Performance-Based Curriculum

Master Classes
This is your chance to learn from a master teacher as well as from your fellow students. Training on your specific instrument is featured, with a particular emphasis on ways to help you perform better and interact within jazz ensembles.

Ensemble Rehearsals
Twice each day you play and rehearse in your own small jazz combo, coached by our expert resident faculty. The program covers a wide range of repertoire, emphasizing group dynamics, stylistic interpretation, improvisation, and common performance practices. This is a great opportunity to play, learn, and hone your jazz-playing skills!

Special Topics Seminars
Faculty and guest lecturers discuss an array of historical and performance practice issues. Topics are wide-ranging and adjusted to meet the students' specific needs and interests.

Bonus: A Trip to Manhattan!
We visit a great New York City jazz club on one evening mid-week and hear some of today’s finest jazz artists. Bus transportation and admission are included in the tuition fees.

Faculty Concerts
Our fine faculty and guest artists perform exclusively for you in our very own jazz club on campus. It is important to study with mentors who are highly regarded practitioners of jazz performance. Come see and hear how they create their magic!

Organized Jam Sessions
Supervised jam sessions in our on-campus jazz club are conducted each evening. This great forum allows you to play with others and learn at the same time. This is your chance to “stretch out.”

Personal Time
We leave small but important blocks of time for all students to practice independently or to rehearse more with their combos—or simply take a breather and relax on the Purchase College campus. Take a campus tour (opens in a new window).