Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies Composition

Refine your knowledge of jazz with a Bachelor of Music (BM) in Jazz Studies Composition in Temple’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. Graduates of this 123-credit degree program are prepared for careers in the composition, performance and teaching sectors of jazz, as well as jazz composition in both small and large ensembles.

As an undergraduate student at Temple, you’ll study in one of the more influential cities in jazz history. Musicians such as John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and Grover Washington spent significant time in Philadelphia. Many Jazz Studies Composition graduates go on to play professionally throughout the city. 

You’ll develop advanced knowledge for jazz analysis, arrangement, composition and improvisation through master classes, guest lectures and performances with some of the most renowned musicians and educators from around the country. Notable past guest instructors include Adam Nussbaum (percussion), Gary Smulyan (saxophone) and Warren Wolf (vibraphone).

Jazz Composition majors will also take coursework focused on your instrument of choice, with private lessons and opportunities for recitals during your final semester. The Music Studies Department is small and close-knit, and faculty guide students throughout their time in the program.

Learn more about the Jazz Studies and Composition BM degree curriculum.

Classes & Curriculum

The Jazz Studies Composition Major curriculum is intended to deepen your knowledge of jazz and music studies with the freedom to explore a liberal arts education. In addition to your instrumental concentration-specific courses, some of the core courses include

  • Basic Conducting,
  • The Business of Music,
  • The History of Jazz,
  • Jazz Studies,
  • Jazz Composition Seminar
  • Music Theory and
  • Music Technology.

Learn more about curriculum specifics for the Bachelor of Music for Jazz Studies and Composition.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Women playing a jazz instrument in a classroom.

Tuition & Fees

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

Tuition rates 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 Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $21,504.00 per year
Out-of-state: $37,752.00 per year

Concentrations

You can focus on Jazz Studies Composition or you can take one of the following concentrations.

  • Bassoon
  • Cello
  • Clarinet
  • Double Bass
  • Euphonium
  • Flute
  • French Horn
  • Harp
  • Oboe
  • Percussion
  • Piano
  • Saxophone
  • Trombone
  • Trumpet
  • Tuba
  • Viola
  • Violin
  • Voice
BC-JSCO-BMUS

Additional Program Information