The Master of Music in Jazz Studies is open to students in vocal and instrumental performance and students in composition. Applicants need to complete the Queens College graduate admission process AND to submitpre-screening audition videos (for performers) or recent scores and arrangements (for composers). Remember to complete all application steps to be considered for the degree program.  

Applicants for the MM in Jazz studies require an undergraduate degree with a major in music or equivalent. You may apply during the final year of your undergraduate program, however full admission to the master’s degree program requires that the undergraduate degree has been awarded. 

International students whose primary language is not English are required to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The minimum score is 79 for TOEFL and 6.0 for the IELTS. We do not accept Duolingo or TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition results.  

SUBMIT AN APPLICATION ON ACCEPTD

The ACSM team uses Acceptd to manage prescreening materials. 

Applicants in Jazz Performance are required to submit three (3) pre-screening videos in order to be invited for an audition. Three standards are preferred. These videos should demonstrate your ability to play in a jazz style with a rhythm section. Each tune should demonstrate your ability to improvise over chord structures. 

Applicants in Jazz Composition are required to submit scores and recordings of their compositions and arrangements for large ensembles (10 or more pieces recommended). 

Spring Entry Deadline: December 1

Fall Entry Deadline: February 1

Audition Requirements

ATTEND YOUR LIVE AUDITION (Performers Only)

If you pass the prescreen, you will be invited to a live audition. Prepare three compositions: one ballad, one medium-tempo composition, and one up-tempo example of rhythm changes. In addition, you are responsible for knowing some commonly played jazz standards (refer to the recommended list below). You may be asked to play any of these songs from memory. Students located outside of the New York City area may request a virtual audition, however in-person auditions are preferred.  

A rhythm section will be provided for you to play with at the audition. You will also be given a short theory test for placement purposes.  

Instrument-specific requirements and recommended jazz standards.