About
This program allows you to earn a Certificate of Proficiency, a qualification that recognizes a focus of study in foundational concepts in creativity, improvisation, body/mind coordinative relationships, and, jazz-specific theory, history, and (musical) performance training.
- Two year certificate
- Full or part-time program
- You can enter this program directly from high school
- You can begin this program off-campus
What you will learn
You will study the history and theory of jazz and you will learn to express yourself artistically, through practice and performance of jazz music, as it is broadly defined.
MUS 184: Jazz Materials
Course includes development of jazz theory, ear training, transcribing and keyboard skills. This course is the prerequisite to Jazz Improvisation (MUS 283.3) and Jazz Arranging (MUS 386.3). This course is the suggested co-requisite for Jazz Pedagogy (EMUS 337.3) and Jazz Ensemble. MUS 184.3 is open to students of all colleges.
MUS 283: Jazz Improvisation
Focuses on the study and development of musical skills as they pertain to the performance of jazz improvisation. Topics such as basic jazz-related theory; chord/scale relationships; motivic, chord based and modal improvisations are presented in a systematic manner. This course assumes no pre-existing knowledge base of jazz improvisation but does presume a basic working knowledge and control over any given musical instrument. This course is open to all instrumentalists.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Careers
Most job marketplaces in the 21st century—including university graduate and professional programs, such as the health sciences—are interested in applicants with music training. This is because such music training demonstrates an ability to work in an unsupervised environment and to work well collaboratively, quickly, creatively, and logically.
Students with career aspirations in music (e.g. music education and/or music performance) and students with career aspirations external to music will find this certificate program valuable in broadening their knowledge base and musical skill sets, and to augment their curriculum vitae in substantive and meaningful ways.
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $746 per 3 credit unit class | $3,611 per 3 credit unit class |
| Student fees | $1,121 per year | $1,121 per year |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay per class (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access. This estimate reflects the price you would pay if you are a full-time student.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 for this program.
Program options
The two year Certificate in Jazz is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science. You may earn the certificate on its own, concurrently with a degree, or after having already received a degree from here or another institution.
If you are already enrolled at USask, consult your academic advisor regarding enrolling in this program.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
If you are a current USask student, consult your academic advisor about enrolling in this program.
To apply to this program as a new student, create an admissions account and apply for admission to any undergraduate program in the College of Arts and Science. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD. (Effective December 2, the application fee is increasing to $120 CAD.) After you are admitted, declare your plans to the college.
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