Jazz Studies MM

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 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,282.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,711.00 per credit

You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Our Advisors

Faculty advisors can help you navigate your program and discuss research opportunities, teaching assistantships and more. Learn more about Boyer College of Music and Dance faculty

Program Contact

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

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

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.

Concentrations

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

    Additional Program Information