Overview

The student majoring in jazz composition will receive a comprehensive overview of the history of jazz composition. Students at Berklee have the opportunity to attend numerous concerts, clinics, and master classes given by students, faculty, and visiting artists that will broaden their experience of jazz music. Through the study of the scores of acknowledged masters, the student will develop a sense of aesthetics within the larger genre and the critical ability to discuss jazz compositions qualitatively.

Upon completion of a Jazz Composition major at Berklee College of Music, students will:

recognize and discuss the major trends in jazz composition;
describe music qualitatively, using appropriate terminology and exhibiting deep analysis;
transcribe and analyze music;
synthesize and apply knowledge of harmony, counterpoint, and compositional development techniques in the creation of original compositions and arrangements;
balance concerted sections in a composition or arrangement with space for improvised solos in order to create a satisfying musical narrative;
develop musical ideas into pieces with a larger temporal structure;
compose and arrange music for ensembles of varying size and instrumentation;
notate musical scores and parts to a professional standard in a variety of formats from lead sheet to a full score for extended jazz orchestra;
lead an ensemble effectively in rehearsal and performance; and
collaborate effectively with other musicians in rehearsal and performance.

Programme Structure

Courses:

Jazz Fusion Composition and Arranging for Small Ensemble

Survey of Jazz Composition and Arranging

Chord Scale Voicings for Arranging

Big Band Arranging/Score Analysis

Jazz Composition

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

7.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boston, United States

Disciplines

Music Composition View 312 other Bachelors in Music Composition in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

As an enrolled Berklee College of Music undergraduate student, you will be required to declare a major field of study by your third semester.

Before declaring jazz composition as your major, you must complete AR-111 and HR-112.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

52440 USD / year

≈ 52440 USD / year
Out-of-State

52440 USD / year

≈ 52440 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

52440 USD / year

≈ 52440 USD / year

Additional Details

Summer: $22,900

Living costs

Boston

United States

1560 - 3239 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Jazz Composition.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Upon completion of a Jazz Composition major at Berklee College of Music, students will:

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Boston

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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