Jazz Studies @ The University of Toronto


Jazz Studies at the University of Toronto provides students with a comprehensive education in jazz. It is a small, high-level program, with approximately 80 students enrolled, earning Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degrees in jazz performance. The faculty is comprised of some of the most prominent jazz musicians in Canada.

U of T Jazz is a part of the Faculty of Music, which encompasses classical performance, opera and music education. Students benefit from daily interaction with music students from other disciplines, broadening their musical horizons.

Your daily schedule includes private lessons, classes, rehearsals, clinics and performances. Music courses cover a wide range of stylistic approaches, and are designed to build a complete musician, one who is ready to tackle the challenges of the future. Arts and Science electives give you access to the vast University of Toronto pool of knowledge. Prepare to fill your head when you come to U of T.

  • WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE U OF T JAZZ?
  • IS U OF T JAZZ RIGHT FOR YOU?
  • CLICK HERE TO VIEW A SHORT FILM ABOUT THE U OF T JAZZ PROGRAM

    • THE FACULTY

    Everyone on the U of T Jazz faculty is a working professional musician; many are award-winning recording artists. Since students are taught by musicians who are actively involved in the business, the information and advice they receive is relevant and current. Small class sizes guarantee a high degree of personal interaction between students and faculty.

    THE STUDENTS

    The U of T Jazz students represent some the best and brightest young minds on the musical horizon. A high percentage of the most prominent young jazz musicians in Canada today are graduates of this program. Camaraderie is strong; students share a love of jazz in its myriad forms and challenge and encourage each other to learn, improve, and innovate. At U of T, the jazz stars of tomorrow will become your friends and colleagues today. The relationships that are forged here will last a lifetime.

    LESSONS

    Each student receives 24 hours of private instruction per year. Lessons deal with not only the technical and musical aspects of playing your instrument and improvising, but also all facets of managing a musical career. Your teacher will become your mentor, a source of advice and inspiration.

    CLASSES

    Classes cover theory, jazz composition, jazz arranging and orchestration, improvisation and ear training. Click the links below for specific course information.

    ENSEMBLES

    U of T Jazz boasts 13 undergrad ensembles, 3 graduate ensembles, a vocal jazz ensemble and two jazz orchestras. Each student plays in at least two ensembles. Performance opportunities are numerous throughout the year, at The Rex Jazz Bar, Hart House, Walter Hall and MacMillan Theatre. Each ensemble has the opportunity to record at the end of the year. Click the link below for more information.

    MASTERCLASSES

    A weekly masterclass series brings in musicians and representatives from the music business. These are lively sessions filled with questions. A short list of musicians who have visited the school includes: Tim Hagans, Lee Konitz, Donny McCaslin, David Binny, Jim Black, Kenny Werner, Jim McNeely, Kenny Wheeler, Fred Hersch, John Aebercrombie, Bill Reichenbach, Kurt Elling, Jim Snidero, Ian Froman, Scott Robinson, Maria Schneider, Scott Colley and Rich Perry.

    THE CAMPUS

    U of T is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world. You are steps from great shopping and restaurants and the subway stops at our door, giving you quick and easy access to everything that Toronto has to offer. While the Jazz Program is small and intimate, you are very much a part of the overall U of T community and in the center of the city action.

    ADMISSION/AUDITION

    In addition to meeting University of Toronto general requirements for admission, applicants for the jazz program are chosen via audition. Step one is the submission of a pre-screening DVD and supporting materials. Successful applicants will be invited to audition in person.

    A January deadline for pre-screen materials will be announced in the fall. Live auditions will take place in February and March. Click the links below for more information on the audition process.

    Visit the Faculty of Music website for further information on degrees offered at the University of Toronto:

    OUTREACH

    U of T Jazz offers an Outreach Program. Our students will come to your school to perform for and work with your students. This peer-to-peer interaction is extraordinarily effective for all. Your students see what is possible to achieve in just a few years with hard work and dedication, and our students get valuable experience teaching what they have so recently learned. Outreach groups can range from a quartet all the way to a jazz orchestra.

    JAZZ DOWNTOWN WORKSHOP

    Study and play in the heart of the city with the creative professional jazz faculty from the Jazz Studies Program at U of T. Experience the University of Toronto’s continuing tradition of excellence in jazz performance, and meet other young creative jazz students from across the city and beyond in a challenging and rewarding 4-day summer program.