The Jazz Studies program is based on the African American jazz idiom as a language for learning but embraces a wide selection of musical styles which includes jazz, world music, Brazilian, Indian, free, electronic, popular, Latin and blues to name but a few styles.
The philosophy of the course is to offer a strong technical and musical foundation that allows the student to develop a personal 'voice' which is a result of their broad musical education and an awareness of their social and cultural being. Academically, there is a focus to learn research skills in performance, musicology and ethnomusicology, which can equate to further study in the postgraduate area.
Within the music undergraduate degree, students are also offered classes in jazz arranging/composition, ear training, improvisation materials, theory, instrument specific workshops, keyboard skills, Indian rhythms, Brazilian music (Choro-Samba), composition, performance workshop, stage band, world music ensemble and small ensembles.

In addition to leading his own trio, pianist/composer Russell Holmes is a veteran of the Perth scene, winning a WAMI award in 2001. His debut CD, One Evening, was followed by Fire and Rain on ABC Jazz. The Trio aims to explore the art and essence of the piano trio template of EST, Peterson, Mehldau, Jarrett and Hancock, with their own well-defined flavour and personality. Since their Melbourne debut for the MJC in 2990, the line-up now features young talents in Karl Florrison (bass) and Mike Perkins (drums). They will be playing original music from their current release Restless.