Headshot of man smiling in pinstriped suit and dress shirt
Terell Stafford, Director of Jazz Studies and Laura H. Carnell Professor

Welcome from the Director

Welcome to the Jazz Studies Program at Temple University, offering students a myriad of opportunities to hone their craft and prepare for careers as professional musicians, educators, composers and arrangers. Temple offers a BM with instrumental vocal or composition concentration and a MM in Jazz Studies.

Jazz students have opportunities to participate in both large and small ensembles that provide a comprehensive performance experience as a soloist as well as ensemble playing for both instrumentalists and vocalists. The Temple University Jazz Band performs on campus and at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola in New York City each spring, and has been invited to at perform annual conferences including the Midwest Clinic and the Jazz Educator's Network. The TUJB has released seven recordings on the Temple's label, BCM&D Records.

In addition to hosting the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz festival each year on campus, Jazz Studies presents frequent master classes and guest performances by renowned artists and educators. Recent guests have included Vince Mendoza, Rodney Whitaker, Randy Brecker, Saximania, Matt Wilson, Vincent Herring, Joe Magnarelli, Ingrid Jensen, Mike Moreno, Warren Wolf, Gary Smulyan and Wyclilffe Gordon.

Boyer Jazz alumni can be found performing with eminent musicians, composing film scores, recording with major labels, and teaching jazz to students around the country.

Please take a moment to explore our degree programs, stellar faculty and ensemble opportunities.

Warm regards,
Terell Stafford