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Portland State University

Portland, OR

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Composition & music studies

Music performance

Theatre

Music education

Music technology

Quick links

BM Jazz Studies

Instrumental Jazz

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

All-Steinway School designation

PSU is a nationally recognized College of Distinction

Training

Instrumental Jazz is the selected emphasis within the BM Jazz Studies curriculum

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies in the heart of Portland's thriving jazz scene

Study improvisation, repertoire, and the jazz language with faculty including George Colligan, Darrell Grant, and Sherry Alves

Participation in a large jazz ensemble required from the first year; small combos strongly encouraged

Frequent on-campus concerts and local Portland gigs, often performing alongside faculty

Jazz instrumentalists begin large-ensemble participation in the first year and are strongly encouraged to add a small group.

Instrumental improvisers take one-on-one applied lessons and study repertoire, theory, improvisation, and jazz language.

Location

Located in the heart of Portland's performing arts district, steps from the Oregon Symphony

Supportive, non-competitive community atmosphere

Weekly studio classes for peer performance and feedback

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.37

Admit rate

91%

school-wide

Grad rate

53%

Enrollment

13.2K

Earnings

$58K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$12,999

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$34,599

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$32,199

Before aid

Average net price

$9,552

After aid

Cost Attendance · pdx.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 7, 8:06 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

All-Steinway School designation

PSU is a nationally recognized College of Distinction

Training

Instrumental Jazz is the selected emphasis within the BM Jazz Studies curriculum

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies in the heart of Portland's thriving jazz scene

Study improvisation, repertoire, and the jazz language with faculty including George Colligan, Darrell Grant, and Sherry Alves

Participation in a large jazz ensemble required from the first year; small combos strongly encouraged

Frequent on-campus concerts and local Portland gigs, often performing alongside faculty

Jazz instrumentalists begin large-ensemble participation in the first year and are strongly encouraged to add a small group.

Instrumental improvisers take one-on-one applied lessons and study repertoire, theory, improvisation, and jazz language.

Location

Located in the heart of Portland's performing arts district, steps from the Oregon Symphony

Supportive, non-competitive community atmosphere

Weekly studio classes for peer performance and feedback

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

All-Steinway School designation

PSU is a nationally recognized College of Distinction

Training

Instrumental Jazz is the selected emphasis within the BM Jazz Studies curriculum

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies in the heart of Portland's thriving jazz scene

Study improvisation, repertoire, and the jazz language with faculty including George Colligan, Darrell Grant, and Sherry Alves

Participation in a large jazz ensemble required from the first year; small combos strongly encouraged

Frequent on-campus concerts and local Portland gigs, often performing alongside faculty

Jazz instrumentalists begin large-ensemble participation in the first year and are strongly encouraged to add a small group.

Instrumental improvisers take one-on-one applied lessons and study repertoire, theory, improvisation, and jazz language.

Location

Located in the heart of Portland's performing arts district, steps from the Oregon Symphony

Supportive, non-competitive community atmosphere

Weekly studio classes for peer performance and feedback

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website Common App Coalition App

Fee

$60

Opens

Aug 1, 2026

Deadline

Fall 2027 Priority DeadlineMar 1, 2027

First-year applicants

Fall 2027 First-Year Application DeadlineAug 1, 2027

Transfer applicants

Fall 2027 Transfer Application DeadlineSep 1, 2027

Deadlines · pdx.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The audition may be submitted before the university application.

Apply

Acceptd

Fee

$35

Auditions

Priority Scholarship Consideration DeadlineFeb 8, 2027

In-person audition by appointment (rolling)

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Recorded audition submission (rolling)Rolling

Music Auditions · pdx.edu

Audition Requirements

Repertoire

Three contrasting pieces from the standard jazz repertoire (different tempos, rhythmic styles, and moods), demonstrating jazz phrasing and improvisational ability

A medium or up-tempo swing jazz standard (e.g., All the Things You Are, Autumn Leaves, Solar)

A ballad (e.g., My One and Only Love, In a Sentimental Mood, Blue in Green)

A blues (e.g., Straight No Chaser, Mr. P.C., Now's the Time, All Blues)

Perform with the faculty rhythm section or a recorded rhythm section

Scales & Technique

You may be asked to play major and minor scales in all keys or demonstrate ii-V-I patterns

Drummers will demonstrate various grooves and tempos including swing, Latin, samba, funk, and ballad styles

View · drive.google.com

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to PSU via Common App or school website

Submit a secondary application to the School of Music & Theater via Acceptd

Rolling admission — students can apply at any time up until the start of first term

Apply to both PSU and the School of Music & Theater before scheduling an audition appointment

Music theory and aural-skills placement may be assessed at orientation for course placement only — it does not affect admission

Transfer Pathway

PSU publishes a Music Transfer Advising Guide with direct core-music and Jazz Studies course equivalencies from regional community colleges. Jazz Studies transfer students should coordinate early with the area adviser because the sequence and entrance audition affect placement and time to degree.

Music Transfer Guide · pdx.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

Schedule an in-person audition by appointment with the appropriate area coordinator; appointments are available year-round with limited summer availability

Alternatively, submit an unedited video recording with the music application

Apply and audition by the priority scholarship deadline for scholarship consideration

Upload an unedited recorded audition with your Acceptd application, or audition in person (live auditions suggested)

Faculty accept or decline students and recommend the appropriate degree (BM Jazz, BA/BS, Minor) at the audition

Audition Expectations

Sight-reading may be requested

Contact

Jazz Area Coordinator: George Colligan

Jazz Voice Area Coordinator: Sherry Alves

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

Over 150 music scholarships totaling more than $400,000

Awards range from $1,500 to full tuition

Available for both in-state and out-of-state music majors

Students accepted to the School of Music & Theater are automatically considered

Scholarship Timeline

Must submit all application materials and audition by Audition Weekend (or earlier) for first-round awards

Complete FAFSA and PSU Scholarship Universe application

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.37

Admit rate

91%

school-wide

Grad rate

53%

Enrollment

13.2K

Earnings

$58K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$12,999

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$34,599

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$32,199

Before aid

Average net price

$9,552

After aid

Cost Attendance · pdx.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

All-Steinway School designation

PSU is a nationally recognized College of Distinction

Training

Instrumental Jazz is the selected emphasis within the BM Jazz Studies curriculum

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies in the heart of Portland's thriving jazz scene

Study improvisation, repertoire, and the jazz language with faculty including George Colligan, Darrell Grant, and Sherry Alves

Participation in a large jazz ensemble required from the first year; small combos strongly encouraged

Frequent on-campus concerts and local Portland gigs, often performing alongside faculty

Jazz instrumentalists begin large-ensemble participation in the first year and are strongly encouraged to add a small group.

Instrumental improvisers take one-on-one applied lessons and study repertoire, theory, improvisation, and jazz language.

Location

Located in the heart of Portland's performing arts district, steps from the Oregon Symphony

Supportive, non-competitive community atmosphere

Weekly studio classes for peer performance and feedback

Updated Sep 7, 8:06 PM