Program Length
- 2 Years
Credential
- Diploma
The Jazz Studies Diploma Program
Vancouver Island University has cancelled the Jazz Studies Diploma program effective May 23, 2024. The University will not offer any intakes for this new program, which was set to launch in Fall 2024. Further questions may be directed to the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, at Claire.Grogan@viu.ca
The Jazz Studies program will foster the acquisition of professional skills in a variety of performance genres. It will offer hands-on experience of group music-making through ensembles and promote skills in the fields of: music performance and its study; musical theory and composition; library and Internet research; theoretical and applied keyboarding; theoretical and applied computer technology, multi-track recording and film scoring; theoretical and applied sound recording; techniques and practices fundamental to the music and entertainment industries; music history in general and jazz history in particular; and music as a business.
The program is modular in structure. Students select Music elective courses on the basis of their musical needs, progressing from course module to course module and from year to year. The structure offers students considerable choice and flexibility in fulfilling program requirements. It is supportive of the development of primary musical skills, but flexible and adaptable, and conducive to effective use of space and time.
The program includes an academic component that requires home assignments, self-discipline and good time management skills. Becoming an accomplished musician requires practice, and students should be prepared to work long hours practicing their music.
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| MUSC 133 - (Language of Music I) | 3 |
| MUSC 134 - (Language of Music II) | 3 |
| MUSC 135 - (Musicianship I) | 1.5 |
| MUSC 136 - (Musicianship II) | 1.5 |
| MUSC 132 - (Music Appreciation: Ways of Listening) | 3 |
| MUSC 143 - (Keyboard I) | 1.5 |
| MUSC 144 - (Keyboard II) | 1.5 |
| MUSC 145 - (Private Music Instruction I) | 1 |
| MUSC 146 - (Private Music Instruction II) | 1 |
| MUSC 183 - (Small Ensemble I) | 1 |
| MUSC 184 - (Small Ensemble II) | 1 |
Select a minimum of three credits (one course) from the following list of Music Technology Electives:
MUSC 125 – (Music Notation and Score Preparation)
| 3 |
| Select a minimum of two credits (two courses) from the following list of Large Ensemble Electives: MUSC 153 - (VIU Singers I) MUSC 154 - (VIU Singers II) MUSC 155 - (Vocal Arts Choir I) MUSC 156 - (Vocal Arts Choir II) MUSC 173 - (Large Ensemble I) MUSC 174 - (Large Ensemble II) |
2 |
| Degree English Requirement | 6 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Year 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| MUSC 235 - (Musicianship III) | 1.5 |
| MUSC 236 - (Musicianship IV) | 1.5 |
| MUSC 233 - (Language of Music III) | 3 |
| MUSC 234 - (Language of Music IV) | 3 |
| MUSC 243 - (Keyboard III) | 1.5 |
| MUSC 244 - (Keyboard IV) | 1.5 |
| MUSC 245 - (Private Music Instruction III) | 1 |
| MUSC 246 - (Private Music Instruction IV) | 1 |
| MUSC 281 - (Music Knowledge and Application I) | 3 |
| MUSC 282 - (Music Knowledge and Application II) | 3 |
| MUSC 283 - (Small Ensemble III) | 1 |
| MUSC 284 - (Small Ensemble IV) | 1 |
Select a minimum of six credits (two courses) from the following list of Music Technology Electives: MUSC 125 – (Music Notation and Score Preparation) | 6 |
| Select a minimum of two credits (two courses) from the following list of Large Ensemble Electives: MUSC 253 - (VIU Singers III) MUSC 254 - (VIU Singers IV) MUSC 255 - (Vocal Arts Choir III) MUSC 256 - (Vocal Arts Choir IV) MUSC 273 - (Large Ensemble III) MUSC 274 - (Large Ensemble IV) |
2 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Total Credits | 60 |
- General admission requirements apply.
- English 12 with minimum “C".
- Successful audition to show musical competence or potential.
Notes on Admission
- Indigenous students can apply for reserve seats by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form.
- Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
- Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Seats in the program are offered as follows: first qualified applications are given first offers until all seats are filled.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees - 33 credits* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (33 credits x $169.73 per credit) | 5,601.09 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate yearly cost for books and supplies | 700.00 |
| Total | 7,159.93 |
* Students taking private music instruction courses should add additional tuition, Student Activity fees, and possibly Student Union fees. Please refer to the Private Tuition schedule.
The above table is based on 33 credits. Students taking more than, or less than, 33 credits should adjust the fee total accordingly.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees - 33 credits* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (33 credits x $815.77 per credit) | 26,920.41 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate yearly cost for books and supplies | 700.00 |
| Total | 28,479.25 |
* Students taking private music instruction courses should add additional tuition, Student Activity fees, and possibly Student Union fees. Please refer to the Private Tuition schedule.
The above table is based on 33 credits. Students taking more than, or less than, 33 credits should adjust the fee total accordingly.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
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Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.