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Jazz, Undergraduate Certificate

Program Overview

At UNC Charlotte, studies go beyond the Department of Music and into Charlotte’s creative community. With bold ideas and broad connections, our talented faculty, students, and alumni are shaping the civic imagination of this fast-growing city. The Department of Music offers two degrees with multiple concentrations, a music minor, and two undergraduate certificates. The Undergraduate Certificate in Jazz is designed for instrumentalists who wish to enhance their undergraduate study with intensive training in jazz.

Department of Music

Program Contact

Dr. Jennifer Whitaker

Associate Chair, Department of Music

jwhitaker@charlotte.edu

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Want to learn more about UNC Charlotte? Fill out the form for information on the university, application process, events, and more. For specific program questions, contact the program representative listed above.

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Jazz, Undergraduate Certificate at a Glance

Admission to degree programs in the Department of Music requires an entrance audition and is contingent upon acceptance into the University. The curriculum consists of 20 credits of jazz studies that combine instruction in performance and musicianship, including ensembles, lessons, improvisation, history, and a course in either arranging or pedagogy. All required courses must be passed with a grade of B or better to earn the Undergraduate Certificate in Jazz.

Delivery
On-Campus
Total Credit Hours
20 Credit Hours
Performance Courses
10 credit hours
Musicianship Courses
10 credit hours

Admissions Details

Admission to degree programs in the Department of Music requires an entrance audition and is contingent upon acceptance into the University. Please visit our Admissions page for information about that process.

Audition Requirements

Opportunities to Perform Off-campus

The Jazz Studies program at UNC Charlotte offers a learning environment that is both rigorous and inspiring in an exciting, growing city. With a focus on instrumental mastery as well as artistic expression, the program is committed to the development of young artists.

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Visit us on campus!

The best way to discover what makes the college music experience at UNC Charlotte so special is to experience it for yourself! Each semester, join us for our Music Major For A Day event to attend classes, play or sing in ensembles, meet faculty, and have lunch with current students.

Get the details
Adam on stage playing the saxophone

“I can be found gigging throughout the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area, performing in both jazz and classical settings. I particularly enjoy playing at local venues, such as wineries and coffee shops. As a result of the MJR Jazz Scholarship, I have had the opportunity to study with Grammy-nominated jazz saxophonist Tim Armacost. Additionally, I traveled to New York City in 2023 to experience live jazz music and visit historically significant sites.”

Adam Kallestad
B.M. in Music with a concentration in Music Education and a Certificate in Jazz Studies

Opportunities to Perform

The Department of Music offers numerous opportunities for all university students to participate in bands, choirs, orchestras, jazz ensembles, and chamber groups. Every semester, students from every major in every college enjoy making new friends and performing great music, all while earning college credit.

Explore Ensembles
  • Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Band
  • University Chorale
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • UNC Charlotte Orchestra
  • Percussion Ensemble
  • The Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band
  • Gospel Choir

    Discover other programs of music study

    Register for an In-Person Campus Visit

    Experience the heart of UNC Charlotte with our in-person campus visits. Register for a First-Year Student Info Session and Tour offered daily — an unmissable opportunity to live the Niner life.

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    Explore Official University Catalog

    Check out the official catalog for information on specific degree requirements, course progressions, curriculum and more.

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