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Jazz Studies Composition Certificate (Undergraduate)

Jazz Studies Composition Undergraduate certificate

Form an understanding of jazz in the city that inspired its growth and popularity with the Jazz Studies Composition Undergraduate certificate in Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. Study jazz composition and music theory to further develop your knowledge of the genre.

This four-course, 13-credit certificate program is open to any undergraduate student enrolled at Temple who has completed at least 15 credit hours of coursework. Through the curriculum, you’ll learn

  • jazz and pop composition;
  • the history of jazz and how it has evolved; and
  • the influence of jazz on other music genres, from blues to soul to hip-hop.

You’ll study how to identify the desired notes and chords for your composition, tailored for your chosen instrument. Learn arrangements that fueled the swing movement, which started in Philadelphia with jazz players like Charlie Gaines and Frankie Fairfax. Seminars in jazz composition and arranging explore bebop, made popular by the achievements of Philadelphia musicians Benny Golson and Lee Morgan. You’ll develop a holistic understanding of the genre, how to play and its iconic influence on music.

Classes & Curriculum

Core courses should be completed within six semesters, and there are no exit requirements or comprehensive exams, theses, or practica requirements. Completion of the certificate is acknowledged on official transcripts when bachelor’s degrees are awarded.

The Jazz Studies Composition Undergraduate Certificate curriculum comprises the following four courses.

  • Jazz Arranging I
  • Seminar in Jazz Composition & Arranging
  • Seminar in Advanced Jazz Composition & Arranging
  • Topics in Music Theory*

*Students take a total of 13 credit hours, and Topics in Music Theory is taken twice for a total of six credits.

Learn more about courses for the Jazz Studies Composition Undergraduate Certificate.  

Tuition & Fees

The tuition for this Certificate Program is based on school or college of your major, 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. You can also view the 2025–2026 tuition rates.

Additional information

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: 215-204-8301
Schedule an advising appointment.

Program Contact

Contact the following faculty for more information about the Jazz Studies Composition Undergraduate Certificate.

Terell Stafford is the director of Jazz Studies.
Phone: 215-204-8036
Email:

 

Additional Program Information