Performance Jazz (Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Drums, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Voice)

Performance Jazz at McGill University offers a comprehensive and dynamic program dedicated to the development of exceptional jazz musicianship. Designed for students who aspire to excel as performers and improvisers, this program provides rigorous training in jazz theory, harmony, rhythm, and performance techniques across a variety of instruments including saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums, piano, guitar, bass, and voice. Students benefit from personalized instruction with leading jazz artists and educators, as well as ensemble experiences that emphasize collaboration, improvisation, and stylistic versatility. The curriculum includes courses in jazz history and analysis, composing, arranging, and advanced performance practice, enabling students to deepen their understanding of jazz idioms and contextualize their playing within the rich heritage of the genre. The program also offers opportunities for live performance at campus and city venues, fostering professional growth and audience engagement. Emphasizing both individual artistry and ensemble cohesion, Performance Jazz at McGill prepares graduates for diverse careers in music, including touring, recording, teaching, and music production. The program is housed within a vibrant artistic community that encourages creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange, providing students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make meaningful contributions to the jazz tradition and contemporary music scene. With access to state-of-the-art practice facilities, recordings studios, and performance venues, students gain practical experience that complements their academic learning. Whether pursuing a Bachelor of Arts or a diploma in jazz performance, students emerge from the program equipped with a well-rounded skill set, a profound knowledge of jazz repertoire, and the versatility required for a successful career in the constantly evolving landscape of jazz music.

The Performance Jazz program at McGill University offers a comprehensive and immersive education for aspiring jazz musicians, specializing in instruments such as saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums, piano, guitar, bass, and voice. Designed to cultivate technical proficiency, improvisational skills, and musical expression, this program combines rigorous academic coursework with extensive performance opportunities. Students engage in individual lessons, ensemble playing, and large jazz bands, fostering an environment of collaboration and artistic growth. The curriculum covers jazz history, theory, arranging, and composition, ensuring a well-rounded musical foundation. Participants benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities, including practice studios, recording labs, and performance venues on campus. The faculty comprises accomplished jazz artists and educators who provide mentorship and personalized instruction, helping students develop their unique voice within the jazz tradition. Throughout the program, students perform regularly in concerts, festivals, and recitals, gaining valuable stage experience. Emphasis is placed on both the technical mastery of the instrument and the development of improvisational creativity, encouraging students to push musical boundaries and experiment with styles. Additionally, the program promotes an understanding of multicultural influences in jazz, preparing students for diverse musical careers. Graduates of McGill’s Performance Jazz program are well-equipped to pursue professional careers as performers, recording artists, educators, and jazz ambassadors worldwide. The program’s vibrant community and connection to Montreal’s renowned jazz scene provide students with unparalleled networking opportunities and exposure to live jazz. With a curriculum tailored to foster talent, creativity, and professional readiness, McGill’s Performance Jazz program is an ideal choice for dedicated musicians seeking to excel in the dynamic world of jazz performance.

The Bachelor of Music in Performance Jazz program at McGill University requires students to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in their chosen instrument within the jazz genre. Prospective students must normally have completed a rigorous preparatory program or possess equivalent practical experience in jazz performance. The curriculum is designed to cultivate advanced technical skills, a deep understanding of jazz theory and harmony, and the ability to interpret and perform diverse jazz styles, including bebop, swing, Latin, and contemporary jazz.

Students are expected to participate in a variety of ensemble groups, such as jazz combos, big bands, and contemporary ensembles, to develop their collaborative and improvisational skills. The program emphasizes the importance of ear training and sight-reading, with coursework and practice schedules structured to enhance aural skills and creative improvisation abilities. Academic coursework includes jazz history, arranging, composition, and jazz studio techniques, ensuring a well-rounded musical education.

In addition to coursework, students are required to undertake individual lessons with faculty specialists, focusing on their instrument and improvisation techniques. Regular performances and juries serve as assessment tools to monitor progress. Students may also have opportunities for recording projects and participating in masterclasses conducted by visiting jazz artists, which enriches their learning experience and professional development.

To graduate, students must complete a combination of theoretical courses, practical performances, and a final senior recital demonstrating their soloist capabilities and overall musical maturity. Admission to the program is competitive, and applicants are usually required to submit audition recordings and possibly attend an interview or live audition to showcase their skills and musical potential.

The program also encourages active engagement with the broader jazz community through internships, collaboration with other musicians, and participation in local and international jazz festivals. Graduates of the Performance Jazz program often pursue careers as professional jazz performers, studio musicians, educators, or bandleaders, equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience gained through their rigorous training at McGill University.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Financing studies for the Performance Jazz programme at McGill University are designed to support students throughout their academic journey by providing a range of financial options and assistance. Students are encouraged to explore various sources of funding, including government grants, scholarships, bursaries, and private awards. McGill University offers numerous merit-based scholarships specifically for music students, which are competitive and awarded based on talent, academic performance, and contribution to the university’s artistic community. Additionally, many jazz performance students apply for external funding or musical grants from arts organizations, foundations, and cultural institutions to help offset the costs associated with their studies.

Graduate and undergraduate students can also access work-study opportunities within the university, which allow them to work part-time on campus to support their education expenses. Students in the jazz performance programme may find opportunities with university ensembles, teaching assistant positions, or administrative roles related to the music department. Furthermore, students are encouraged to seek external sponsorships or sponsorship from their home countries if they are international students pursuing their degrees at McGill.

McGill University provides detailed financial aid information through its Arts Undergraduate Office and the Schulich School of Music, where students can learn about application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines for scholarships. For international students, specific scholarships cater to diverse nationalities, and additional funding options might be available through government programs or international partnership agreements. It is recommended that students contact the university’s financial aid office well in advance of their studies to ensure all required documents and applications are submitted on time.

In terms of loan programs, students can access federal and provincial student loan programs available in Quebec and across Canada, which require application through government portals. These loans often have favorable repayment terms and may be combined with grants and scholarships to minimize debt.

Overall, the financing of studies in Performance Jazz at McGill University involves a combination of institutional funding, scholarships, external grants, work opportunities, and student loans. This multi-faceted approach aims to make jazz performance education accessible to talented students from diverse financial backgrounds. Prospective students are advised to carefully review all available options, apply early for scholarships, and engage with university advisors to develop a comprehensive financial plan that supports their academic and artistic pursuits.

Performance Jazz at McGill University offers students an intensive and comprehensive training in jazz performance, focusing on a range of instruments including saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums, piano, guitar, bass, and voice. The program is designed to prepare students for professional careers in jazz performance, composition, and education by providing rigorous instruction, performance opportunities, and exposure to diverse jazz styles and traditions. With a faculty comprised of renowned jazz performers and educators, students are mentored in both technical proficiency and creative expression. The curriculum includes individual instrument lessons, ensemble participation, improvisation classes, music theory, ear training, and jazz history. Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities that facilitate individual practice and ensemble rehearsals, fostering a collaborative learning environment. The program emphasizes live performance experience, offering numerous opportunities to perform in university-recognized concerts and jazz festivals. McGill’s location in Montreal, a vibrant cultural hub, allows students to immerse themselves in a rich jazz scene, attend performances by prominent artists, and participate in local jazz events. Graduates of the program have gone on to perform internationally, record albums, and teach at various institutions, reflecting the program’s reputation for excellence. The university promotes a holistic approach to jazz education by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application, encouraging originality, and developing students’ unique artistic voices. Whether students aspire to perform, compose, or teach jazz, the Performance Jazz program at McGill provides the foundation, connections, and opportunities necessary for a successful career in the musical arts.