Jazz BA Honours

Overview
Our advanced course will help you develop your technique, skills and experience to launch a professional career in the music industry.

Why study jazz with us
Our BA Jazz is a lively and practical course that mixes performance, improvisation and composition that will help you to develop your own voice. Acknowledging the jazz tradition, you’ll gain an insight into a wide range of music and artists to enhance your expertise and expand your musical repertoire.

You’ll learn to work quickly, effectively and flexibly, building on your already high standard of musicianship by joining a range of ensembles and performing at some of London’s top jazz venues such as Vortex jazz club in Dalston. You’ll also get plenty of support from our team of successful professional musicians who will help you build the contacts and experience you need to launch a career in the music industry.

Our London location means you’ll be in the heart of the capital’s music scene, with access to promoters, labels, concerts, gigs and a wealth of musical opportunities that have facilitated the success of former students including graduates Led Bib, who received a Mercury Prize nomination for their album Sensible Shoes. You can find out more about our graduate success stories in the Careers tab.

Build your hands-on experience while developing your musical talents
You’ll be immersed in talent and get expert teaching, training and plenty of support from our dedicated jazz course lecturers, as well as our wider music staff of leading academics, musicians, composers and producers.

We’ve got world-class facilities that include a concert hall, two performance halls, soundproofed practice rooms, pianos (including two Steinway grand pianos), hybrid analogue-digital sound recording facilities, and a recording studio.

You’ll gain an insight into a wide range of viewpoints from visiting lecturers from the music industry and regular masterclasses led by industry specialists, concert pianists and music agency staff. You’ll also enhance your employability skills with work placements options, and the opportunity to study jazz abroad during your second year, with former students getting a taste of New Orleans, Sacramento and Helsinki.

Our music department’s weekly Concerts and Colloquia series gives you access to some of the industry’s most influential guest speakers, with previous guests including the likes of Geoff Travis (founder of Rough Trade) and Dave Tomberlin (Interscope-Geffen-A&M).

Get the support you need to succeed
When it comes to support, you’ll be matched with a Personal Tutor to get the backing you need. You’ll also get support from our Student Learning and Graduate Academic Assistants who have personal experience in the music industry.

Our BA Jazz degree was one of the first in the UK, and many graduates have gone on to play jazz and other types of music at a professional level, while others have pursued careers as music teachers, instrumental tutors, and music management.