Master of Music in Global Jazz
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 opportunities 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 Institute 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 at 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.
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.
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.
Semester 1 - Fall
| Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| 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 (to be assigned and registered by BGJI leadership) | 1 |
| PIMM-550 | Private Instruction 1 (to be assigned and registered by BGJI leadership) | 3 |
| GS-500 | Master's Advising | 0 |
| Electives | See list below* | 3 |
Semester 2 - Spring
| Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Total Credits | 16 | |
| 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 (to be assigned and registered by BGJI leadership) | 3 |
| GS-505 | Graduate Career Seminar | 1 |
| ENDS-550 | Contemporary Ensemble (to be assigned and registered by BGJI leadership) | 1 |
| PIMM-600 | Private Instruction 2 (to be assigned and registered by BGJI leadership) | 3 |
| GS-500-xxx | Master's Advising (to be assigned and registered by BGJI leadership) | 0 |
| Electives | See list below* | 3 |
Semester 3 - Summer
| Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Total Credits | 10 | |
| 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 |
Semester 4 (required of students who opt-in to the Graduate Internship Program)
| Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Total Credits | 1 | |
| GS-595 | Graduate Internship | 1 |
Electives – Two elective courses required to graduate.
| Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Total Credits needed | 6 | |
| PS-621 | Topics in Improvisation (offered in the fall) | 3 |
| GS-627 | The Composing Performer (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 |
41–42 total credits
Updated for catalogue year 2024 fall