Siena Jazz (by Ministerial Decree D.M. November 10, 2011, No. 193) offers Higher Artistic Education qualifications for the award of the Bachelor’s Degree in:
- Electric Bass
- Jazz Guitar
- Jazz Double Bass
- Jazz Clarinet
- Jazz Saxophone
- Jazz Trumpet
- Jazz Trombone
- Jazz Piano
- Jazz Drums and Percussion
- Jazz Voice
Throughout the three-year program, students will have the opportunity to develop the necessary technical and theoretical skills to approach the jazz tradition repertoire, practiced both in small ensembles—such as combo classes—and in larger formations as the SJU Big Band.
Under the supervision of two instrumental music teachers — one focused on instrumental practice and the other on improvisation — a diverse and stimulating study path is designed. This provides students with the tools they need to become proficient performers and independent learners, focusing on reading, understanding, and performing jazz repertoire.
Additionally, the program emphasizes each student’s expressive needs, encouraging personal artistic exploration beyond jazz and aiming to interconnect various areas of interest to develop an artistic identity that reflects each musician’s uniqueness.
In addition to individual lessons, the curriculum includes theoretical courses such as: Harmony, Ear Training, Music Theory, Music History, Jazz History, Analysis of Composite Forms, Contemporary Rhythm, Improvisation Techniques, Music IT.
Students can also choose from elective subjects, for which preferences can be expressed at the beginning of the Academic Year. Courses are held in small groups to ensure accessibility and engagement for all students.
Course Organization
Courses follow a biweekly schedule with lessons held from Wednesday to Saturday, except in special cases (such as make-up classes or the SJU Stage events).
There are 16 sessions per Academic Year, ensuring a total of:
· 400 hours in the 1st year
· 384 hours in the 2nd and 3rd years
The study plan includes:
- 32 hours of individual musical instrument lessons
- 64 hours of ensemble music, where each teacher leads a group as ensemble leader
- 4 workshops (SJU Stages) with national and international musicians, each lasting 3 days. Participation in two SJU Stages counts as elective credit for 2nd- and 3rd-year students. First-year students may attend SJU Stages only if no elective courses are available due to scheduling conflicts with mandatory subjects.
Attendance is mandatory, and absences must not exceed 20% of total lesson hours.
Professional Profile and Career Opportunities
Earning the Bachelor’s Degree allows access to Master’s Degree courses, advanced training, and specialization programs. It also qualifies graduates for a range of professional roles in the music industry, such as:
- Music editor or reviewer for publishing companies ;
- Performer in small, medium, and large orchestral ensembles;
- Composer or arranger for small and medium-sized ensembles;
- Employment in public administration (the diploma is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree)
- Music teacher in non-professional schools;
- Music teacher in professional schools;
- Orchestra musician;
- Chamber music ensemble musician;
- Session musician in recording, radio, or television studios;
- Music director for television and radio networks;
- Music assistant in recording and post-production studios;
- Music editor or reviewer for publishing companies ;