Overview

The Music - Jazz Studies programme at Western Michigan University provides a comprehensive education for students aiming to lead in the global jazz and pop music industries. This bachelor degree combines rigorous academic study with extensive practical experience in performance, arranging, and recording arts. Students are prepared for diverse roles ranging from professional performers to music educators.

Why Music - Jazz Studies at Western Michigan University?

Western Michigan University has earned international acclaim for its forward-thinking approach to jazz education, attracting talent from across the globe. The School of Music provides students with access to professional-grade recording studios where they can master the recording arts as engineers or producers. This hands-on environment ensures graduates are technically proficient and creatively versatile.

Performance opportunities are a cornerstone of the experience, with numerous ensembles available including the University Jazz Orchestra and the renowned Gold Company. Students also benefit from a unique partnership with The Union, a premier jazz club in Kalamazoo, which hosts over 80 performances annually. Regular residencies and masterclasses with visiting guest artists further enhance the learning environment.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 20525 per year
National fee: USD 20525 per year
Local fee: USD 16449 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on developing technical mastery and artistic expression through a variety of performance-based and theoretical modules. Modules may include:

Jazz Performance
Recording Arts
Jazz Composition
Music Theory
Jazz Arranging
Ensemble Performance
Studio Production
Jazz History

Careers with Music - Jazz Studies

Graduates of the programme are highly successful in securing influential roles within the music industry and education sectors. Many alumni find employment as professional performers, band directors, and private music teachers. The skills gained at the university allow students to excel in Broadway productions, recording studios, and various music companies.

Common career paths and employers for graduates include:

Professional Jazz and Pop Performers
Music Educators and School Teachers
Recording Studio Producers
Music Arrangers and Writers
Performance Studios
Secondary and Higher Education Schools

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Applied Music

Composition

Choral Conducting and Literature

Instrumental Conducting and Literature

Music Technology Concepts

Counterpoint

Orchestration

Jazz Composition

Jazz Arranging

Jazz Improvisation

Jazz History and Literature

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Kalamazoo, United States

Disciplines

Music Musicology View 2679 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

100

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

Copy of passport identification page

Proof of English language proficiency

Complete high school or post-secondary education transcripts

$100 non-refundable application fee

Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance

ACT or SAT Scores

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

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Out-of-State

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16449 USD / year

≈ 16449 USD / year

Additional Details

Local Summer Tuition: 3,768 International Summer Tuition: 4,711

Living costs

Kalamazoo

United States

1000 - 1500 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 Music: Jazz Studies.

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Kalamazoo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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