BA - The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music

The Bachelor of Arts in Global Jazz Studies encourages students to think globally about the capacity of jazz to transform the musical and political worlds it engages, while building upon UCLA’s strong jazz studies and world music foundation. Designed for students seeking careers as jazz performers, producers, teachers, and/or jazz scholars, coursework includes scholarly courses on the history and culture of jazz, studio instruction, participation in jazz and world music ensembles, and courses in music theory, musical structure and instrumentation, improvisation, expression, composition, and arranging. The major is interdisciplinary, drawing from various areas across the school of music as well as UCLA’s African American Studies department.

Album Drop: "Spring" by Tamir Hendelman
The new album by jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman and vocalist Lauren Sutton has been praised for reminding listeners that “jazz at its finest often resides in simplicity: two musicians,one piano,...
Jazz Without Borders: Salim Washington on Cultural Exchange with Cuba
Salim Washington, professor and chair of global jazz studies, is working to expand opportunities for students to experience the truly global nature of jazz.
Freedom Melody Concert Caps Steve Dyer Residency
Steve Dyer, the South African multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer, visited The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music the week of October 27 with his quartet Aaron Rimbui (piano), Jimmy Mngwandi...
A Concert That Asks the Audience to Listen to Their Voices, and Others
Forty years after the African music festival Freedom Melody challenged apartheid, an artist brings the songs of resistance and humanity to the stage On Wednesday, October 29, The UCLA Herb...
2025-26 Season Brings Exciting Programming to Los Angeles and Beyond
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music’s 2025–26 season offers something for everyone, with over 200 public concerts, recitals and panel discussions at UCLA and throughout the community. True to...
Alumnus Publishes Study on Health Benefits of Mindful Jazz Listening
Ethnomusicology alum Sean Young worked in the music industry before earning a Ph.D in Psychology from Stanford University. Now a professor at UC Irvine, Young has published a controlled study...
May 17 Sun
4:00pm
Free
jazz
Spring Jazzfest, Concert 1
The concert centers artist-driven expression, bringing together a compelling lineup that reflects the depth and breadth of contemporary jazz. The Gluck Jazz Combo, directed by Duane Benjamin, foregrounds expressive improvisation...
Schoenberg Hall Learn More
May 18 Mon
7:00pm
Free
jazz
Spring Jazzfest, Concert 2
Day two of the festival continues to spotlight artist-driven expression, featuring a vibrant cross-section of ensembles that emphasize individuality, collaboration, and creative range. The Clayton Cameron Combo, led by Clayton...
Schoenberg Hall Learn More
May 19 Tue
7:00pm
Free
jazz
Spring Jazzfest, Concert 3
The festival’s final day brings a forward-looking celebration of innovation, collaboration, and artistic voice across a diverse set of ensembles. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz represents the next generation...
Schoenberg Hall Learn More

Explore Our Degrees

Conducting
Graduate study and training in choral, orchestral, or wind conducting...
Ethnomusicology
The study of global musical traditions through performance training, research, and field work...
Global Jazz Studies
Jazz performance and musicianship courses are paired with African American Studies...
Music Composition
Mentorship in the creation and realization of music for concerts, opera, and visual media...
Music Education
Preparation for music educators leading to a BA and teaching credential in just four years...
Music Industry
A leadership-focused professional degree which prepares students to transform the creative, entrepreneurial, and executive structures of the music industry...
Musicology
The scholarly study of the histories, cultures, and critical interpretations of music and music-making...
Music Performance
Study and training towards professional performance careers in Western classical music...