Western Connecticut State University

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Music: Jazz Studies option trains students for professional performance and teaching in jazz and commercial music. The curriculum combines applied performance, ensemble experience, and coursework in theory, arranging, composition and improvisation. Students must be admitted to the program by audition and complete a minimum of 120 semester hours that include general education, exercise science requirements, and the major-specific courses listed on the official program sheet.

What you'll study

Required coursework develops technical facility, aural skills, historical knowledge and arranging/compositional technique. Key courses and experiences named by the program include:

• Music theory sequence: MUS 108, 109, 208, 209 (Music Theory I–IV)
• Sight-singing and ear training: MUS 114, 115, 210, 211 (Sight Singing/Ear Training I–IV)
• Keyboard and jazz piano: MUS 125, 126 (Keyboard Competency I–II); MUS 216, 217 (Jazz and Commercial Piano I–II)
• Applied music study and performance: MUS 186, 187 and MUS 392, 393 (applied lessons across at least eight semesters), MUS 113 (Convocation, Concert and Recital Repertoire)
• Performance milestones: MUS 214 (Half Recital) and MUS 380 (Full Recital)
• Improvisation and jazz-focused courses: MUS 112 (Jazz Theory), MUS 235, 236 (Jazz Improvisation I–II), MUS 311 (History of Jazz)
• Arranging, pedagogy and related skills: MUS 314 (Jazz Arranging), MUS 315 (Jazz Pedagogy), MUS 320 (Basic Conducting), MUS 318 (Music Technology)
• Context and history: MUS 230, 231 (Music History and Literature I & II)

The program also expects sustained participation in performing groups; the published recommended sequence distributes these courses and ensembles across the first two years alongside general education requirements.

Entry requirements

Admission into the Jazz Studies option requires a successful audition. Students must also complete the university-wide minimum of 120 semester hours, which includes general education and exercise science components as specified on the official program sheet available from the student’s adviser.

Career prospects

The program prepares graduates for careers as professional jazz and commercial performers and as private music teachers. It is also aimed at students who plan to pursue advanced study at the graduate level or enter professional programs in their specialty. Coursework emphasizes the technical, theoretical and pedagogical skills needed for competitive performance and teaching roles.

Scholarships & funding angle

While the program page does not list specific awards, prospective students should investigate departmental scholarships, audition-based awards and university financial aid options. Music students commonly pursue performance scholarships, need-based aid and external grants; contact the department and the university financial aid office for current opportunities and audition-related funding information.