The Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and Commercial Music offers rigorous, career-focused training for students committed to developing as jazz & commercial musicians. Rooted in a deep respect for the jazz tradition and driven by the innovations of the modern scene, this program prepares students for the artistic and professional demands of today’s music industry.
Under the mentorship of our exceptional team of faculty, you’ll refine your skills in performance, improvisation, composition, arranging, and ensemble collaboration. With a strong emphasis on creativity, versatility, and technical excellence, the curriculum supports your growth as both a soloist and ensemble musician. You’ll have access to a vibrant performance calendar, frequent recording opportunities, and visits from renowned guest artists, providing real-world experience and a professional portfolio. As you progress, you’ll build essential skills like discipline, collaboration, creativity, and emotional intelligence — qualities that are vital to success in a broad variety of careers.
This program is ideal for aspiring jazz & commercial musicians who are ready to engage deeply with their craft and prepare for a dynamic, evolving life in music.
Students can choose from any of the following areas of study:
Bass
Drums
Guitar
Piano
Trumpet
Trombone
Voice
Woodwinds
Composing and arranging
About Our Program
Audition and Portfolio Requirements
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All Instruments and Voice
Prepare three pieces that you feel best exemplify your talent. You’re encouraged to choose contrasting pieces from the standard canon of jazz tunes, in which you perform the melody and then improvise. We're looking for performances that demonstrate musicality, technical skill and an understanding of standard chord progressions, e.g. blues form, chord scales, two five ones, etc. Audition requirements are the same for all instruments as well as voice.
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Composition and Arranging
- Submit musical scores of at least two contrasting works. Submit corresponding recordings of your scores, and any additional works you'd like to share. You may either submit the audio files or link to them on YouTube, Soundcloud, Google Drive, etc.
- Audition on your primary instrument or voice with three pieces that you feel best exemplify your talent. You’re encouraged to choose contrasting pieces from the standard canon of jazz tunes, in which you perform the melody and then improvise. We're looking for performances that demonstrate musicality, technical skill and an understanding of standard chord progressions, e.g. blues form, chord scales, two five ones, etc.
For more information, visit the Jazz studio page.
Degree Requirements
The bachelor of music in jazz studies consists of 194 total credits, 132 of which come from music. Students receive weekly one-on-one lessons, participate in two ensembles per quarter, and take coursework in music theory, musicology, arranging, conducting and music technology.
In addition to satisfying DU's common curriculum requirements, students must fulfill requirements for piano proficiency, sophomore performance proficiency, music beyond the primary culture, Convocation attendance, and junior and senior recitals.
See the DU Undergraduate Bulletin for full course requirements
