Jazz StudiesUndergraduate and Graduate Degrees in Jazz Studies

UNC•Greeley Jazz Festival

The largest event of its kind in the nation, the UNC•Greeley Jazz Festival brings together internationally recognized artists, jazz lovers, award-winning clinicians, and over 250 college, high school, and middle school big bands, combos, and jazz vocal groups from across the country. Each year, over 7,500 participants enjoy main stage concerts, after-hours sessions, non-competitive daytime performances, and educational workshops.

Student life on campus is greatly enriched by a robust visiting artist and clinician series, which culminates with the UNC/Greeley Jazz Festival, held each April. The headlining artists for the event join us for this three-day celebration, which attracts students from across the country and the globe.

Learn More about the UNC•Greeley Jazz Festival

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Santo Domingo Trip

UNC's Compass Jazz Orchestra recently performed at the National Theatre in Santo Domingo for the theatre's 50th anniversary in addition to teaching master classes, participating in workshops and more. 

READ ABOUT UNC JAZZ IN SANTO DOMINGO

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Music Technology Center

Our state-of-the-art recording and mixing studios are a great resource for creating and producing music. An undergraduate Certificate in Music Technology is available to those who wish to explore the recording arts as a complement to their degree of choice.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNC TECHNOLOGY CENTER

 

Bachelor of Music in Instrumental/Vocal Jazz Emphasis

The Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies requires 120 credit hours. In addition to completing the Liberal Arts Curriculum requirements, students will engage in individual applied music lessons, music theory, jazz music theory, aural skills, class piano, jazz improvisation, arranging, and topics in jazz history.

Learn more about the Bachelor of Music in instrumental/vocal jazz Emphasis

Master of Music in Jazz Performance

The Maser of Music in Jazz Studies requires 32 credit hours of coursework. It includes an introduction to music scholarship and research, individualized applied lessons, advanced jazz arranging and composition, individual instruction in jazz composition, and a jazz history seminar.

Learn more About the Master of Music in Jazz Performance & Jazz Composition

 

Doctor of Arts in Jazz Studies

The Doctor of Arts in Jazz Studies requires 67-71 credit hours. Through creating a plan of study, students will be able to pursue academic interests in preparation for comprehensive exams, continue individualized applied lessons, participate in a supervised practicum in college teaching, and give recitals and complete dissertation research credits. Doctoral students will also choose a secondary concentration and complete appropriate graduate-level coursework.

Learn more about the Doctor of Arts in Jazz Studies

Performance Opportunities

You will have the opportunity to perform with UNC’s jazz ensembles which are diverse, dynamic, and renowned. You’ll perform alongside more than 75 extremely talented young jazz artists and have opportunities to connect with top bandleaders, agents and record producers. With five big bands, vocal ensembles, small combos and a jazz guitar ensemble, we showcase a wide range of talents and styles. Our students have performed throughout the United States and overseas.

Auditions

In addition to completing the UNC Undergraduate  or Graduate Application, students will be asked to submit more information and audition on a primary instrument in the complete application process. To learn more about the audition process visit the jazz studies auditions page to find audition requirements for each instrument.

JAZZ Audition Requirements

Scholarships

The College of Performing and Visual Arts awards over $1.8 million in scholarships annually to undergraduate and graduate students in the arts. There are multiple scholarship types offered to students, including talent scholarships and foundation scholarships. To learn more, visit the PVA Scholarship page.

PVA Scholarships