We balance the development of technical skills with creativity and encourage the development of personal voice through contemporary performance practice and original compositions. Our students embrace a diversity of music genres including; world music, popular music, folk music, experimental music, electronica, crossover media, acapella and multimedia.
Study Jazz and Improvisation at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
Our students participate in a range of concerts, events and interactive projects, reflecting our commitment to music making in a broad range of musical styles and media.
Our Interactive Composition and Jazz and Improvisation students collaborate with each other and also with other students across the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music to develop arts projects in a variety of mediums and styles, while students from across the University can participate in our range of breadth programs.
Jazz and Improvisation courses
Our people
The course was five days a week, with a performance-based/practical subject pretty much every day, which was great. I would practise every day, and would rehearse with both small and large ensembles at least three days a week too. We also had great theory-based classes and so each day would bring a variety of different material to work on and practise, all relevant and related to each other.
Alex Czarnecki-RoperBachelor of Music, specialisation in Jazz & Improvisation
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Showcase
News
Student Q&Arts - Abi Lee
Diploma in Music and Bachelor of Science student Thien Pham wins $10,000 James Morrison Jazz Scholarship
Bells Make Me Sing: re-recording a Brian Brown classic to celebrate 40 years of Jazz and Improvisation
Conservatorium Events
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Melba Hall 17: Guitar Showcase
Monday 5 October 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pmThe much-loved Melba Hall Lunch Hour Concert Series returns for Semester 2 2026. Each week will feature a different instrument or area, performed by undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and facilitated by academic staff. Join us for an intimate ... -
Masters & Apprentices: the music of Kris Davis
Tuesday 6 October 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pmThe Jazz & Improvisation department celebrate the music of Canadian jazz pianist and composer, Kris Davis. This special project large ensemble features J&I third-year and Honours students alongside their director Andrea Keller. Previous directors have included Melissa Aldana (Chile/US... -
Composition Showcase: did you ever hear me?
Wednesday 7 October 2026 - All dayThe Composition 6 cohort presents: did you ever hear me? A showcase of new works exploring the inward and outward connections to people, music, and the stage. Come celebrate the premiere of six newly written and commissioned works in Hanson Dyer Hall as our composers - Darby Lee, Riley Hogan, Oli...