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Portland State University

Portland, OR

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program

Concentration

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

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

3.37

Avg GPA (W)

91%

Admit Rate

school-wide

53%

Grad Rate

13.2K

Enrollment

$58K

Earnings

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

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated 5h ago

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

Fall 2027 First-Year Application DeadlineAug 1, 2027

Fall 2027 Transfer Application DeadlineSep 1, 2027

Official Source

Program AppApplication

Apply

Acceptd

Fee

$35

Official Source

Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

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 sight-read, 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

Official Source

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

•Submit all materials and audition by Audition Weekend (February) for first-round scholarship consideration

•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.

Official Source

What's The Process

Audition Process

•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

•Attend Audition Weekend in person for scholarship consideration (February 7-8, 2026)

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

3.37

Avg GPA (W)

91%

Admit Rate

school-wide

53%

Grad Rate

13.2K

Enrollment

$58K

Earnings

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

Official source 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 5h ago