Performance Jazz Major (B.Mus.) (126 credits)
Offered by: Performance (Schulich School of Music)
Degree: Bachelor of Music
Program credit weight: 126
Program Description
The Bachelor of Music; Major in Performance Jazz provides comprehensive training for jazz musicians. The curriculum includes jazz theory and harmony, keyboard, history, performance practice, improvisation, composition, and arranging. Throughout the program, students receive individual instruction and participate in jazz orchestras, ensembles, and combos.
Special Requirements
- Students majoring in Jazz Performance must achieve a minimum grade of B- in all Jazz courses and Practical Instruction/Exams, including Jazz Combo and Ensembles.
- Students are permitted to study with the same teacher for the assigned practical instruction for a maximum of two consecutive years.
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.
Program Prerequisites - Freshman Program (34 credits)
34 credits selected as described below, in consultation with the Program Adviser:
22 credits of Prerequisite Courses
2 credits of MUEN 570 Jazz Combo.
4 credits of Large Ensemble
6 credits of Non-Music Electives
Prerequisite Courses
22 credits, all of the courses below:
Note: Students who can demonstrate through auditions, placement tests, or equivalencies that they have mastered the material in any of the courses listed below, will be exempt from them and may proceed to more advanced courses.
Incoming jazz guitarists and pianists are automatically exempt from MUJZ 170 Jazz Keyboard Proficiency 1. and MUJZ 171 Jazz Keyboard Proficiency 2..
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUIN 180 | BMus Practical Lessons 1. | 3 |
BMus Practical Lessons 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Practical instruction on an instrument or voice. | ||
| MUIN 181 | BMus Practical Lessons 2. | 3 |
BMus Practical Lessons 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Practical examination in clarinet techniques. | ||
| MUJZ 160 | Jazz Materials 1. | 3 |
Jazz Materials 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Fundamental aural and theoretical skills associated with the jazz idiom. Nomenclature, chord construction, chord/scale relationships, harmonic progression, circle of 5ths, simple turnarounds, simple substitution, symmetrical scales and chord relationships, voice leading. | ||
| MUJZ 161 | Jazz Materials 2. | 3 |
Jazz Materials 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Simple and advanced substitution, borrowed chords, reharmonisation, modes of harmonic minor and melodic minor diatonic systems, unresolved tensions, odd and infrequent modulations, mixed two-five-ones, introduction to polychords, slashchords and non-functional harmony. | ||
| MUJZ 170 | Jazz Keyboard Proficiency 1. | 1 |
Jazz Keyboard Proficiency 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Basic piano skills, basic comping techniques, standard 3 note rootless voicings in 7, 3 and 3, 7 position with one extension, two-five-ones in major and minor - limited keys. Simple substitution and reharmonisation. | ||
| MUJZ 171 | Jazz Keyboard Proficiency 2. | 1 |
Jazz Keyboard Proficiency 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Continuation of previous semester. Two-five-ones and mixed two-five-ones using 4 note close position voicings and 4 and 5 note spreads, in all keys, diminished passing chords, half step shifts, voice leading extensions, quartal and modal voicing, sight reading of standard jazz repertoire. | ||
| MUJZ 187 | Jazz History Survey. | 3 |
Jazz History Survey. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. An introductory study of the principal recordings, artists and musical trends in jazz from its origins to the present day. | ||
| MUPD 135 | Music as a Profession 1. | 1 |
Music as a Profession 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Music Professional Development: An introduction to information, resources, and skills related to physical, mental, and professional well-being for the musician and scholar. | ||
| MUSP 123 | Jazz Ear Training 1. | 2 |
Jazz Ear Training 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Rhythmic, melodic and harmonic materials from the jazz idiom. Sight-singing, dictation and transcription with some classical materials. | ||
| MUSP 124 | Jazz Ear Training 2. | 2 |
Jazz Ear Training 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Advanced jazz idioms. | ||
Required Courses (53 credits)
Performance
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUIN 280 | BMus Practical Lessons 3. | 2.5 |
BMus Practical Lessons 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Practical instruction on an instrument or voice. | ||
| MUIN 281 | BMus Practical Lessons 4. | 2.5 |
BMus Practical Lessons 4. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Practical instruction on an instrument or voice. | ||
| MUIN 282 | BMus Performance Examination 1. | 1 |
BMus Performance Examination 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Assessment of student's progress in the practical area. | ||
| MUIN 380 | BMus Practical Lessons 5. | 2.5 |
BMus Practical Lessons 5. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Practical instruction on an instrument or voice. | ||
| MUIN 381 | BMus Practical Lessons 6. | 2.5 |
BMus Practical Lessons 6. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Practical instruction on an instrument or voice. | ||
| MUIN 382 | BMus Performance Examination 2. | 1 |
BMus Performance Examination 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Assessment of student's progress in the practical area. | ||
| MUIN 480 | BMus Practical Lessons 7. | 2 |
BMus Practical Lessons 7. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Practical instruction on an instrument or voice. | ||
| MUIN 481 | BMus Practical Lessons 8. | 2 |
BMus Practical Lessons 8. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Practical instruction on an instrument or voice. | ||
| MUIN 482 | BMus Performance Examination 3. | 2 |
BMus Performance Examination 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Assessment of student's progress in the practical area. | ||
Small Ensemble
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUEN 570 | Jazz Combo. 1 | 1 |
Jazz Combo. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A Jazz Improvisation Ensemble of approximately 4 to 9 players. | ||
- 1
This course is taken in four semesters for 4 credits.
Jazz Improvisation
Instrumental Majors
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUJZ 223 | Jazz Improvisation/Musicianship 1. | 3 |
Jazz Improvisation/Musicianship 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Basic improvisational concepts with emphasis on time feel, phrasing, articulation, melodic development, voice leading, harmonic control and stylistic nuance. Memorization and aural recognition of standard jazz repertoire also stressed. The aural tradition of the music is emphasized through rhythmic/melodic dictation. | ||
| MUJZ 224 | Jazz Improvisation/Musicianship 2. | 3 |
Jazz Improvisation/Musicianship 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Continuation of Jazz Improvisation/Musicianship MUJZ 223. | ||
| MUJZ 423 | Jazz Improvisation/Musicianship 3. | 3 |
Jazz Improvisation/Musicianship 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Refinement of improvisational concepts in conjunction with ear training, leading towards the establishment of a personal style of playing. Complex forms and harmonies, and contemporary techniques. Memorization of large and varied repertoire is stressed. The ability to identify, transcribe and perform various melodies, rhythms, and complex harmonies by ear will be stressed. | ||
| MUJZ 424 | Jazz Improvisation/Musicianship 4. | 3 |
Jazz Improvisation/Musicianship 4. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Continuation of Jazz Improvisation/Musicianship MUJZ 423. | ||
OR
Vocal Majors
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUJZ 225 | Jazz Vocal Improvisation 1. | 3 |
Jazz Vocal Improvisation 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Fundamental concepts of the blues, blues expression, blues function and its application to vocal improvisation in jazz. The history of the blues and the cultural influence of Black American music on popular American music and jazz will be analyzed. Emphasis on ear training, performance, memorization and transcription of required jazz solos. | ||
| MUJZ 226 | Jazz Vocal Improvisation 2. | 3 |
Jazz Vocal Improvisation 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Fundamental concepts of the blues, blues expression, storytelling, blues function and its application to jazz vocal improvisation and standard jazz repertoire. Advanced blues harmonic structures and forms will be analyzed. Emphasis on ear training, performance, applied musicianship, memorization and transcription of required jazz solos. | ||
| MUJZ 325 | Jazz Vocal Improvisation 3. | 3 |
Jazz Vocal Improvisation 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Fundamental concepts of jazz vocal improvisation and its use and application in standard jazz repertoire, with an emphasis on ear training, performance, harmonic analysis, language development and applied musicianship. American songbook repertoire will be the focus. | ||
| MUJZ 326 | Jazz Vocal Improvisation 4. | 3 |
Jazz Vocal Improvisation 4. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Fundamental concepts of jazz vocal improvisation and its use and application in standard jazz repertoire, with an emphasis on ear training, performance, harmonic analysis, language development and applied musicianship. Classic and contemporary jazz standard repertoire will be the focus. | ||
Jazz Theory
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUJZ 260 | Jazz Arranging 1. | 3 |
Jazz Arranging 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to concepts and techniques commonly used in jazz arranging. Notation, calligraphy and score preparation are discussed; including study of classical and contemporary scores by prominent jazz arrangers. | ||
| MUJZ 261 | Jazz Arranging 2. | 3 |
Jazz Arranging 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Consolidation of knowledge of basic concepts and techniques used in jazz arranging. | ||
| MUJZ 340 | Jazz Composition 1. | 3 |
Jazz Composition 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Jazz composition based on the stylistic concepts of leading jazz composers. Development of a personal and creative compositional style and of control of factors such as: rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic continuity, vertical modal, and linear modal harmony, polychordal techniques, and non-functional harmonic concepts. | ||
| MUJZ 341 | Jazz Composition 2. | 3 |
Jazz Composition 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A continuation of development of a personal and creative jazz compositional style. | ||
History/Literature/Performance Practice
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUHL 286 | Critical Thinking About Music. | 3 |
Critical Thinking About Music. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Examination of various periods and styles: e.g., central works from different traditions, the interaction of music and society, performance practice, and music's relation to other arts. | ||
| MUJZ 493 | Jazz Performance Practice. | 3 |
Jazz Performance Practice. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. An in-depth exploration of the performance practice of leading jazz figures, primarily through the study of solo transcriptions. Comparative study of conceptual differences in time feel, ornamentation, tone quality, articulation and harmonic and melodic approach. Detailed study of major rhythm sections and their interaction with soloists. | ||
Professional Development
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUPD 235 | Music as a Profession 2. | 1 |
Music as a Profession 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. An overview of the responsibilities and skills required of professions in music and of the varied career paths leading from a music degree. | ||
Complementary Courses (14-18 credits)
Performance
Small Ensemble
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUEN 570 | Jazz Combo. 1 | 1 |
Jazz Combo. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A Jazz Improvisation Ensemble of approximately 4 to 9 players. | ||
- 1
Taken in two semesters for 2 credits.
OR
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUEN 574 | Afro-Cuban/Brazilian Jazz Combo. 1 | 1 |
Afro-Cuban/Brazilian Jazz Combo. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course covers Afro-Cuban and Brazilian folk music and the jazz-related music that has come directly from it. Much of the work is based on the rhythmic patterns and grooves from these countries. | ||
- 1
Taken in two semesters for 2 credits.
Large Ensemble
Note: students playing Rhythm Section instruments (piano,guitar, bass, drums, vibraphone) can substitute 4 credits of large ensemble with free electives).
8-12 credits from1:
- 1
All ensemble courses under MUEN may be taken in multiple terms.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUEN 563 | Jazz Vocal Workshop. | 2 |
Jazz Vocal Workshop. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Vocal workshop for jazz musicians. | ||
| MUEN 572 | Cappella Antica. | 2 |
Cappella Antica. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. An ensemble of 8 to 12 voices specializing in early music. N.B. This ensemble may substitute as a Basic Ensemble in programs that specify Choral Ensemble, with Departmental approval. | ||
| MUEN 573 | Baroque Orchestra. | 2 |
Baroque Orchestra. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Open to singers and instrumentalists, this ensemble specializes in chamber music primarily of the Baroque era. | ||
| MUEN 587 | Cappella McGill. | 2 |
Cappella McGill. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. An ensemble of 16 voices performing challenging repertoire from the Renaissance to the present day. Since the expectation is a level of performance equivalent to a professional chamber ensemble, singers wishing to join this group should have had considerable ensemble experience, and advanced vocal and sight-reading skills. | ||
| MUEN 590 | McGill Wind Orchestra. | 2 |
McGill Wind Orchestra. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Large ensemble for wind instruments. | ||
| MUEN 592 | Chamber Jazz Ensemble. | 2 |
Chamber Jazz Ensemble. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This ensemble will deal with the extensive repertoire of music which exists for small jazz orchestra (9-13 instruments). | ||
| MUEN 593 | Choral Ensembles. | 2 |
Choral Ensembles. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Students enrolling in Choral Ensembles will be assigned to one of the above groups. | ||
| MUEN 594 | Contemporary Music Ensemble. | 2 |
Contemporary Music Ensemble. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Ensemble for contemporary music - instruments and voice. | ||
| MUEN 595 | Jazz Ensembles. | 2 |
Jazz Ensembles. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Ensemble for jazz - instruments and voice. | ||
| MUEN 597 | McGill Symphony Orchestra. | 2 |
McGill Symphony Orchestra. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Ensemble for orchestral instruments. | ||
Advanced Jazz
Instrumental Majors
4 credits from either 4 credits from either MUJZ 440 Advanced Jazz Composition 1 . and MUJZ 441 Advanced Jazz Composition 2., or MUJZ 461D1 Advanced Jazz Arranging./MUJZ 461D2 Advanced Jazz Arranging.:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUJZ 440 | Advanced Jazz Composition 1 . | 2 |
Advanced Jazz Composition 1 . Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A continuation of MUJZ 341. This course will reaffirm the importance of the basic elements of composition with an emphasis on the compositional process and micro-listening. | ||
| MUJZ 441 | Advanced Jazz Composition 2. | 2 |
Advanced Jazz Composition 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A continuation of MUJZ 440. This course will further emphasize and facilitate the development of a personal and creative compositional style. Jazz aesthetics will be emphasized and explored in greater depth. | ||
| MUJZ 461D1 | Advanced Jazz Arranging. | 2 |
Advanced Jazz Arranging. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course introduces advanced concepts in jazz writing by examining scores by historically-important jazz composers/arrangers, as well as contemporary masters. Student writing, including expanded combo, big band, and small group string projects, is geared toward public performance by McGill jazz ensembles and combos. | ||
| MUJZ 461D2 | Advanced Jazz Arranging. | 2 |
Advanced Jazz Arranging. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. See MUJZ 461D1 for course description. | ||
OR
Vocal Majors
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUJZ 425 | Jazz Vocal Repertoire 1. | 2 |
Jazz Vocal Repertoire 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Fundamental concepts of applied performance technique, arranging for vocalists, accompaniment skills and repertoire development with an emphasis on improvisation and performance. Analysis of selected recordings and concert performance videos. | ||
| MUJZ 426 | Jazz Vocal Repertoire 2. | 2 |
Jazz Vocal Repertoire 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Fundamental concepts of applied performance technique, arranging for vocalists, accompaniment skills and repertoire development with an emphasis on improvisation and performance. Analysis of selected recordings and concert performance videos. | ||
Elective Courses (21-25 credits)
3 credits of non-Music Electives.
18-22 credits of Free Electives (may not include courses with a MUEN prefix); students playing Rhythm Section instruments may take up to 22 Free Electives.