Performance (M.Mus.): Jazz Performance (Thesis) (45 credits)
Offered by: Music (Schulich School of Music)
Degree: Master of Music
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
The M.Mus. Performance; Jazz program is flexibly designed to offer specialization in Jazz Composition, Jazz Performance, or Jazz Orchestra, including jazz pedagogy, composition, and arranging. A recital and a recording of original music are the principal thesis requirements.
Students admitted to the M.Mus. Performance; Jazz program who have undergraduate degrees other than the B.Mus.; Major in Performance; Jazz from McGill University, may be required to successfully complete one or more undergraduate courses before completion of the Master's degree.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Required Course (3 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUJZ 601 | Jazz Pedagogy. | 3 |
Jazz Pedagogy. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A course designed to prepare students to teach jazz-related subjects at the university and professional level, with emphasis on ensemble direction and the instruction of improvisation, as well as course and curriculum development. Various pedagogical methods, philosophies, rehearsal techniques, and materials will be investigated. | ||
Required Thesis Courses (27 credits)
9 credits from:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUIN 626 | Jazz Performance/Composition Tutorial 1. | 3 |
Jazz Performance/Composition Tutorial 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Individual instruction in instrumental performance, jazz composition and arranging and jazz improvisation according to performing specialization. | ||
| MUIN 627 | Jazz Performance/Composition Tutorial 2. | 3 |
Jazz Performance/Composition Tutorial 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Individual instruction in instrumental performance, jazz composition and arranging and jazz improvisation according to performing specialization. | ||
| MUIN 628 | Jazz Performance/Composition Tutorial 3. 1 | 3 |
Jazz Performance/Composition Tutorial 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Individual instruction in instrumental performance, jazz composition and arranging and jazz improvisation according to performing specialization, including work on various aspects of jazz artistry in preparation for recital requirements. | ||
| MUIN 628D1 | Jazz Performance/Composition Tutorial 3. 1 | 1.5 |
Jazz Performance/Composition Tutorial 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Individual instruction in instrumental performance, jazz composition and arranging and jazz improvisation according to performing specialization, including work on various aspects of jazz artistry in preparation for recital requirements. | ||
| MUIN 628D2 | Jazz Performance/Composition Tutorial 3. 1 | 1.5 |
Jazz Performance/Composition Tutorial 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Individual instruction in instrumental performance, jazz composition and arranging and jazz improvisation according to performing specialization, including work on various aspects of jazz artistry in preparation for recital requirements. | ||
- 1
Students may take MUIN 628 Jazz Performance/Composition Tutorial 3. or MUIN 628D1 Jazz Performance/Composition Tutorial 3. and MUIN 628D2 Jazz Performance/Composition Tutorial 3..
18 credits from one of the following:
Jazz Performance
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUPG 651 | Performance/Composition Recital Project. | 9 |
Performance/Composition Recital Project. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Thesis recital (Jazz repertoire, including compositions by the student) and programme notes. | ||
| MUPG 659 | Performance in Recording Media. | 9 |
Performance in Recording Media. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Candidates must submit a professional quality audio and/or video document of their performances, with liner notes. The performances must be 60-70 minutes on the candidate’s primary instrument. | ||
OR
Jazz Composition and Arranging
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUPG 652 | Jazz Ensemble Recital Project. | 9 |
Jazz Ensemble Recital Project. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A 60-70 minute recital presenting a repertoire of either original compositions and arrangements or previously composed jazz literature (depending upon stream), at least half of which must be for a large ensemble. Program notes must be provided. | ||
| MUPG 659 | Performance in Recording Media. | 9 |
Performance in Recording Media. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Candidates must submit a professional quality audio and/or video document of their performances, with liner notes. The performances must be 60-70 minutes on the candidate’s primary instrument. | ||
OR
Jazz Orchestra
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUPG 651 | Performance/Composition Recital Project. | 9 |
Performance/Composition Recital Project. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Thesis recital (Jazz repertoire, including compositions by the student) and programme notes. | ||
| MUPG 652 | Jazz Ensemble Recital Project. | 9 |
Jazz Ensemble Recital Project. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A 60-70 minute recital presenting a repertoire of either original compositions and arrangements or previously composed jazz literature (depending upon stream), at least half of which must be for a large ensemble. Program notes must be provided. | ||
Complementary Courses (15 credits)
15 credits from one of the following streams:
Jazz Performance Stream
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUJZ 640 | Jazz Composition and Arranging 1. | 2 |
Jazz Composition and Arranging 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Analysis and application of a variety of jazz and 20th Century compositional and arranging techniques, including writing for small and medium size jazz ensembles. | ||
| MUJZ 641 | Jazz Composition and Arranging 2. | 2 |
Jazz Composition and Arranging 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Students compose and arrange for a variety of instrumental combinations including large jazz ensembles of ten or more instruments. | ||
| MUPG 695 | Graduate Jazz Improvisation Seminar. | 3 |
Graduate Jazz Improvisation Seminar. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. An intensive study of artistry in jazz improvisation. The improvisation ideas and approaches of various jazz artists will be studied through transcription, analysis and in performance. The latter will lay the foundation for students to develop their own artistic voices and musical ideas. Approximately one-third of the class will be spent performing, critiquing and mentoring the performances of class members. | ||
3 credits of a seminar at the 600-level or higher, approved by the Department.
5 credits of ensembles, at the 500 level or above, with the prefix MUEN (4 credits must be in jazz related ensembles). MUPG 572D1 Free Improvisation 2./MUPG 572D2 Free Improvisation 2. can be substituted for 1 credit of jazz ensemble.
OR
Jazz Composition and Arranging Stream
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUJZ 640 | Jazz Composition and Arranging 1. | 2 |
Jazz Composition and Arranging 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Analysis and application of a variety of jazz and 20th Century compositional and arranging techniques, including writing for small and medium size jazz ensembles. | ||
| MUJZ 641 | Jazz Composition and Arranging 2. | 2 |
Jazz Composition and Arranging 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Students compose and arrange for a variety of instrumental combinations including large jazz ensembles of ten or more instruments. | ||
6 credits of seminars at the 600-level or higher, approved by the Schulich School of Music.
5 credits of ensembles, at the 500 level or above, with the prefix MUEN (4 credits must be in jazz related ensembles). MUPG 572D1 Free Improvisation 2./MUPG 572D2 Free Improvisation 2. can be substituted for 1 credit of jazz ensemble.
OR
Jazz Orchestra Stream
4 credits from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUJZ 640 | Jazz Composition and Arranging 1. | 2 |
Jazz Composition and Arranging 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Analysis and application of a variety of jazz and 20th Century compositional and arranging techniques, including writing for small and medium size jazz ensembles. | ||
| MUJZ 641 | Jazz Composition and Arranging 2. | 2 |
Jazz Composition and Arranging 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Students compose and arrange for a variety of instrumental combinations including large jazz ensembles of ten or more instruments. | ||
| MUJZ 644 | Jazz Repertoire Project 1. | 2 |
Jazz Repertoire Project 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Students investigate an approved area of jazz orchestral repertoire, under the supervision of a full-time faculty member. | ||
| MUJZ 645 | Jazz Repertoire Project 2. | 2 |
Jazz Repertoire Project 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Jazz repertoire for any ensemble format may be explored. | ||
3 credits of a seminar at the 600 level or higher, approved by the Schulich School of Music.
8 credits of ensembles at the 500 level or above, with the prefix MUEN (4 credits must be in jazz related ensembles). MUPG 572D1 Free Improvisation 2./MUPG 572D2 Free Improvisation 2. can be substituted for 1 credit of jazz ensemble.