Jazz Studies

Program Director

Dr. Ewelina Boczkowska
Bliss Hall 3025
(330) 941-1833
eboczkowska@ysu.edu

Program Description

The Dana School of Music offers the Master of Music degree in Performance (vocal, instrumental, conducting), History and Literature, Theory and Composition, Music Education, and Jazz Studies. Our students work closely with faculty who are alumni of prestigious national and international doctoral programs and are accomplished performers, composers, recording artists, and active scholars. This ensures an individualized graduate education. In turn, alumni of our graduate programs pursue doctoral studies and careers as performers, composers, and educators at all levels. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to graduate study in the Master of Music degree must present a baccalaureate degree in music from an accredited college or university. Admission requires a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale). 

Jazz Studies requires an audition as well as examples of original compositions and arrangements.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and work critically with historical information (MUHL). Assessment: MUHL 6946 course-based project
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of specialized knowledge of at least one aspect of Music Theory (MUTC). Assessment: Final exam in MUTC 6936 or MUTC 6935
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to write in a scholarly manner about their area of specialization within music. Assessment: Final Project in MUHL 6960
4. Students will demonstrate proficiency in their applied and composition areas. Assessment: First and second year RECITAL of 25 minutes and 50 minutes of music, respectively.

Successful completion of 30 semester hours and all requirements specific to each degree.

Upon admission and before the start of the first semester of graduate study, each student must take a diagnostic examination in music history and music theory. Students who score at least 70% on the theory diagnostic exam will test out of the remedial 6921 Graduate Analysis I. The history diagnostic test is intended to assess students’ critical reading, thinking, and writing in advance of 6977 and 6960. Failure to take the diagnostic examinations will result in the addition of 6921 Graduate Analysis I and one music history elective within the degree. 

Students in Performance, Music History and Literature, Music Theory and Composition, and Music Education will take core courses in Philosophies of Music (6977), Graduate Analysis II (6922), and Research in Music (6960). 

In performance degrees, students will also take applied lessons, ensembles, and two seminar electives. Performance degrees will culminate in a 50-minute recital. Candidates in Voice Performance are expected to be proficient in two foreign languages or else take two semesters each of two different languages (Italian, French, or German). 

In Jazz Studies, students will take core courses in Jazz Theory (6935), Jazz Composition (6936), Jazz History (6946), and Research in Music (6960). Students will also take applied lessons on an instrument and in composition as well as small and large ensembles. The degree requires two 50-minute recitals.

In Music History and Literature and Music Theory and Composition degrees, students will take seminar electives as well as Thesis I (6990) and Thesis II (6991). A thesis and an oral defense of the thesis are required. Music Education degree students may elect either the thesis or a significant research project. Thesis students who have completed all requirements but have not defended the thesis are required to register for one hour of 6991, if they expect to receive advisor or committee assistance or utilize University services (e.g., library, computer, parking, and so forth).

Students must maintain a minimum grade-point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) to remain in “good standing.” Any course grade of D or F must be repeated and passed with a grade of A or B and no more than 6 semester hours of coursework with a grade of C may count toward the minimum graduation hour requirements.