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.


Quick facts
  • 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 $717.00 per 3 credit unit class $3,011.40 per 3 credit unit class
Student fees $1,089 per year $1,089 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 (2023-2024 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

Students hanging out in the Bowl in front of the Peter MacKinnon Building

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

Start term Application DeadlineInternational Deadline
Winter
January 2024
Dec 1, 2023
Documents due: Dec 15, 2023
Sep 1, 2023
Documents due: Oct 1, 2023
Spring
May 2024
Apr 1, 2024
Documents due: May 1, 2024
Feb 1, 2024
Documents due: Mar 1, 2024
Summer
July 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024
Mar 1, 2024
Documents due: Apr 1, 2024
Fall
September 2024
Aug 15, 2024
Documents due: Aug 15, 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024
Winter
January 2025
Dec 1, 2024
Documents due: Dec 15, 2024
Sep 1, 2024
Documents due: Oct 1, 2024

Ready to apply?

If you are a current USask student, consult your academic advisor regarding enrolling in this program.

To apply to this program as a new student, please apply for admission to any undergraduate program in the College of Arts and Science and after you are admitted, declare your plans to the college.

Explore related programs

If you are looking for graduate level (Master or Ph.D.) programs please consult our graduate students' website.

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