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Jazz Studies Composition Major

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.

Faculty

Discover jazz studies faculty in the Boyer College of Music and Dance.

Explore Boyer Faculty

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

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 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

Schedule an advising appointment.

Program Contact

Terell Stafford is the director of Jazz Studies.
Phone: 215-204-8036
Email: terell.stafford@temple.edu

Student Clubs & Organizations

Participating in student groups provides peer support and future professional contacts. There are more than 200 student organizations at Temple University.

  • Music Technology & Business Society of Temple University 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.
  • National Association for Music Education 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.
  • Temple University Percussion Club 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.

Learn more about clubs and organizations.

Study Away

Temple’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 Temple program or an external program.

Learn more about your options for studying away.

Conservatorium van Amsterdam

Exchange places with a student from the Netherlands and study jazz at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. While conservatory students study at Temple, 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

Concentrations

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

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

Additional Program Information