Curriculum

A typical course sequence might be as follows (if you take Theory I and II in your second year, you’d revise this schedule accordingly)–this is a SAMPLE only–actual courses offered vary from year to year. (You are also encouraged to play in the Mosaic jazz ensemble, but that’s not for graduate credit. And, it is sometimes possible to take private lessons for credit. Ask the program head about this.)

Semester I:
Historiography I ; The Literature of Jazz ;  Jazz Theory I .

Semester II:
Historiography II ; Theory II ; Topics: Coltrane .

Summer:
Selected Topics By Request –this very popular new option is a course where Dr. Porter teaches topics requested by the grad students.

Semester III:
Topics: Jazz and Race ; Thesis ; Big Bands .

Semester IV:
Topics: Billie Holiday and Lester Young ; Charlie Parker  OR Outside Elective (in another department or another college). Also, completing and revising the thesis. After all coursework and the thesis, a comprehensive exam is required around March 1 in the semester that you will graduate.

Work toward a Masters at another institution will be credited insofar as that work fulfills any of the above requirements, up to a maximum of 12 credits.

One-day writing workshops and/or a semester long writing seminar may also be required, at our discretion, in addition to the required 12 courses.

Tutoring is available and may be required for those who are not native English speakers.