Jazz Studies Concentration Program

What we offer

Bachelor of Arts in Music, with a concentration in Jazz Studies

Who to contact

Built for the Bold: Jazz at Fredonia

Step into a legacy that swings with history and plays for the future. Fredonia’s Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Jazz Studies offers more than just an education—it’s a launchpad for serious, versatile musicians ready to make their mark. With roots stretching back to 1934 and four DownBeat awards in just the last six years, Fredonia is one of the most storied and vibrant collegiate jazz communities in the country. Here, you won’t just study jazz—you’ll live it, in classrooms, rehearsal halls, and onstage with award-winning ensembles. Whether you're dreaming of a career on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom, Jazz Studies at Fredonia strikes the perfect chord between creative ambition and professional preparation.

Award Winning

SUNY Fredonia's Jazz Flextet is the 2024 DownBeat Award Winner for Undergraduate Pop/Rock/Blues Group! It is the program's fourth Downbeat Award in the last six years!

The 2024 award comes on the heels of the ensemble winning consecutive Outstanding Performance Awards – in 2023 and 2022 – in the undergraduate division of the Large Jazz Ensemble and Rock/Pop/Blues Group categories, respectively.

What You’ll Gain

Improvisational Mastery - Learn to think on your feet musically through intensive study in jazz improvisation and small ensemble performance.
Professional-Grade Performance - Take the stage with nationally recognized jazz ensembles and combos in professional venues on- and off-campus.
Historical & Theoretical Insight - Deepen your understanding of jazz’s evolution with expert-led coursework in jazz history, harmony, and theory.
Mentorship from Experts - Study under world-class jazz faculty—respected performers, composers, and educators—who mentor you through every step.
Career-Ready Skills - Gain transferrable skills in collaboration, creativity, and leadership, opening paths in performance, education, and production.
Creative Freedom - Explore your voice as a composer, arranger, or bandleader in a program that values innovation and originality.
Collaborative Community - Be part of the Fredonia Jazz Workshop—student-run, artist-driven, and powered by nearly a century of jazz tradition.
Cross-Genre Fluency - Participate in diverse groups covering pop, rock, blues, and more—experience that’s essential in today’s versatile music industry.
Inclusive Opportunity - Whether you're a jazz major or pursuing another major entirely, Fredonia’s open ensembles welcome all serious student musicians.

Career Opportunities for Jazz Studies Concentration

Band Leader
Creative Director
Film/TV Music Supervisor
Music Director
Music Producer
Studio Musician

Broadway Performer
Entrepreneur
Jazz Educator
Music Journalist
Songwriter/Composer/Arranger
Touring Musician

What does a 4-year degree look like?

First Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUS 100	Recital Seminar	0
MUS 115	Music Appreciation	3
MUS 120	Concert Attendance	0
MUS 121	Aural Skills I	2
MUS 123	Music Theory I	3
MUS 125	Applied Lesson	2
	Ensemble	1
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3
	TOTAL	17

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUS 100	Recital Seminar	0
MUS 118	Piano Class	2
MUS 120	Concert Attendance	0
MUS 122	Aural Skills II	2
MUS 124	Music Theory II	3
MUS 126	Applied Lesson	2
	Ensemble	1
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3
	TOTAL	16

Second Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUS 120	Concert Attendance	0
MUS 200	Recital Seminar	0
MUS 221	Aural Skills III	2
MUS 223	Music Theory III	3
MUS 225	Applied Lesson	2
	Ensemble	1
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3
	Non-Music Elective	3
	TOTAL	17

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUS 120	Concert Attendance	0
MUS 200	Recital Seminar	0
MUS 226	Applied Lesson	2
MUS 264	Music History II	3
	Ensemble	1
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3
	Non-Music Elective	3

	TOTAL	15

Third Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUS 120	Concert Attendance	0
MUS 231	Conducting I	2
MUS 265	History of Jazz	3
MUS 300	Jazz Recital Seminar	0
MUS 325	Jazz Lesson	2
MUS 362	Jazz Theory	3
	Jazz Ensemble	.5
FF	Course	3
	Non-Music Elective Upper Level	3
	TOTAL	16.5

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUS 120	Concert Attendance	0
MUS 300	Jazz Recital Seminar	0
MUS 326	Jazz Lesson	2
MUS 361	Jazz Improv	3
	Jazz Ensemble	.5
	Elective in the Arts (Non-Music)	3
	Non-Music Elective Upper Level	3
	Non-Music Elective Upper Level	3

	TOTAL	14.5

Fourth Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUS 120	Concert Attendance	0
MUS 233	Musics of the World	3
MUS 400	Recital Seminar	0
MUS 425	Jazz Lesson	2
MUSB 201	The Business of Music	3
	Jazz Ensemble	.5
FF	Course	3
	Non-Music Elective Upper Level	3

	TOTAL	14.5

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MUS 120	Concert Attendance	0
MUS 400	Recital Seminar	0
MUS 426	Jazz Lesson	2
	Jazz Ensemble	.5
	Recital	0
	Non-Music Elective	3
	Non-Music Elective Upper Level	3
	Non-Music Elective Upper Level	3
	Elective in the Arts (Non-Music)	3
	TOTAL	14.5

GRAND TOTAL:

This Sample Degree Map is based on the requirements published in the University Catalog.

What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain this degree?

View Full Curriculum

MUS 051 Fredonia New Jazz Ensemble

This ensemble provides the Fredonia student with a specially curated big band experience through the study and performance of contemporary jazz ensemble repertoire from around the world, with attention to composers of color, women composers, and otherwise underrepresented composers.

MUS 119 Free Improvisation

The course is an exploration of the art of music improvisation for self-expression. It is taught in a supportive, safe environment of non-judgment, in order to give students the freedom needed to create music spontaneously. The voice is considered the primary instrument. Drums, and other World Music instruments will be provided.

MUS 362 Jazz Theory

A study of ear training, jazz harmony, intervals, chord symbols, voicings, melody, harmonization, chord extensions and substitutions in various jazz styles. Specific hands on application to your instrument/voice is included in the curriculum.

It's Different Here

Jazz Since 1934

Fredonia's jazz lineage spans nearly a century, with student-led innovation from day one.

National Recognition

Four DownBeat Awards in six years prove Fredonia is a powerhouse in undergraduate jazz performance.

Jazz is Just the Start

Prepare for careers as touring artists, Broadway players, songwriters, composers, or educators.

Why Jazz Studies at Fredonia?

Jazz ensemble practicing, jazz program, jazz studies

A Musician’s Campus

100+ practice rooms, state-of-the-art halls, and technology-rich rehearsal spaces support your craft at every level.

Jazz ensemble students practicing before a big show, jazz program, jazz studies

Jazz by Students, for Students

The Fredonia Jazz Workshop gives students leadership opportunities and creative freedom in ensemble direction.

Jazz performance on campus. Jazz studies is just one of the areas of study, and jazz studies answers the question what can I do with a music degree?

Learn from Legends

Study with GRAMMY-winning performers and active composers who bring real-world experience into every lesson.

Jazz performance at Fredonia with many students playing, jazz studies

Diverse Career Paths

Jazz is Just the Start

A degree in Jazz Studies from Fredonia doesn’t lock you into one lane—it opens up an entire highway of opportunities. While performance may be your passion, the skills you develop here prepare you for a wide range of professional paths, including touring musician, Broadway performer, studio artist, composer, arranger, educator, or arts entrepreneur. You'll graduate with the versatility and adaptability today's music industry demands—ready to thrive in concert halls, classrooms, studios, and beyond.