New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and the city still lives the music. Clubs on Frenchmen Street host live sets nightly, and the local scene mixes tradition with new sounds. Studying jazz here means learning inside the culture that created it.
The University of New Orleans built its jazz studies program around that heritage. Ellis Marsalis, the pianist and educator, returned to New Orleans in 1989 to found the program and led it until his retirement in 2001. His students included Harry Connick Jr. and Terence Blanchard.
A master’s in jazz studies usually centers on performance, composition, and arranging. Expect private lessons, ensemble work, and courses in jazz theory and history. Most programs require a graduate recital and a comprehensive exam. Admission runs through an audition, so prepare repertoire that shows both your technique and your improvisational voice.
Faculty matter more than facilities in music. Look for teachers who perform regularly and whose students are working musicians. Master classes with visiting artists are a bonus.
Think about life after the degree. Graduates teach, perform, compose, and work in arts administration. The path is competitive, so start building your network of fellow musicians while you study.
For another music-focused option, see the reggae music studies degree in Kingston, Jamaica. Also read about fostering creativity in your career and building a professional support network.
