Leeds Conservatoire's jazz degree was the first in the UK, and over the last 50 years we've become a leading authority in jazz across the UK and Europe.
Our course was the first Jazz degree to be established in Europe. Led by Programme Leader, Jamil Sheriff, and supported by a host of renowned jazz musicians, this highly collaborative curriculum will shape you into a forward-thinking, creative artist grounded in the tradition but with a hunger to take music to new dimensions.
Improvisation is the very essence of jazz, and a way of life at Leeds Conservatoire. We provide a uniquely supportive and collaborative space in which you can explore, experiment and create your own unique sound.
You’ll play with jazz musicians from all backgrounds, from raw talent to polished, and from progressive to purist. You’ll also benefit from working alongside students from other pathways, collaborating with producers, sound engineers, composers and entrepreneurs on your own independent projects.
As well as one-to-one tuition with experts in your specialism, you will form innovative ensembles, develop composition, musicology and critical listening skills, and receive expert advice and instruction from illustrious performers, composers and music industry professionals.
Recent guests have included Mark Turner, Clarence Penn, Nikki Iles, Maria Argiro, Leila Martial, Tim Garland, Champian Fulton, Aaron Parks and Eric Harland.
Graduates from Jazz degrees at Leeds Conservatoire have gone on to a wide variety of careers including Recording Artists, Band Leaders, Composers, and Performers. Find out more in our Alumni section.
“The environment of Leeds Conservatoire personifies what jazz education is about. Collaboration, trying something different and pushing yourself to be the best musician you can be.” – Matthew Richardson, Jazz graduate
Our 3 year BA (Hons) Music (Jazz) is designed for musicians who know they want to specialise in Jazz.
All Specialist Study and Specialist Group Study modules are Jazz focused, with the option to apply as either a Performer or Composer.
As with all our Jazz courses, studies in your specialist area will be supported by a broader curriculum designed to prepare you for your career in the Jazz industry.
If you know that conservatoire study is for you, but you don’t think that you’ll meet the academic or musical entry requirements, our four-year courses are an excellent opportunity to start studying your degree while you focus on your musical development.
An extra year of access to our creative and collaborative environment, excellent facilities, expert staff and rich performance opportunities will build your confidence as a conservatoire musician.
Jazz can also be taken as part of a Combined Honours degree.
We are the only UK conservatoire to offer this type of combined degree where you will study both areas of music throughout all three years.
You will take specialist study modules (e.g. your 1:1 tuition) in your first area and specialist group study (e.g. ensembles) in your second.
e.g. for Jazz with Popular, you would have 1:1 Jazz instrumental or vocal tuition and also be in a Pop band.
If you are interested in Jazz but would like to specialise in another genre, you can choose to take your Specialist Study modules (including 1:1 sessions where relevant) in one area, and your Specialist Group Study (including ensembles) in Jazz.
Each year of the course is structured into three distinct strands:
If you choose to study the 4 -year Jazz with Foundation Year programme, your first year will focus on developing your principal study through specialist one to-one tuition, and strengthening your music theory and academic skills, as well as your creativity and artistry.
You will also have access to a weekly programme of workshops and masterclasses, as well as regular individual tutorials with academic staff.
Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will automatically progress to year one on your chosen BA pathway
If you choose a Combined Honours programme (e.g. Jazz with Popular), your Specialist Study (e.g. one-to-one tuition) would be in Jazz and your Specialist Group Study (e.g. ensemble/band) would be in your second genre.
In addition to your principal instrument/voice, you can also choose to have additional 1:1 tuition in a second instrument/voice (for students at Grade 6 standard or higher in their second instrument/voice).
This is not part of your course, but there are a limited number of Instrumental, Vocal & Composition Bursaries available, or tuition can be arranged at additional cost.
96 UCAS tariff points from level 3 studies or equivalent, which normally include A Level Music or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a Music-related subject.
A minimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent international qualification, eg IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component).
64 UCAS tariff points from level 3 studies or equivalent, which normally include A Level Music or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a Music-related subject.
A minimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent international qualification, eg IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component).
Read our full entry requirements to see more detail on musical performance and theory standards.
Applicants will need to audition, interview and/or submit a portfolio of work.
Exact requirements vary depending on which programme you are applying for.
Find more detailed audition information for applicants.
Leeds Conservatoire does not charge audition fees for any Undergraduate or Postgraduate course.
Visit our Fees and Funding section to find out more about Fees & Funding for International Students.
If you are an international applicant, visit our dedicated International section of the website for information on:
Study Mode: Full Time
Apply via: UCAS Conservatoires (not Undergraduate)
UCAS Institution Code: L31
Validated by: University of Hull
Leeds Conservatoire plans to apply to the Office for Students for Degree Awarding Powers. If we are granted Degree Awarding Powers, your degree may be awarded by Leeds Conservatoire rather than validated by the University of Hull.
Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: 403F
Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours
Duration: 4 years
UCAS Course Code: W37F
Course Type: Undergraduate, Combined Honours
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: 303F
Course Key Information Document 2021/22
Course Type: Undergraduate, Combined Honours
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: 908F
Students at Leeds Conservatoire benefit from a great range of masterclasses and workshops with acclaimed Jazz musicians from across the globe.
In addition to the conservatoire’s own highly regards ensembles, including the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra and the Students’ Union Big Band, the opportunities to perform both inside and outside Leeds Conservatoire are unrivalled. Students can perform with staff at our regular B-Side nights and our bi-monthly jazz showcases Cut Throat and Undercurrent, join our jam sessions on Mondays, and work in collaboration with the BBC.
Leeds Conservatoire also has key relationships with Jazz Leeds Festival, the Village Jazz Festival (Chapel Allerton) and a number of jazz haunts across Leeds. Students find opportunities to take the stage at such venues as:
Recent guests have included Eddie Henderson, Ashley Henry, Mark Gulliana, Gretchen Parlato, Michael Dease, Stephen Nachmanovitch, Ingrid Jensen, Jason Brown, Michael Abene, Peter Bernstein, Ran Blake, Mark Turner, Aaron Parks, Melissa Aldana, Ellery Eskelin and John Stowell.
Image by Rob Blackham
Course Studied: BA (Hons) Music (Jazz)
Year of Graduation: 1995
Multi-instrumentalist Tori Freestone has performed at the forefront of the UK improvised music scene for over a decade as both a sidewoman and highly regarded bandleader.
Meet our alumni
Specialisms: Jazz Piano and Composition
Read more
“JazzLeeds love hearing jazz students studying at Leeds Conservatoire. Students have played at our festivals, our evening and Sunday afternoon gigs and as support slots to our international performances. We also have something called a ‘College Collection’ in April/May which features six bands comprising final year students.” – Steve Crocker, JazzLeeds
We have over 70 teaching rooms, practice rooms and bespoke ensemble rehearsal spaces that are all open until 3am. Our library and jazz archive contain over 10,000 CDs, 8,000 LPs and 18,000 items of printed music, and we’re an All-Steinway School, meaning that 95% of our pianos come from the Steinway family.
Find out moreFind out what it's like to study at Leeds Conservatoire by coming along to one of our Open Days.
As well as talks and tours specific to the courses you're interested in, you can also chat to our staff and students.
Plus, get immediate access to our On-Demand Open Day.
Open Days
Build confidence and skills, work with industry professionals and experience a taste of conservatoire education at our 2025 Summer Academy.
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Leeds Conservatoire is celebrating the second release of student and graduate produced music, via its production music label Quarry Music, plus associated commercial and professional placements.
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Clare Copley, Senior Occupational Therapist, has been recognised in the first Mental Health in Education Awards launched by the University Mental Health Advisers Network.
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Leeds Conservatoire's jazz department hosts a variety of events each month, showcasing the best up and coming improvisers the city has to offer. These include events within our building and across the city at various key jazz venues.
Additionally, Jazz Leeds and Leeds Jazz Festival also put on events in Leeds, contributing to the vibrant jazz scene throughout the city. See below for more
View Leeds Jazz Festival Events
View our Events
