Jazz Studies

Jazz tradition and culture lies at the centre of this Specialization offering courses in jazz language, jazz harmony, arranging, composition and jazz history. Performance in ensembles ranging from big band to combos (instrumental and vocal) is supported by private study in all jazz-related instruments and voice.

Students are initially accepted into the Major in Integrative Music Studies. Following successful completion of the first-year core courses, students in the Major in Integrative Music Studies may apply for transfer into the Specialization in Jazz Studies.

Specialization in Jazz Studies — 66 credits

See Program-Specific Admission Requirements – In addition to the general admission requirements, this program have extra program-specific requirements. These additional requirements must be arranged with the departments to which you are applying.

See the BFA degree description for more information on general degree requirements. For a complete list of courses: Undergraduate Calendar

Sample courses include:

Melody and Counterpoint, Music Composition, Jazz Arranging, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Improvisation, Private Study

Facilities

Courses are given in new state-of-the-art facilities in the Molson Building on the Sir George Williams campus. Designed specifically for the Department’s needs by an acoustician, the spaces include smart classrooms and studios with networked multimedia, mixing and playback capabilities, a recording room, octophonic studio, keyboard lab and soundproofed practice modules.

More than 100 concerts and presentations take place each year (along with numerous seminars and master classes) in the acoustically and visually spectacular Oscar Peterson Concert Hall on the Loyola campus. The hall seats 600 people and boasts a multi-track and digital recording studio. It is a premier venue for student and faculty presentations, internationally acclaimed jazz, classical and electroacoustics concerts, broadcasts, and numerous cd recordings.

Music Department

The Department fosters a rich environment for students from diverse backgrounds to perform, compose and improvise in different languages including jazz, classical and electroacoustics. The focus on contemporary music is informed by a diversity of historical styles and genres studied through analysis, history and performance. Course structures are built around lectures, workshops, studios, private study, ensembles, tutorials and practice sessions.

Admission Requirements

Jazz Studies (BFA - Specialization) requirements: Minimum cut-off averages, admission statistics and program requirements.

Undergraduate admissions guidelines: For information on international admission, required documents, proof of language proficiency, the university admissions timetable, selection and notification process.