
Youngstown State University

Ohio
,United States

Program Name
Masters in Jazz Studies
Overview

The Master of Jazz Studies at Youngstown State University is a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to immerse students in the rich history and evolving landscape of jazz music. This esteemed program is housed within the Cliffe College of Creative Arts, which is renowned for its innovative curriculum and commitment to artistic excellence. Students will engage deeply with both theoretical and practical aspects of jazz, preparing them to navigate the complexities of the music industry with confidence and creativity. The program is structured to provide a holistic education, one that balances performance, composition, improvisation, and music theory, all underpinned by a strong foundation in jazz history and culture.
Throughout their studies, students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of courses that cover essential topics such as jazz harmony, arranging, ensemble performance, and improvisation techniques. The curriculum is designed not just to impart knowledge, but to foster a sense of artistic identity and personal expression. Students will also benefit from hands-on experiences through masterclasses, workshops, and collaborative projects with faculty and guest artists who are leaders in the jazz community. This practical approach ensures that graduates are not only well-versed in jazz theory, but are also equipped with the skills needed to excel as performers and educators.
One of the standout features of the Master of Jazz Studies program is its faculty, composed of accomplished musicians and scholars with extensive industry experience. Every instructor is dedicated to nurturing the talent and creativity of their students, employing a personalized teaching methodology that emphasizes mentorship and individual growth. The faculty's diverse backgrounds enrich the learning experience, offering students a range of perspectives and insights into the jazz genre. This unique approach enhances the overall educational experience, ensuring that students receive tailored guidance and support throughout their academic journey.
Research opportunities abound within the program, allowing students to delve into specific areas of interest and contribute to the broader dialogue in jazz studies. The university provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, including high-end labs and performance spaces, enabling students to conduct advanced research and showcase their work. Additionally, the program encourages collaboration across disciplines, offering a vibrant environment for creative exploration and innovation. Students have the chance to participate in research projects that can lead to meaningful contributions to the field, including presentations at conferences and publications in music journals.
Youngstown State University is committed to supporting students' career advancement through various industry connections and internship possibilities. The location of the university in Ohio provides ample opportunities for students to engage with local music venues, festivals, and cultural institutions. These connections often lead to internships and performance opportunities that are vital for building a professional portfolio. The university's extensive alumni network also plays a significant role in helping students secure positions in a variety of sectors, from education and performance to music production and arts administration. Graduates of the program have gone on to enjoy successful careers as professional musicians, educators, composers, and music industry professionals.
Why Study Jazz Studies at Youngstown State University?
- The program is popular among international students, fostering a richly diverse community that enhances the learning experience.
- Students learn from a distinguished faculty composed of renowned musicians and scholars who provide personalized mentorship.
- Access to high-end labs and performance spaces facilitates hands-on research and creative projects.
- Networking opportunities with local music venues and festivals provide valuable internship possibilities.
- A robust alumni network offers support for career development and job placement after graduation.
- The program emphasizes a blend of creative expression and academic rigor, preparing students for a variety of career pathways in the music industry.
Admission to the Master of Jazz Studies program requires a completed application, which includes a modest application fee of $45. Candidates should have a strong background in music, and while specific prerequisites may vary, applicants are generally expected to possess a bachelor's degree in music or a related field. Additionally, students whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through standardized tests like the IELTS or TOEFL. For the IELTS, a minimum overall band score of 6.5 is required, while the TOEFL mandates a minimum score of 79.
In conclusion, the Master of Jazz Studies at Youngstown State University represents a unique opportunity for aspiring musicians and scholars to deepen their understanding of jazz within a supportive and dynamic environment. With a strong emphasis on practical learning, research opportunities, and faculty expertise, this program is designed to empower students to thrive in the ever-evolving world of jazz music. Whether your goal is to perform, teach, or engage in research, the Master of Jazz Studies will equip you with the tools you need to make a significant impact in your chosen path. Join us at Youngstown State University and embark on an unforgettable musical journey.
Class Profile
Diversity
Others:
1%African American:
11%International:
9%Hispanic American:
10%Asian American:
4%White American:
74%Eligibility Criteria
English Proficiency Tests
IELTS
6.5
TOEFL
79
Application Requirements
Here's everything you need to know to ensure a complete and competitive application—covering the key documents and criteria for a successful submission.

Application Fee: 45
Application Deadlines
Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees
$16,680 / year
FAQs
- Admission Requirements
To apply for the Master of Jazz Studies program at Youngstown State University, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Submit a completed application along with a modest application fee of $45.
- Have a strong background in music, typically signified by possessing a bachelor’s degree in music or a related field.
- If applicable, demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests such as the IELTS or TOEFL. For the IELTS, a minimum overall band score of 6.5 is required, while the TOEFL mandates a minimum score of 79.
- Program Structure
The Master of Jazz Studies program is designed to provide a holistic education that encompasses:
- Performance: Students will engage in ensemble performances that enhance their practical skills.
- Composition: Courses will cover jazz composition techniques.
- Improvisation: Students will learn various improvisation techniques essential for jazz.
- Music Theory: Theoretical aspects of jazz will be explored, providing a strong foundation.
- Jazz History and Culture: A significant emphasis is placed on understanding the historical context of jazz music.
This structure ensures a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for the music industry.
- Career Prospects
Graduates of the Master of Jazz Studies program have a wide array of career pathways available to them, including:
- Professional musicians
- Music educators
- Composers
- Music industry professionals, including roles in production and arts administration
The program’s strong connections with local music venues, festivals, and cultural institutions, as well as access to a robust alumni network, significantly enhance job placement opportunities for graduates.
- Teaching Methods
The Master of Jazz Studies program uses a personalized teaching methodology that emphasizes:
- Mentorship: Instructors focus on nurturing each student’s talent and creativity.
- Hands-on Experiences: Students participate in masterclasses, workshops, and collaborative projects with faculty and guest artists.
- Diverse Perspectives: Faculty members come from various backgrounds, enriching the learning experience with diverse insights into jazz.
This approach allows for tailored guidance and support, fostering individual growth throughout the student's academic journey.
- Program Highlights
Some notable features of the Master of Jazz Studies program include:
- A distinguished faculty composed of accomplished musicians and scholars.
- Access to high-end labs and performance spaces for hands-on projects and research.
- Opportunities for collaboration across disciplines, encouraging innovative creative exploration.
- Networking opportunities with local music venues and festivals leading to internships.
- A focus on blending creative expression with academic rigor, preparing students for various career pathways in the music industry.
- Research Opportunities
Yes, the Master of Jazz Studies program offers numerous research opportunities, allowing students to:
- Delve into specific areas of interest within jazz studies.
- Contribute to broader dialogues in the field.
- Participate in research projects that lead to presentations at conferences and publications in music journals.
Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, which facilitate advanced research and creative projects.
- Unique Aspects
The Master of Jazz Studies program at Youngstown State University stands out due to:
- A popular international student community that enhances the learning experience.
- Personalized mentorship from distinguished faculty.
- High-quality resources including labs and performance spaces.
- Networking and internship opportunities through local music venues and festivals.
- A robust alumni network that supports career development and job placement.
These features collectively create a dynamic and supportive environment for students.
- Career Advancement Support
Youngstown State University is committed to supporting students' career advancement through:
- Industry connections that facilitate internships and performance opportunities.
- Engagement with local music venues, festivals, and cultural institutions.
- A strong alumni network that assists in job placement across various sectors, including education and music production.
This focus on building a professional portfolio is vital for students aiming to establish successful careers in music.
Ready to elevate your study abroad journey?
Book a call with us now and take the first step towards your global future!