Master of Music in Global Jazz

This graduate program is offered at our campus in Boston, Massachusetts.

Full-tuition grants are awarded to every student accepted into the global jazz graduate program.

The Master of Music in global jazz program offers advanced studies to instrumentalists and vocalists who demonstrate excellent musical proficiency and desire to develop their performance career. The program provides advanced musicians with opportunities to develop their artistry through participation in a wide array of performance projects.

Through this intensive one year, full-time program, students will have opportunity to be mentored and learn from some of the current top jazz musicians, including Danilo Pérez, Terri Lyne Carrington, John Patitucci, George Garzone, and Joe Lovano.

Studying with Berklee Institutes on the Boston Campus

Students in this program study in Berklee’s Global Jazz Institute, under the artistic direction of Danilo Pérez. Students are given opportunities to explore their creativity to the highest level possible. Through applied lessons, ensembles, master classes, and coursework, students deepen their understanding of the harmonic and stylistic practices associated with contemporary jazz performance. As they are being mentored by jazz masters, students also have opportunities to travel and perform together.

Additionally, through the study of music business and production, students develop strategies for producing and marketing their performance projects.

How to Apply

Entrance Requirements

Applicants to Berklee's Master of Music in global jazz program are required to hold a Bachelor of Music degree or a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music, demonstrating a strong academic record as well as strong musicianship. Outstanding musicians with a bachelor's degree in other disciplines may also be considered. Applicants should possess significant knowledge of the jazz repertoire, advanced ensemble experience, motivation, creativity, and the promise of great achievement in their area of study.

The program seeks extraordinary musicians who want to use their art to do good in the world. Ideal candidates will:

  • enter the program with a very advanced level of instrumental or vocal technique and musical skill;
  • desire to expand their creativity and artistry by working with top jazz artists; and
  • be deeply motivated to advance the power of music as a tool for the betterment of society.
Learning Outcomes

When you complete the Master of Music in global jazz program, you'll have the ability to:

  • synthesize contemporary jazz harmonic and stylistic practices;
  • create and improvise music;
  • develop your own artistic identity;
  • develop a sustainable career plan;
  • develop strategies for producing and marketing your performance projects; and
  • apply technology to recording and distributing your music.
Sample Curriculum by Semester
Curriculum and Courses

Semester 1

Course # Title Credits
ILGJ-575 Danilo Pérez Global Jazz Workshop 2
PS-533 Music Performance and Social Activism 1 1
PS-540 Master's Performance Forum 1: Global Jazz 2
PSGJ-575-001 or PSGJ-575-002 Advanced World Percussion for Global Jazz (two sections are available for this course and each will be capped at 10 students per section) 2
PS-530 Building Your Career 1
ENDS-550 Contemporary Ensemble 1
PIMM-550 Private Instruction 1 3
Elective See list below* 3
GS-500 Master's Advising 0
Total Credits 15

 

Semester 2

Course # Title Credits
ILGJ-575 Danilo Pérez Global Jazz Workshop 2
PS-534 Music Performance and Social Activism 2 1
PS-640 Master's Advanced Performance Forum 2: Global Jazz 2
PS-523  Studio Recording and Production for the Contemporary Musician  3
GS-505 Graduate Career Seminar 1
ENDS-550 Contemporary Ensemble 1
PIMM-600 Private Instruction 2 3
Elective See list below* 3
GS-500-xxx Master's Advising 0
Total Credits 16

Semester 3

 

Course # Title Credits
PS-695 Culminating Experience in Contemporary Performance 6
ENDS-550 Contemporary Ensemble 1
PIMM-650 Private Instruction 3 3
GS-500 Master's Advising 0
Total Credits 10

Semester 4 (required of students who opt-in to the Graduate Internship Program)

Course # Title Credits
GS-595 Graduate Internship 1
Total Credits 1

Electives (choose two courses total, one in fall and one in spring)

Course # Title Credits
PS-621 Topics in Improvisation (offered in the fall) 3
GS-627 The Composing Performer (offered in the fall) 3
PS-631 Performance Pedagogy (offered both fall and spring) 3
GS-556 Avant-Garde Explorations in Music and Art (offered only in the spring) 3
PS-633 The Triadic Chromatic Approach for the Performer 1 (offered only in the spring) 3
Total Credits 6

41–42 total credits

Updated for catalogue year 2022 fall