Master’s Programme in Jazz Studies

Jazz Interpretation Department, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (HAMU)

Overview

The Master’s Programme in Jazz Studies at HAMU is a two-year, full-time course designed for advanced musicians seeking to refine their artistry and professional profile within the field of jazz. The programme develops students’ technical mastery, improvisational fluency, and creative individuality while cultivating the ability to conceive and realise their own artistic projects. Taught in English and embedded in Prague’s vibrant musical environment, the programme combines tradition and innovation — bridging instrumental expertise with contemporary approaches to performance, composition, and production.

Programme Goals

The aim of the programme is to prepare accomplished and versatile artists capable of engaging with jazz as both performers and creators. Students are encouraged to develop their artistic autonomy, stylistic versatility, and professional confidence. Core goals include:

• Advanced artistic development: Achieving mastery of jazz performance across genres, with strong emphasis on improvisation, ensemble interplay, and personal style.

• Creative and conceptual competence: Learning to design, organise, and present independent artistic projects such as concerts or recordings.

• Stylistic diversity: Exploring historical, modern, and contemporary jazz idioms through performance and analysis.

• Collaborative and leadership skills: Working effectively within ensembles and assuming leadership roles in artistic production.

• Professional readiness: Gaining the tools to manage artistic careers, develop projects, and engage with international audiences.

Through a balance of performance, theoretical study, and creative practice, the programme cultivates mature, self-reflective artists ready to shape their own paths in today’s jazz world.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum spans four semesters and integrates individual training, ensemble collaboration, theoretical inquiry, and project-based learning.

• Individual tuition: Weekly one-on-one lessons focus on advanced instrumental or vocal technique, stylistic development, and improvisational strategies tailored to each student’s goals.

• Ensemble performance: Participation in jazz combos and larger ensembles fosters musical communication, rhythm section interaction, and collective improvisation.

• Artistic project: Students conceive and execute a major project — typically a concert or recording — demonstrating artistic individuality, leadership, and professional-level production skills.

• Masterclasses and workshops: Regular sessions with renowned Czech and international jazz musicians expose students to diverse artistic approaches and professional insights.

• Theoretical and contextual study: Courses in jazz history, harmony, transcription, and improvisation theory support performance practice with analytical depth.

• Final examination: The degree concludes with a public concert and defence of a written reflection on the artistic project, demonstrating comprehensive understanding and creative maturity.

This structure allows students to evolve as independent artists who combine technical excellence with conceptual and practical skills.

Graduate Profile

Graduates of the Master’s in Jazz Studies programme demonstrate:

• Technical and interpretative mastery: Proficiency in instrumental or vocal performance with refined sound, phrasing, and stylistic awareness.

• Improvisational fluency: Ability to improvise confidently in diverse jazz idioms and integrate original ideas into performance.

• Creative independence: Capacity to design, organise, and realise artistic projects at a professional level.

• Collaborative competence: Experience working in ensembles and interdisciplinary contexts with flexibility and professionalism.

• Critical and reflective awareness: Ability to analyse repertoire, reflect on artistic choices, and situate their work within the broader jazz tradition.

• Professional adaptability: Skills to pursue careers as performers, educators, composers, and producers within an international context.

Graduates leave HAMU as expressive, confident, and innovative artists ready to contribute to the evolving landscape of jazz performance and education.

Why Choose HAMU?

HAMU provides a stimulating artistic environment that nurtures creativity, technical mastery, and professional development:

• Individual mentoring: Personal guidance from distinguished performers and educators active in the Czech and international jazz scenes.

• Vibrant performance culture: Opportunities to perform in student concerts, festivals, and Prague’s lively jazz clubs.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Access to creative exchange with students from composition, dance, and theatre departments.

• International dimension: English-taught courses attract a global student body, fostering intercultural dialogue and artistic diversity.

• Professional exposure: Workshops, masterclasses, and public performances with guest artists expand artistic perspective and career networks.

• Inspiring setting: Prague’s historic and contemporary music culture offers rich artistic inspiration and professional opportunities.

The combination of tradition, creativity, and professional practice makes HAMU’s Jazz Studies programme a unique platform for developing advanced jazz artistry.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a high level of technical proficiency, improvisational skill, and artistic vision. The admission process typically includes:

• Bachelor’s degree in jazz performance or a related field.

• Audition: Performance of selected repertoire illustrating instrumental or vocal mastery, improvisation, and stylistic versatility.

• Project proposal: Presentation of a concept for the final artistic project (concert or recording).

• Interview: Discussion of artistic aims, professional experience, and motivation for graduate study.

• English proficiency for international applicants.

The selection process identifies motivated, talented individuals ready for intensive professional training and creative growth.

Career Prospects

Graduates are prepared for dynamic and varied careers in the jazz and contemporary music sectors:

• Solo and ensemble performance: Concerts, festivals, and recordings at national and international levels.

• Band leadership and production: Directing ensembles, organising tours, and producing creative projects.

• Collaborative work: Participation in cross-genre and interdisciplinary projects with theatre, film, or dance.

• Music education: Teaching in conservatories, universities, and community music institutions.

• Composition and arrangement: Creating original works for ensembles, recordings, and multimedia contexts.

• Cultural entrepreneurship: Curating jazz events, managing artistic projects, and engaging in creative industries.

The programme equips graduates with artistic, managerial, and pedagogical competencies necessary for sustained professional success.

Conclusion

The Master’s Programme in Jazz Studies at HAMU offers a comprehensive platform for advanced artistic and professional development in the field of jazz. Through a combination of individual training, ensemble collaboration, theoretical exploration, and independent project work, students refine their artistry, expand their creative horizons, and acquire the practical tools for a vibrant international career. Rooted in Prague’s rich musical tradition yet oriented towards contemporary global practice, the programme nurtures artists who combine mastery, imagination, and individuality in every performance.