Skip to main content

Search NYU Steinhardt

Curriculum

MM, Jazz Instrumental Performance

Situated in the premier global hub for jazz, this degree program offers performance training and rigorous academic coursework, alongside outstanding opportunities in the music industry. You'll perform at iconic music venues, receive individualized instruction from our renowned faculty, and develop the tools for building a professional career in contemporary jazz.

Core Course Sequence

The Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance consists of 36 credits of graduate-level coursework focused on performance practices, with classes including jazz improvisation, jazz arranging and composition, jazz history and research, private lessons, ensembles, and masterclasses. Elective courses are available in Music Technology, Music Business, Instrumental Performance, Songwriting, Screen Scoring, and Contemporary Composition.

In NYU’s unparalleled facilities, you'll build technical instrumental skills, learn how to fluently speak the language of jazz, and develop your own individual musical voice. Rehearsal and performance opportunities abound through participation in dozens of ensembles, interaction with our Instrumental Performance, Film Scoring, Music Technology, and Music Business programs, and work at world-renowned jazz venues 

Through your peers and faculty, you’ll access a powerful professional network of active musicians, entrepreneurs, and composers, opening career opportunities to you that extend beyond graduation. Whatever career you envision, our artist-faculty will work closely with you to provide the expertise and opportunities necessary to realize your goals.

Course Title Credits
Required Courses
Research
MPAJZ-GE 2078The Roots of Jazz: An Original American Art Form3
Specialization
Choose at least two, and a maximum of five courses from the following list of courses:6-15
MPAJZ-GE 2075
Jazz Improvisation I
MPAJZ-GE 2076
Jazz Improvisation II
MPAJZ-GE 2089
Jazz Arranging: Process and Analysis
MPAJZ-GE 2273
Jazz Arranging & Composition I
MPAJZ-GE 2274
Jazz Arranging & Composition II
Private Lessons
Choose at least 12 units with a maximum of 18, from the following courses: 12-18
MPABR-GE 2111
Brass Instemnt (Private Lessons)
MPAJZ-GE 2370
Instrumental Jazz (Private Lessons)
MPATC-GE 2321
Private Composition Lessons
MPASS-GE 2111
Stringed Instruments (Private Lessons)
MPAVP-GE 2111
Vocal Training (Private Lessons)
MPAWW-GE 2111
Wind Instrmnt (Private Lessons)
Culminating Experience
MPAJZ-GE 2026Colloquy in Music3
Electives
Select 0-12 credits by advisement.0-12
Total Credits36

Sample Plan of Study

Plans of study for all instrument areas are similar to the sample below for percussion studies.

Plan of Study Grid
1st Semester/TermCredits
MPAPS-GE 2111 Percussion Instrmnt (Private Lessons 3
MPAME-GE 2021 Music Reference and Research Materials 3
MPAPS-GE 2131 Percussion Ensembles 1
MPAGC-GE 2087 NYU Orchestra 1
MPAPS-GE 2151 Percussion Laboratory 1
 Credits9
2nd Semester/Term
MPAPS-GE 2111 Percussion Instrmnt (Private Lessons 3
MPATC-GE XXXXTheory Seminar 3
MPAPS-GE 2131 Percussion Ensembles 1
MPAGC-GE 2087 NYU Orchestra 1
MPAPS-GE 2151 Percussion Laboratory 1
 Credits9
3rd Semester/Term
MPAPS-GE 2111 Percussion Instrmnt (Private Lessons 3
MPAXX-GE XXXXCore Elective 3
MPAPS-GE 2131 Percussion Ensembles 1
MPAGC-GE 2087 NYU Orchestra 1
MPAPS-GE 2151 Percussion Laboratory 1
 Credits9
4th Semester/Term
MPAPS-GE 2111 Percussion Instrmnt (Private Lessons 3
MPAPS-GE 2131 Percussion Ensembles 1
MPAGC-GE 2087 NYU Orchestra 1
MPAPS-GE 2151 Percussion Laboratory 1
MPAPS-GE 2181 Graduate Recital in Percussion 1
MPAXX-GE XXXXElective(s) 2
 Credits9
 Total Credits36

Take the Next Step

Advance your personal and professional journey – apply to join our community of students.

Apply Now