At the same time students become more well-rounded through several courses associated with traditional Master of Music programs. Jazz Composition Studio Arranging Undergraduate degrees are available in performance and composition with Jazz Concentration. Theory Jazz History Applied Improvisation. The Jazz Orchestra, consistently recognized as one of the country's top collegiate jazz ensembles through their exceptional performances and interesting repetoire, has an impressive roster of guest artists, often in conjunction with the annual Longhorn Jazz Festival. Top students often have the opportunity to compose or arrange for masters such as Michael Brecker, Bobby Shew, or Gary Foster.
Additional jazz ensembles provide teaching opportunities for talented graduate students.
Teaching assistants currently provide instruction in improvisation, combos, jazz appreciation, and jazz ensembles. Many of the students admitted to the graduate program receive assistantships. These programs, coupled with the reasonable cost of tuition at UT Austin, make graduate study a bargain when compared to many other universities. The Austin music scene also provides a fertile place for students to explore their musical skills.