 130 years old.

    Accreditation

    The Boyer College of Music and Dance is accredited by the

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    Concentrations

    This degree program can be completed with or without a concentration. Your concentration options include

    • Clarinet
    • Percussion
    • Violin
    • Double Bass
    • Voice
    • Trumpet
    • Piano
    • Flute
    • Saxophone
    • Trombone

    Additional Program Information