Jazz Studies

Jazz Orchestra plays on stage

About The Program

The Glenn Korff School of Music offers a Master of Music degree and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in jazz performance and composition.


Undergraduate Opportunities

While the University of Nebraska-Lincoln does not currently offer an undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies, undergraduate participation is a healthy and vital part of our overall jazz program. We believe the exposure and musical diversity offered in our undergraduate music degrees allows for the development of a well-rounded musician and educator and does not limit, in any way, their growth in the jazz idiom.

There is a large catalog of jazz course offering and ensembles at the undergraduate level.

Graduate Program information (M.M. Jazz Studies, D.M.A Jazz Studies Performance and Composition)

The award-winning UNL Jazz Studies Area is a vital part of the Glenn Korff School of Music. Offering an MM degree and DMA degree in jazz studies, the program is designed to be an intimate course of study, allowing our renowned faculty to work closely with our students to develop them as comprehensive teachers and performers. Area ensembles are open to any UNL student, regardless of major, through auditions held in the first week of the fall and spring semester.

In addition to working with our outstanding faculty, students have the opportunity to work with some of the finest names in jazz. Recent visiting artists have included: Christine and Ingrid Jensen, Victor Lewis, Bill Watrous, Scott Wendholt, Ray Anderson, The Matt Wilson Quartet, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, The Maria Schneider Orchestra, Stefon Harris, John Riley, Branford Marsalis, Chris Washburne, Steve Houghton, Paul McKee and Gary Foster.