Music M.M.: Jazz Pedagogy
Grow and perfect your jazz composition, arranging, improvisation, and rhythm section skills
Students in the Masters of Music in Jazz Pedagogy program receive individualized instruction with our jazz faculty, outstanding performance opportunities, and pedagogical coursework and teaching experience with big bands and combos.
Our program is highlighted by extensive training in skills including jazz composition, arranging and improvisation, and rhythm section instruments; and comprehensive knowledge of music theory and analysis, and music literature.
Recent graduates have been accepted to prestigious doctoral programs, have had compositions and arrangements premiered by professional performers in the U.S. and abroad, been featured performers on recordings, and have become leaders in jazz performance and teaching in Iowa, throughout the U.S., and beyond.
Leading Program
The UNI School of Music is regarded as one of the finest music programs in the Midwest and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Top-Notch Facilities
The School of Music is home to state-of-the-art facilities, including recording studios, performance and practice spaces, editing labs and more.
$400,000
The UNI School of Music awards $400,000 in scholarships to our students each year – helping our students pursue their degrees affordably.
Interested? Request Information
Tell us more and we'll send information on how you can succeed with a graduate degree in Jazz Pedagogy M.M. from the University of Northern Iowa School of Music.
 | Ann Bradfield, D.M.A. School of Music Graduate Program Coordinator (319) 273-2640 |
Career Opportunities
After you complete our program, you will have a variety of career opportunities and/or be well prepared to further your education. For reference, our alumni has landed on the following careers:
- Adjunct Instructor
- Adjunct Music Professor
- Band Director
- Band Teacher
- Director of Bands
- Instructor
- Musician
- Performer
- Studio Artist
- Teacher
Courses & Curriculum
This program is offered on the thesis/recital option only. Our Master of Music M.M. program consists of the following core classes:
- Topics in Music Theory and Analysis
- Foundations of Musical Analysis
- Foundations of Musicology
- Topics in Music History and Culture
Jazz Pedagogy specialization courses include:
- Instrumental Jazz Improvisation - Theory
- Jazz Pedagogy
- Jazz Arranging
- Jazz Band (combos)
- Research Electives
- Graduate Recital
Regarded as one of the finest music programs in the Midwest, University of Northern Iowa is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
NASM Accreditation
| National Association of Schools of Music 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21 Reston, VA 20190-5248 | (703) 437-0700 Phone (703) 437-6312 Fax info@arts-accredit.org |
Next Steps
Apply Now
Our application process is smooth and easy. You can apply now and pay your fee later or even get it waived, if you qualify. Current or former UNI students will also have their app fee waived.
Requirements for Admission
- Bachelor's degree in Music or a demonstrated equivalent
- In-person audition and interview
- Submit an essay of interest (no more than 2 pages) outlining experiences in jazz performance, composition, arranging and/or teaching, along with professional goals
- Resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- 2.75 is the minimum GPA to be accepted without provision; applicants with a GPA lower than 2.75 may still be admitted provisionally, at the discretion of the program and the Graduate College
- Complete the School of Music Graduate Studies Application form
- Submit your audition video.
Requirements for International Applicants
Along with the basic application requirements, international applicants also need:
- Proof of English proficiency
- A copy of the personal data page of your passport
- A completed UNI Financial Statement and Certification form
- Non-refundable application fee.
Fund Your Degree
Get the opportunity to learn and fund your degree through hands-on experiences, earning monetary awards or both! Visit one of the following pages to learn about graduate assistantships, scholarships or additional details on School of Music at University of Northern Iowa College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences.