Jazz Studies Concentration, Bachelor of Music (B.Mu.) at Georgia State University

Programme overview

Georgia State's Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Jazz Studies offers a comprehensive approach to developing competence in jazz performance, improvisation, and knowledge of jazz history. It also equips students with professional skills in establishing and maintaining high school or college-level jazz programs while nurturing their creative talents in jazz arranging and composing. The program provides valuable opportunities for students to engage in quality jazz organizations, including large jazz bands and jazz combos.

Faculty: College of the Arts | Department: School of Music | Duration: Music students must pass a qualifying examination specific to their concentration during their fourth semester of study. The rising junior jury determines whether the student has made adequate progress to qualify for entry to the 3000-level of applied music study. (4 years) | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Spring – November 15 (All concentrations except Conducting) Summer – March 1 (Music Education concentration and non-degree programs only) Fall – June 1 (All concentrations) | Location: Atlanta, GA, United States

What you will study

The Jazz Studies curriculum at GSU provides an immersive and comprehensive education for aspiring jazz musicians. Students in this program receive expert instruction from accomplished faculty and have access to a vibrant jazz community. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of courses, including jazz theory, improvisation, history and performance. Students gain practical experience through participation in jazz ensembles, private lessons and performance opportunities at renowned venues. The program emphasizes individual artistic development, ensemble collaboration and the exploration of diverse jazz styles.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

To be considered for admission, students applying to the School of Music at Georgia State University are required to complete a separate application through the Acceptd platform. Prospective students applying for any Bachelor of Music degree program in any concentration (Performance, Composition, Jazz Studies or Music Education) must perform a live audition. Students applying for the Bachelor of Science in Music Industry, in either concentration (Music Management or Music Production and Audio Recording), are not required to perform a live audition. These applicants complete a digital portfolio and an interview instead. Audition requirements, important deadlines and audition dates can be found on the Music School Application page.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Entry terms for first-year applicants: Spring, Summer and Fall semesters. Fall 2027 classes begin in August 2027.

First-year applicants apply through the Common Application with a $60 nonrefundable application fee; fee waivers from ACT, College Board or NACAC are accepted.

Fall semester: application opens August 14; Early Action application and Honors and scholarship priority deadline November 15; final application and Regular Decision deadline May 1; official transcripts and test scores due June 1.

Spring semester: early application October 1, regular application December 1. Summer semester: early application February 1, final application April 1, final documents May 1.

Official SAT or ACT scores are required for the Atlanta Campus for Fall 2026 admission and later (SAT code 5251, ACT code 0826).

November is Apply to College Month with no application fee; the FAFSA priority deadline is April 1.

Apply through the official page: https://app.getacceptd.com/gsu

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