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Graduate Diploma in Jazz

This conversion course offers intensive training in practical jazz skills for graduates who have a strong interest in jazz but have not received specialist jazz musicianship training or one-to-one tuition in jazz performance. Alongside the development of solid generic musical and academic skills, you will typically have undertaken some academic modules in jazz as part of your previous study, and will have participated in ensemble activities as a jazz performer.

The course aims to help you develop skills useable at a professional level through a combination of individual specialist tuition with a variety of tutors (40 hours in total), small group coaching, performance workshops, repertoire building and jazz musicianship. These practical activities are underpinned by a programme of academic work designed to develop contextual knowledge and skills. Modules include composition, analysis, contemporary issues and professional development. You will also be encouraged to take part in the broad programme

“There are an awful lot of musicians in London and there just aren’t the same opportunities. Birmingham provided a relaxed and supportive environment in which to get my playing and writing together, whilst studying on the Jazz course. There’s a good atmosphere.”

of practical elective activities offered by the Conservatoire. Large performing ensembles include the Conservatoire’s Big Band and Jazz Orchestra, and there are frequent performance opportunities for small groups in the Conservatoire’s lunchtime and evening concert series. In addition to acting as a useful stand-alone course for developing your professional skills, the Graduate Diploma in Jazz offers ideal preparation if you are looking to study jazz at postgraduate level, including on our PgCert or PgDip/MMus. A variety of assessment methods are used, including essays, seminars and performances.

Please note that, although you normally need to be a graduate to apply for this course, the Graduate Diploma in Jazz is classed as an undergraduate course and does not qualify for support from postgraduate funding bodies, such as the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).