Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Academic Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music, Jazz Studies Concentration, BM


The Bachelor of Music, Concentration in Jazz Studies, offered by the School of Music and Dance , is tailored for students intending to pursue careers as professional jazz performers and composers. Emphasis is placed on jazz improvisation, jazz performance styles, jazz arranging/composition, and jazz pedagogy. Students receive in-depth private instruction and many ensembles develop students’ abilities as improvising musicians. Additionally, the university’s location allows almost limitless opportunities to secure performances in any of the Bay Area’s numerous nightspots. Students are required to complete a senior recital in addition to the regular course of study. 

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements 36
Major Preparation 11-14
Major Core Requirements 49
Concentration Requirements 21
University Electives 0-3
Total 120

University Requirements for Graduation

Students must complete all residency, curriculum, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Undergraduate Graduation Requirements  section of the Policies and Procedures .

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

Major Exceptions

This degree program meets certain University Requirements through approved major modifications. Please see the Major Exceptions  area in the General Education (GE)  section to identify the specific adjustments for this degree program or contact your major advisor for more details.

Major-Specific Graduation Requirements

All courses in the preparation and major (all courses in preparation, and core) must be completed with a grade of “C or better”.

General Education/American Institution Requirements

Courses that meet General Education/American Institution requirements are noted with area designation for required area. For legend please see General Education Attributes .

University Requirements (36 units)


Core Lower Division General Education (24 units)


Of the 39 units required by the university, 15 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3 or B4 must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with major advisor for details.

Upper Division General Education (6 units)


Of the 9 units required by the university, 3 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with major advisor for details.

American Institutions (6 units)


The 6 units of American Institutions (US123) coursework shown below also fulfills GE Areas D2 and D3. Other courses meet the American Institutions requirement, but may not include additional GE areas. The American Studies (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ) and Humanities Honors (HUM 1A /HUM 1B HUM 2A /HUM 2B ) programs both offer larger integrated packages that meet this requirement. Consult with major advisor for details.

Complete One Sequence From:

Physical Education


Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement


At SJSU, students must pass both the SJSU Writing Skills Test (WST) and a 100W course. Exceptions to the GWAR may be found at Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) .

A grade of C or better (C- not accepted) is required to meet graduation requirement.

Piano Proficiency (0-3 units)


Students must also satisfy piano proficiency; this requirement may be satisfied with completion of:

Major Requirements (70 units)


Complete Four Units From:


University Electives (0-3 units)


Total Units Required (120 units)