Master of Music in Jazz Studies

Develop technical expertise and cultivate your artistic vision with a Master of Music in Jazz Studies in Temple’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. Open to instrumental and voice students with a Bachelor of Music degree or its equivalent, graduates of the Jazz Studies MM degree program become accomplished jazz musicians. 

This 30-credit master’s program is offered on both a part-time and full-time basis. You’ll focus on career development and entrepreneurial techniques to help you meet your professional objectives after completion of the program.   

The internationally renowned Jazz Studies faculty deliver an expansive program blending advanced training in ensemble, jazz performance and studio with rigorous academic coursework vital to the field. You’ll have numerous opportunities to participate in both large and small ensembles, providing a comprehensive performance experience in both solo and ensemble playing. Learn more about opportunities with student ensembles. In addition to the opportunities Jazz Studies students have on campus, Philadelphia is a thriving location for graduates seeking to perform professionally.

There are frequent master classes and guest performances by prominent artists and educators. Recent guests include John Clayton, Jon Faddis, Tia Fuller, Wycliffe Gordon, Fred Hersch, Ingrid Jenson, Joe Lovano and Chris Potter.

Each spring, the Jazz Studies program hosts Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington Regional Jazz Festival, during which Jazz Studies faculty lead performances, clinics and master classes for local high school jazz bands.

Classes & Curriculum

Master of Music in Jazz Studies students have six years to complete this 30-credit degree program. In addition to weekly private lessons in jazz arranging, composition, instrumentation or vocal, some of the coursework includes

  • Business of Music;  
  • Jazz Major (weekly private lessons in instrumentation, vocal, composition or arranging);
  • Seminar in Jazz Arranging;  
  • Seminar in Jazz Composition; 
  • Special Topics in Jazz Pedagogy;
  • Theory Seminar; and
  • Topics in Music History.

Learn more about the Master of Music in Jazz Studies coursework.

Related Graduate Degrees

Five Boyer students performing live jazz.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master 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. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,239.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,652.00 per credit

You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

BC-JZST-MMUS

Additional Program Information