Master of Arts (Jazz)

Course description

The MA degree is designed for students who wish to achieve a Masters level qualification in one year, with 180 SCQF credits at level 11 (90 ECTS credits). The programme runs full-time for four terms, with the last term being dedicated to a largely independent project.

Designed for students interested in furthering their development in jazz at postgraduate level, this specialist pathway is led by internationally renowned jazz saxophonist and composer (and Head of the Jazz BMus pathway) Professor Tommy Smith and offers bespoke tuition from some of the best jazz musicians and educators in the Scotland.

As well as weekly lessons on your principal study instrument, we offer second study modules should you have an interest in developing a second instrument.

Our MMus/MA Jazz pathway is designed to accommodate both jazz performers and jazz writer/arrangers. The course is highly bespoke and you will have a large amount of control in the way that your studies are structured.

This programme is tailored to fit individual needs and requirements, allowing the student to focus on preferred areas of interest and specialism.

The jazz scene in Glasgow and Scotland is thriving and there are many performance opportunities both within the Conservatoire and without – our students have negotiated many external performance opportunities in surrounding venues which means there’s live music happening almost every night of the week.

On campus, our Blue Mondays concerts showcase the talents of our students and tutors. We also have larger jazz performances which often include special guests. Our past guests have included Makoto Ozone, Courtney Pine, Jacqui Dankworth, Branford Marsalis, David Liebman, Peter Erskine, Paolo Fresu, Bill Evans, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker and Arild Andersen. Students have seen these great musicians up close, working with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, and through masterclass settings.

Subjects

• Music
• Music composition
• Music performance
• Musicianship
• Performing arts