The extensive curriculum in Jazz includes studies in Jazz Theory and Harmony, Keyboard, History, Performance Practice, and two years each of Improvisation, Composition, and Arranging. The program also includes private instrumental instruction and participation in McGill's three award-winning Jazz orchestras, the chamber jazz orchestra and twenty combos. Student combos perform regularly at a variety of local venues.

The McGill Jazz Orchestra I, under the direction of Gordon Foote, is the premier performing ensemble of the Jazz Studies Program. The band has performed in France, England, Ireland, Mexico, and throughout the United States and Canada. They have eight CD releases to their credit. The seventh Conundrum, was released in November, 2002 and the eighth, Ostinatocious, was released in Spring, 2005. Two recordings have made it to the list of top 10 recordings of the year in Cadence Magazine. Something Personal was number two on the list for 1998, and Sang-Froid was number three, for 2001.

Jazz Area Chair:
Kevin Dean

Faculty:
Kevin Dean, B.M.E.(Iowa), M.Mus.(Miami,Fla.)
Gordon Foote, B.Sc., M.A.(Minn.)
Jan Jarczyk, B.A., M.A.(Academy of Music, Cracow), Dip.(Berklee) -  website 
Joe Sullivan, B.A.(Ott.), M.Mus.(New England Cons.)
André White, B.A.(Concordia) M.Mus.(McG.)(on leave Winter 2008)

Jazz Bass:
Fraser Hollins
Brian Hurley
Daniel Lessard
Pierre Pépin
Alec Walkington

Jazz Combo Coordinator:
Donny Kennedy

Jazz Drums:
Jim Doxas
Dave Laing
Michel Lambert
Chris McCann
André White

Jazz Flute:
Dave Gossage

Jazz Guitar:
Greg Amirault
Greg Clayton
Mike Gauthier
Jon Gearey

Jazz Piano:
Steve Amirault
Jan Jarczyk
Jeffrey Johnston
Josh Rager
John Roney
André White

Jazz Saxophone:
Rémi Bolduc
Chet Doxas
Gordon Foote
Christine Jensen
André Leroux
Frank Lozano
Joel Miller
Dave Turner

Jazz Trombone:
Muhammad Abdul Al-Khabyyr
Jan Jarczyk

Jazz Trumpet:
Jocelyn Couture
Kevin Dean
Ron DiLauro
Bill Mahar
Joe Sullivan

Jazz Vibes:
Francois Stevenson

Jazz Voice:
Ranee Lee
Madeleine Thériault