If you are interested in contemporary composition; film scoring, writing and arranging; performance; private instruction; recording studios; or teaching jazz pedagogy and other related fields in the music industry, the study of jazz performance is for you.
The BMus in performance with a concentration in jazz prepares students for professional careers and leadership roles in jazz and related fields of contemporary music by promoting flexible musicianship and an understanding of the jazz tradition.
The curriculum includes course offerings in jazz performance, composition, arranging, history, theory, aural skills and pedagogy and is designed to incentivize artistic expression, innovation, and the exploration of blues-based improvisation, bebop, Latin jazz, swing and soul music.
Students in the ASU jazz studies program find an abundance of performance opportunities in the many university ensembles and professional groups that perform in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.
At A Glance
Performance (Jazz), BMUS
- Offered by: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Admission requirements
Important: Applicants must submit an ASU application for undergraduate admission in addition to a separate School of Music, Dance and Theatre application. Students should visit https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/music/undergraduate-steps-to-apply for details. Admission to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre is based on an audition. Auditions take place in November (spring admission) and in January and February (fall admission) of each year. Applicants may review audition information at https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/music/undergraduate-auditions.
Admission to the music program is highly selective and based on an audition process. Students are admitted as music audition students and must successfully complete the audition before enrolling in music major courses. Upon admission to both ASU and the School of Music, Dance and Theatre, the applicant's major will be changed to music. In the event a student is admitted to ASU but not to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre or misses the audition deadline, the student will remain as a music audition major and will need to successfully pass the music audition milestone in the first semester in order to gain admission into the program.
Application Deadlines: Students should visit https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/music/undergraduate-deadlines-fees for complete music deadlines.
Spring admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is October 15.
Fall admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is January 5.
Career outlook
Graduates are prepared to work in various professional or entrepreneurial capacities, including:
- accompanying
- composing or arranging jazz
- performing as a freelance musician in venues such as art galleries, churches, clubs, cruise ships, resorts, restaurants and theme parks
- recording and studio work
- teaching in a private studio or community program
- working in music-related fields such as media production, music business, publishing and marketing
Many graduates pursue a master's degree or a doctorate in music or in another professional field.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Music Directors and Composers | 1.7% | $52,250 |
| Musicians, Instrumental | 0.9% | * |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation