Trained to become complete and versatile performers, jazz students develop in a profoundly human learning environment, as well as benefiting from highly personalized guidance.

Several members of the Faculty of Music’s jazz teaching staff are leading players on the Quebec, Canadian and international music scenes. Moreover, a good number of former students are now working in television and in jazz, as well as with well-known organizations and artists.

Students get the opportunity to explore a complete panorama of the repertoire, ranging from the jazz of the 1940s to the 1970s up to the so-called “fusion” music and “contemporary jazz” of the 1970s to today, not overlooking world rhythms and musics.

On the menu:

• Private instrument courses
• Ensemble music (Université de Montréal Big Band, jazz chamber orchestra, combos, jazz choir and jazz vocal ensemble)
• Recordings in a multitrack studio
• Improvisation workshop
• Jazz composition, arrangement, harmony and ear training
• Jazz history course
• Jazz harmony on the keyboard
• Workshops in world rhythms and musics

The brand new minor can be associated with other short programs offered at Université de Montréal, among them the new major in world music. This formula can lead to a bachelor’s degree by accumulating certificates.

The minor in jazz composition and arrangement can also constitute an entryway to the bachelor’s in jazz performance.

Under the direction of Ron Di Lauro, the Université de Montréal Big Band stands out through its eclecticism, its virtuosity and its dynamism, qualities that have enabled it to play alongside renowned soloists:

• Trumpeters Randy Brecker, Tim Hagans and Ingrid Jensen
• Saxophonists Chris Potter, David Liebman, Donny McCaslin, David Binney, Rémi Bolduc, Jean-Pierre Zanella and Samuel Blais
• Pianists Oliver Jones and Lorraine Desmarais
• Double bassist Dave Holland
• Bassist Alain Caron
• Composers Michel Legrand, Maria Schneider, Michael Abene and Pierre Bertrand
• Singers Carol Welsman and Ranee Lee

Thanks to the support of generous donors, the Faculty of Music prides itself on offering a wide range of scholarships as a means of helping students succeed.

Among these may be mentioned the Sophie Desmarais scholarships in support of the Université de Montréal Big Band, awarded to new students in jazz performance who distinguish themselves at the Faculty’s admission auditions.

Also, the Dr. Stephen and Susan Fichman Awards in jazz each year recognize the best jazz performance and the best jazz composition.

Découvrez la playlist YouTube #Jazz de la Faculté de musique