Music
Explore the world of jazz and enhance your skills in improvisation, ensemble work, and more.
Music, Jazz Studies Concentration, M.M.
The Master of Music degree program with a jazz studies concentration is an advanced course of study that focuses on individual jazz instruction, improvisation, ensemble work, history, and pedagogy. The Jazz Studies program enhances the cultural life of both the university and community, most notably through the MTSU Jazz Artist Series and the annual MTSU Illinois Jacquet Jazz Festival. Each year, several guest artists and clinicians visit the campus to present concerts, perform with student ensembles, and give workshops and master classes. Graduate teaching assistantship opportunities are available to qualified students.
News Briefs
Deciding to attend MTSU was 'easy choice' for Jazz History graduate
From teaching and singing backup vocals for well-known artists to owning her own production and publishing companies and recording studio, Kelly Garner has done it all. While teaching at a Nashville university, Garner decided to pursue her master's degree at MTSU. "MTSU was close in proximity and was also a very fine program in Jazz Studies, so it was an easy choice." Her time at MTSU also helped prepare her to audition at the University of Miami where she earned her doctorate. Thinking about her own students and those considering Jazz Studies, Gardner said, "I would tell any of my students who were interested in the Jazz Studies degree in the Middle Tennessee region that MTSU is the place for them. It is a very fine program with excellent faculty."
Graduate says Jazz faculty made 'huge' impact on him as a musician
A longtime-friendship and music business connection led Shawn Purcell to MTSU where he earned his master's degree in music with an emphasis in jazz arranging and composition. Since then, Purcell has gone on to share the stage, record, and tour with some of the top jazz artists including, Terell Stafford, Nicholas Payton, Tim Warfield, Sean Jones, and The Chicago Jazz Ensemble, among many others. Purcell now lives in the Washington D.C.-area, where he is the guitarist for the Navy Commodores jazz ensemble. "The knowledge I gained while attending MTSU has really as a member of the Navy Commodores jazz ensemble, my main professional gig," he said. "MTSU has a world-class faculty with some of the best musicians on the planet. During my time at MTSU, the members of the Jazz faculty made a huge impact on me as a musician. It was a very inspiring time-period, and I would not hesitate to recommend MTSU to any up-and-coming jazz student. The education they received there will be second to none."
News Briefs
Deciding to attend MTSU was 'easy choice' for Jazz History graduate
From teaching and singing backup vocals for well-known artists to owning her own production and publishing companies and recording studio, Kelly Garner has done it all. While teaching at a Nashville university, Garner decided to pursue her master's degree at MTSU. "MTSU was close in proximity and was also a very fine program in Jazz Studies, so it was an easy choice." Her time at MTSU also helped prepare her to audition at the University of Miami where she earned her doctorate. Thinking about her own students and those considering Jazz Studies, Gardner said, "I would tell any of my students who were interested in the Jazz Studies degree in the Middle Tennessee region that MTSU is the place for them. It is a very fine program with excellent faculty."
Graduate says Jazz faculty made 'huge' impact on him as a musician
A longtime-friendship and music business connection led Shawn Purcell to MTSU where he earned his master's degree in music with an emphasis in jazz arranging and composition. Since then, Purcell has gone on to share the stage, record, and tour with some of the top jazz artists including, Terell Stafford, Nicholas Payton, Tim Warfield, Sean Jones, and The Chicago Jazz Ensemble, among many others. Purcell now lives in the Washington D.C.-area, where he is the guitarist for the Navy Commodores jazz ensemble. "The knowledge I gained while attending MTSU has really as a member of the Navy Commodores jazz ensemble, my main professional gig," he said. "MTSU has a world-class faculty with some of the best musicians on the planet. During my time at MTSU, the members of the Jazz faculty made a huge impact on me as a musician. It was a very inspiring time-period, and I would not hesitate to recommend MTSU to any up-and-coming jazz student. The education they received there will be second to none."
Music, Jazz Studies Concentration, M.M.
Alumni from the School of Music teach thousands of students every day in private studios and schools from kindergarten through university levels. MTSU graduates perform in orchestras, military ensembles, and opera companies; appear in clubs and recording studios with the famous and yet-to-be-known; compose music for Hollywood films and commercial jingles; lead professional music organizations; work in the music industry; serve as church musicians; and continually enrich the lives of others. Some continue on to enter prestigious doctoral programs. A sample of potential professional pathways for music master’s students:
- Artistic director
- Band director/leader
- Choral/choir director
- Church musician/worship leader
- College professor/instructor
- Conductor
- General music teacher at elementary/middle schools
- Music educator
- Music theater director
- Musical director
- Orchestra librarian
- Studio musician
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Bellevue Middle School
- Belmont University
- Cane Ridge High School
- Case Western Reserve University
- Chattanooga Symphony
- Cumberland University
- The Downtown Band
- Earl Klugh (Grammy winner)
- EMBRA Artists, LTD.
- Fairview Middle School
- Jeff Coffin (Grammy winner)
- Jonathan Fletcher Music
- Lipscomb University
- MEINL Percussion
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Murfreesboro City Schools
- Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra
- Nashville State Community College
- Northeast Mississippi Community College
- Old Center Elementary School, Nashville
- Onks Woodwind Specialist
- Siegel Middle School
- Trevecca Nazarene University
- University of Louisiana-Lafayette
- University of Northern Colorado
- Vine Street Christian Church, Nashville
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
Brochures
General Application Procedures
- Submit through the University’s Application tool (button below):
- Submit application with the appropriate fee
- Submit official transcripts of all previous college work
- Submit three letters of recommendation.
- Email directly to the program coordinator of interested area
- Additional Requirements (video links, papers, compositions, etc)
- By the February 1 deadline
- Complete a Student Application (if interested) for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship
Additional Requirements: Audition
Please submit Percussion requirements to [email protected] and all other Jazz Studies Area requirements to [email protected]
All Pitched Instruments Requirements (includes jazz guitar, double bass, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and piano)
The audition will consist of an assessment of the following:
- Performance of major scales and modes, harmonic minor scales, melodic minor scales and modes, chromatic scale, half/whole diminished, blues scales, and dominant bebop scales. All scales must be prepared in all 12 keys and played the full range of instrument/voice.
- Arpeggios: major, minor, augmented, and diminished triads; major 7th, dominant 7th, minor 7th, minor 7th b5, diminished 7th chords; all in root position, twelve keys, two
- Sight-reading skills
- Three songs, one each from lists 1 and 2 & 3 below, all memorized (melody and chords). Play the melody (acoustic bass players must play melody arco), comp one chorus (guitar and piano only), walk one chorus (bass only), improvise one chorus, and play the melody again.
LIST 1
Scrapple From The Apple
Half Nelson Blues For Alice Ornithology
LIST 2
Have You Met Miss Jones
All the Things You Are Stella By Starlight Lady bird
LIST 3
Body and Soul
In A Sentimental Mood I Can’t Get Started Round Midnight
Drum Set – Jazz Studies Graduate Audition Requirements
1. The applicant should submit a screening video which will be reviewed by the faculty to determine your invitation for an on- campus audition. The applicant will be notified regarding the results of the viewing prior to their requested audition date. On-site auditions are for applicants who have passed the screening video audition. All applicants shall provide a copy of their audition repertoire to be included with the screening recording DVD recording. Here is how you should format your video:
- At the beginning of the video, state your
- State the degree that you are
- Announce the title and composer before each
- Double check your dvd on various players to assure that everything is in
- All videos must be unedited and without artificial audio
- Please note that the DVDs will not be
- Please include a 2-3 minute statement to comment on why MTSU School of Music interests you and what you hope to accomplish while attending this
The applicant can send their video to:
MTSU
School of Music Prof. Lalo Davila
Murfreesboro, TN. 37132
The screening repertoire is the same as for the live audition. If you advance to an on-campus audition, you may choose to change your audition repertoire, but this is not required.
If you would be unable to schedule a live on-campus audition if you advance, then at the beginning of your screening recording state your name, and the degree and major you seek, and that this is your “screening and final percussion audition video”.
2. The student must also contact Dr. Joseph E. Morgan, Graduate Coordinator, for possible additional requirements. His email is [email protected].
3. The student will also provide three letters of reference prior to their
All applicants must perform various styles and sight reading on drumset. It is suggested that you bring an additional DVD of performances with a jazz combo or big band. The applicant will be asked to demonstrate:
- Soloing in various settings: trading fours, filling, and improvising over an ostinato
- Perform a fast tempo bebop melody on the drum set (Blues For Alice, Ornithology, Scrapple From the Apple)
- Knowledge of the jazz idiom, traditional and modern, at various
- Proficiency in rock, funk, and fusion
- Knowledge of various Afro-Cuban styles including Cha-Cha-Cha, Bolero, Songo, Afro-Cuban 6/8, and Son
- The student will also be asked to perform the following styles: Bossa Nova, Samba, and Partido Alto.
- They will be asked to read drum charts of diverse
- The student will probably perform with a play-a-long recording (provided) as part of a sight-reading process.
- The student will demonstrate good knowledge of jazz vibes and concert
For those graduate students seeking Graduate Assistantships, a drum set solo (and experience in drum set instruction) is mandatory.
Jazz Voice Audition Repertoire
- Perform selections from each of the following categories and perform, memorized. Please provide the faculty panel with the lead sheets and/or arrangements that you are using. The student is responsible for accompaniment at the audition, in the form of an accompanist or backing
- 2 – 3 standards from the American Songbook, demonstrating different styles/tempos.
- 1 blues
- 1 other selection of your choice that demonstrates your abilities. A classical or “latin” tune may be chosen to demonstrate ability in those
- Provide the faculty with a professional resume and a list of memorized jazz
- A jazz theory diagnostic exam may be required.
- Complete all other MTSU application materials, including reference letters and transcripts
Resources
- Graduate Studies Information Sheet
- To Be Admitted
- Financial Assistance
- Music History Diagnostic Exam (Not applicable for Music Education concentration)
- Music Theory Diagnostic Exam (Not applicable for Music Education concentration)
Links
- Reference Forms
- Graduate Students in Music
- Ensembles
- Facilities
- Student Utilities
- Faculty by Field of Study
- Visiting Faculty
Libraries
Public Accountability Notice
Middle Tennessee State University has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1970.
To see data about the program, please visit this webpage: https://planeffectiveness.mtsu.edu/master_music/.
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