Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Study jazz

One of Australia’s most respected and established jazz programs

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Begin your professional career in jazz performance through individual and ensemble tuition from our industry experts, many of whom also perform in highly regarded jazz ensembles around the world. We provide tuition in:

  • brass
  • bass
  • drums
  • guitar
  • piano
  • vibraphone
  • woodwind
  • voice.

You can combine your chosen instrument with ensembles or chamber studies, and you’ll undertake core studies such as musical thinking and skills, analysis, history, culture, pedagogy and music education.

We’ll train you in jazz improvisation, ensemble playing and repertoire development supported by studies in aural and harmony subjects.

Our aim is for you to achieve both artistic individuality and a high level of musical proficiency, and we encourage you to collaborate with your musical peers.

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SCM Jazz orchestra Link

Who can I study jazz with?

Why study jazz with us?

Our jazz alumni are at the cutting edge of performance and composition in all genres of contemporary music at home and abroad.

If you see yourself as a professional performer, we provide the pathway. Here's how: 

  • individual instrument training
  • the largest University Big Band program in Australia with five full Big Bands and 12 small ensembles, with many opportunities for performance
  •  superb venues and facilities, including more than 100 practice rooms, extensive library resources and the latest in music technology
  • various opportunities for international tours with professional ensembles, bands and chamber music groups
  • small class numbers for maximum contact with staff and other players
  • regular masterclasses and performance workshops
  • we present an annual International Jazz Festival with opportunities for top students and ensembles to perform as part of the festival program alongside international leaders in their field
  • guest lecturers – recent visitors include Jim Black, Greg Osby, Jo Lawry, Will Vinson, Mat Jodrell, Rodney Whittaker, Marc Hannaford, Dave Douglas, Maria Schneider, Miguel Zenon, Henry Cole, Ellery Eskelin/Tom Rainey, Eric Harland, Joe Farnsworth, Guillermo Klein, Ed Partyka, Ed Neumeister, Florian Ross, Bert Joris, Gretchen Parlato, Tony Malaby/Kris Davis and more
  • expert tutors who are active professionals and leaders in their fields
  • weekly improvisation classes
  • classes in jazz music business skills so you’re prepared for all aspects of your career
  • an excellent reputation abroad – we have alumni on full postgraduate scholarships at Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music and New England Conservatory.

Where can jazz take you?

Jazz is an extensive genre offering many and varied careers:

  • performer: solo, ensemble, orchestra, chamber
  • session musician
  • composer
  • conductor
  • concert manager
  • festival or venue manager
  • music journalist
  • music producer
  • music teacher

What are my study options with jazz?