The Mason Jazz Studies Department combines performance, curriculum and service to support House Resolution 57 which states jazz is “hereby designated as a rare and valuable national American treasure.”
The Mason Jazz Studies program (instrumental and vocal) offers opportunities for improvisation, performance, recording, writing, leadership and service. Our ensembles have performed at places such as:
- Umbria Jazz Festival (Italy)
- Shanghai Concert Hall (Beijing, China)
- Center for the Arts
- Hylton Performing Arts Center
- Virginia Music Educators Association Conference
- Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
- Blues Alley
- Kansas City Jazz Summit
- Jazz Education Network Conferences
- University of Trinidad and Tobago
Our students have won “Outstanding Ensemble” accolades, military band positions and DownBeat Student Music Awards.
A high point of students' time at George Mason University is Jazz4Justice™, a truly unique event where attorneys, judges, students and members of the Northern Virginia community gather to celebrate their love of jazz. Proceeds from the evening benefit Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV) to continue its mission of service to the Northern Virginia community as well as providing financial support for the Mason Jazz Studies department for scholarships, trips, recordings and student projects.
Our students and community members have the benefit of attending master classes with world-class musicians throughout the year. Past artists include Maria Schneider, Christian McBride, Branford Marsalis, Jeff Hamilton, Eric Alexander, Sean Jones, Peter Erskine, Doc Severinsen, Peter Bernstein, Warren Wolf, Cyrus Chestnut, Byron Stripling, Bobby Floyd,Bria Skonberg, Pat Bianchi and more.
Jazz Degrees
- Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies (instrumental and vocal)
- Master of Music in Jazz Studies (instrumental and vocal)
- Doctor of Musical Arts (Jazz Emphasis)
- Minor
Find out more about degree programs.
Jazz Ensembles
Each year, this non-competitive event takes place on the George Mason campus and is open to middle school, high school, collegiate, and community jazz ensembles,
George Mason Jazz Camp
Learn more about the summer George Mason Jazz Camp workshop for musicians age-14 and up (instrumental and vocal) of all levels, with a desire to advance their musical artistry and professionalism.
In July of 2025, George Mason University Jazz Combo, performed before hundreds of festival goers at the world-renowned Umbria Jazz Festival, in the hilltown of Perugia, Italy.
Nareg Boghosian graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies in May 2025. Nareg studied Jazz Guitar under the tutelage of Dr. Shawn Purcell. While at George Mason University, Nareg performed with the Mason Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Workshop, Jazz Combos, Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble and Braddock Road Brass Band. Nareg won a position with the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America and will be stationed at Scott Air Force Base, St. Louis, Missouri.