Bachelor of Music in Performance Performance (Jazz)
Overview
What to expect
This four-year undergraduate jazz degree provides instruction in aural skills, harmony, jazz history, improvisation, rhythm, and a wide array of jazz, commercial, and global styles. Students acquire a deep understanding of jazz repertoire, including harmony, melody, lyrics, and arrangements. Performing each other’s works and working with an instructor playing a different instrument, they develop strong composition, arranging, and improvisational skills.
Why it stands out
Opportunities for performance are constant. Students perform during private lessons and courses, in instrumental and vocal ensembles and orchestras, and with informal pickup groups and combinations. They participate in masterclasses with guest artists and benefit from valuable feedback from accomplished faculty.
Who it's for
Passionate jazz musicians seeking careers in performance and/or teaching are ideal candidates for this degree. The program instructs musicians on a full range of jazz instruments, including less common jazz instruments such as clarinet, flute, and violin.
Outcomes
Opportunities for study
Students have considerable scope for customizing their studies. They have opportunities to acquire certificates in areas such as jazz and music technology, jazz and popular music, and jazz and ethnomusicology. Students may also incorporate courses in music education into their program.
Opportunities after graduation
The program prepares graduates for professional careers as solo and/or ensemble jazz musicians and as teachers in private studio settings. Graduates also establish careers in arts administration and artistic direction.
Postgraduate opportunities
Students qualify to apply for admission to graduate jazz performance programs and professional programs in business, medicine, or law. The Music Faculty offers jazz performance Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees.
Studying at U of T has given me the opportunity to pursue improvement in my areas of interest, while also introducing me to new musical paths and career options I had never considered before. This is in no small part due to the people I have met, both students and faculty, that have challenged me with diverse experiences and welcomed inclusivity and safety in which to explore new ideas. I have been given the chance to perform and work with many incredible musicians, both in the faculty and outside in the Toronto community, which has enabled me to learn and grow organically as a musician.
– Leah Reavie
Bachelor of Music in Performance 2025 - Jazz Saxophone
I deeply cherish my four years in U of T’s Jazz Performance program. My professors encouraged me to try new things, make mistakes, and push my limits; they challenged and supported me at every turn. I am so fortunate to have also been immersed in a community of talented peers who were serious about making music and whose energy and talent pushed me to rise to each occasion. My time in the Jazz Performance program primed me to start a career in jazz and take full advantage of significant professional opportunities in Canada and the USA.
– Jacob Chung
Bachelor of Music in Performance 2022 - Jazz Saxophone
Core courses focus on individual instruction in the student’s major jazz performance medium and practical training in jazz small ensemble, orchestra, and improvisational performance. Students also study music and society, jazz and traditional music history, and jazz and traditional music harmony, melody, counterpoint, and ear training. Non-keyboard students study jazz keyboard.
Students are provided significant scope for choosing courses from other Music Faculty and Arts and Science programs. They may choose up to four credits in music electives, four credits in breadth electives, and four free electives from Music or Arts and Science. If all of the free electives are taken as Arts & Science courses, students can take up to eight credits in Arts & Science courses within the minimum 20 full credits required in the degree.
– Leah Reavie
– Jacob Chung
