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College of Arts and Media

Jazz Studies

Build your skills in jazz performance, improvisation, and history while expanding your versatility as a musician and preparing for diverse career opportunities.

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Degree
  • Undergraduate Certificate
Location
  • Huntsville
Type of Instruction
  • Face to Face
Length

12 Credit Hours

Perform, Improvise, and Grow

The Jazz Studies Certificate is designed for undergraduate music majors who want to expand their performance skills and deepen their understanding of jazz. Students study jazz theory, history, and improvisation while gaining real-world experience through ensemble participation. Whether your primary focus is performance or education, this certificate enhances your versatility and prepares you to engage with jazz in both academic and professional settings.

How Do I Get Into the Jazz Studies Certificate Program?

To pursue the Jazz Studies Certificate, students must first be accepted as undergraduate music majors in the School of Music. Admission to the certificate requires an interview or placement evaluation with the jazz faculty to determine readiness for coursework and ensemble participation.

Who Should Consider This Certificate?

This certificate is ideal for undergraduate music majors who want to explore jazz more deeply. Whether you're a performer, educator, or composer, the program helps expand your skill set and prepares you for a wider range of musical opportunities.

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From student recitals to large ensemble performances, SHSU Music students take the stage throughout the year. Every performance is a chance to grow as a musician, develop your skills, and share your work with the community.

Expand Your Jazz Skill set

Through applied instruction, jazz theory, improvisation, and ensemble experience, this certificate helps you grow as a creative and versatile musician. Work with faculty mentors and peers to build performance confidence and deepen your understanding of the jazz tradition.

  • Performance-Based Training

    Sharpen your skills through jazz combo and big band experiences that focus on improvisation and collaboration.

  • Versatile Curriculum

    Explore jazz theory, history, and practice in a way that complements your music major and enhances your career path.

  • Faculty Expertise

    Learn from seasoned jazz musicians and educators who guide you in developing your voice as a jazz performer and thinker.

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Find Your Future Career

Enhance your readiness for roles in jazz performance, music education, arranging, or graduate study by building a solid foundation in jazz theory, improvisation, and ensemble work.

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Learn from Accomplished Musicians

Faculty in the School of Music are dedicated performers, composers, scholars, and educators who support students through expert instruction and individual mentorship.

Become a Bearkat

Ready to see what a degree can do for you or to start your application to SHSU? Our Admissions team is here to help.