Overview

The Jazz Studies, Composition programme at Temple University provides a comprehensive foundation for aspiring musicians and composers. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum designed to refine their creative voice while mastering the technical demands of jazz analysis and performance. This degree prepares graduates for diverse roles within the global music industry.

Located in Philadelphia, a city with a deep jazz heritage, the programme offers a unique cultural backdrop for musical development. Students have the opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty and visiting artists, gaining insights into both small and large ensemble composition. The close-knit academic environment ensures personalised mentorship throughout the four-year course.

Why Jazz Studies, Composition at Temple University?

Studying at the Boyer College of Music and Dance places students in a vibrant artistic hub where history and innovation meet. The university's location has been home to jazz legends like John Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie, providing an inspiring atmosphere for professional growth. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum that balances creative freedom with academic excellence.

The programme features master classes and guest lectures from world-renowned educators and performers. These interactions provide students with direct access to industry leaders, enhancing their understanding of contemporary jazz practices. Additionally, the university offers extensive study away opportunities, including a specialised exchange with the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 39072 per year
National fee: USD 39072 per year
Local fee: USD 22248 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum integrates core music theory with specialised jazz seminars to build a versatile professional portfolio. Modules may include:

Basic Conducting
The Business of Music
The History of Jazz
Jazz Studies
Jazz Composition Seminar
Music Theory
Music Technology

Careers with Jazz Studies, Composition

Graduates are well-equipped to enter the professional music world as versatile creators and performers. The programme's focus on both technical proficiency and industry knowledge allows alumni to pursue various paths in the arts. Many graduates find success in performance venues, recording studios, and educational institutions.

Potential career roles for graduates include:

Jazz Composer
Arranger
Conductor
Jazz Performer
Music Instructor
Accompanist
Music Theorist
Music Historian

The university's Career Center and Boyer College faculty provide dedicated support for finding internships and job placements. Students are encouraged to build professional networks through various student organisations, such as the Music Technology & Business Society, which helps navigate the complexities of the modern music market.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Secondary Piano for Music Majors

Select one of the following:

Small Jazz Ensemble

Large Jazz Ensemble

Choral Ensemble

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-30 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

123 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Philadelphia, United States

Disciplines

Music Music Composition View 2691 other Bachelors in Music 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

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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

National Students

Self-Report High School Transcript

Fee: $55 (Fee waivers are available for freshmen who qualify)

Essay

Extracurriculars

International Students

Temple's online application or online Common Application or Paper application to submit by mail

Official High School or University Transcripts with English Translations

Standardized Tests (SAT, ACT, TOEFL iBT, IELTS or PTE)

Apply as an international student if you hold or will need to obtain a nonimmigrant visa, including a student (F-1) or an exchange visitor (J-1) visa.

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

39072 USD / year

≈ 39072 USD / year
Out-of-State

39072 USD / year

≈ 39072 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

22248 USD / year

≈ 22248 USD / year

Living costs

Philadelphia

United States

1313 - 2284 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 Studies, Composition.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

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

Living costs

Philadelphia

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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