National Higher Professional Diploma in Music (DNSPM)
jazz and improvised music (level 6)
In initial training or continuing education
PLEASE NOTE: THIS COURSE IS OPEN BUT PENDING ACCREDITATION BY THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE (June 2026)
The DNSPM course offered at the CMDL enables students to:
Provide a working method that enables students to master instrumental technique and acquire a real artistic dimension.
Develop individual creativity and personal projects.
Acquire a knowledge of jazz culture and the styles that have emerged from it by consolidating rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic concepts (improvisation, interpretation).
Enable students to become autonomous and thus able to adapt to all professional situations.
The DNSPM program leads to the following diploma:
The DNSPM Jazz – Diplôme National Supérieur Professionnel de Musicien “Jazz et musiques improvisées” (National Higher Professional Diploma in Music “Jazz and Improvised Music”)
is a first-cycle higher education diploma listed in the national register of professional certifications at level 6 (Bac+3), recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Communication.
+ OPTION: the DE (State Diploma for Music Teachers) pending validation
If they choose to do so in their application, selected candidates may take the entrance exam for the DE program. If they pass, they will follow a complementary teaching program alongside the DNSPM program, leading to the DE diploma for music teachers.
The program lasts for three consecutive academic years (from September to June), divided into six semesters.
DNSPM students are enrolled in two institutions
- the CMDL, where he receives almost all of his instruction, three days a week
- the University of Évry Paris Saclay, where he attends classes one day a week (Wednesday)
The student attends classes at the CMDL and the University of Évry Paris-Saclay
The overall content of the program is evenly divided between practical, theoretical, cultural, and methodological instruction, and is organized as follows:
At the CMDL – 3 days a week
Instrument, sight-reading / Ear training / Rhythm / Harmony / Writing, composition, and arrangement / Jazz ensemble repertoire / Original repertoire ensemble / “Aesthetic” repertoire ensemble / Big band / Sound engineering / Studio / History of jazz / Knowledge of the professional environment / Master classes / Concerts / …
At the University of Evry Paris-Saclay – 1 day per week (Wednesday)
English and two musicology courses
For details of the curriculum, please refer to the information pack.
To sit for the DNSPM entrance examination in initial training, the candidate must:
- Either be able to provide proof of having followed an educational program preparing for entry into higher education institutions for artistic creation in the music specialty, delivered by an institution accredited to provide such training;
- Or hold the national diploma provided for in Article L. 216-2 of the Education Code, or a National Diploma of Professional Musical Orientation (DNOP), or a Diploma of Musical Studies (DEM), or a foreign diploma of an equivalent level.
- Comply with the age limit of 26 years (as of December 31 of the academic year of entry).
- Not have interrupted their studies for more than 2 years.
To sit for the DNSPM entrance examination in continuing education, the candidate must:
- Either be able to provide proof of having followed an educational program preparing for entry into higher education institutions for artistic creation in the music specialty, delivered by an institution accredited to provide such training;
- Or hold the national diploma provided for in Article L. 216-2 of the Education Code, or a National Diploma of Professional Musical Orientation (DNOP), or a Diploma of Musical Studies (DEM), or a foreign diploma of an equivalent level.
- Be a professional musician: you must justify at least 2 years of professional experience and 48 paid performances over the 2 years preceding the application for training funding from the relevant bodies.
- Have interrupted your studies for more than 2 years.
For candidates who do not meet the conditions set out in points 1 and 2, a request for exemption must be submitted at the time of registration for the entrance examination. The director of the institution will make a decision after consulting a committee composed of the academic directors.
ADMISSION TESTS
The selected candidate is invited to present themselves for the admission test on the date and time that will be published on the website at least 15 days in advance. The candidate must arrive 15 minutes before the time indicated on their summons. Any absence from the admission test is eliminatory.
Written tests
- Harmony test
- Writing test
- Dictation (melodic line and chords). The use of a tuning fork is recommended during this test.
These tests will be used to assess the candidates. They are not eliminatory.
Practical tests
Performance of an instrumental program consisting of:
- 1 free piece chosen by the jury from among the 2 works proposed by the candidate.
These works may be pieces from the repertoire, original compositions, or arrangements of repertoire pieces. The complete scores of the 2 works for the rhythm section (double bass, drums, and piano, plus a score for the jury) must be included in the application file. They must not exceed 2 pages each and must be written using music notation software.
- 1 piece chosen by the jury from the list of 10 compulsory pieces.
The candidate must know all of the pieces. They will be asked to perform one of them without sheet music.
The candidate will be accompanied exclusively by CMDL accompanists. They will not rehearse with the candidate. The total duration of the program must not exceed 12 minutes; the jury reserves the right to interrupt the candidate at any time.
An interview with the jury, focusing in particular on the study project.
list of assigned themes
Ask me know (Thelonious Monk)
Belharra (Jean Marie Ecay)
In love in vain (Jérôme Kern)
Lotus Blossom ( Kenny Dorham)
Ode to Saint-Cecilia (Mary-Lou Williams)
Ralph’s piano Waltz (John Abercrombie)
Speak no Evil (Wayne Shorter)
Till there was you (Meredith Wilson)
TGV (Louis Winsberg)
You’d be so nice to come home to (Cole Porter)
Download music scores HERE
List of documents to provide
FOR EVERY CANDIDATE
- Passport photo (approved format 35x45mm)
- Copy of both sides of your ID
- Curriculum Vitae, detailing your general education and previous musical experience (discipline, institution, year, level(s) achieved, awards obtained)
- Cover letter
- Links to view your video recordings (minimum trio): your interpretation of one of the ten set themes and a piece of your choice
- Sheet music for the two free pieces, for the rhythm section (double bass, drums, and piano, and two scores for the jury), written using music notation software (2 pages max.)
- An online payment of €80 will be requested at the end of the registration form to cover administrative costs.
Additional document for continuing education candidates
- Certificates from the employment center or entertainment industry for the last 4 years.
DEPENDING ON PARTICULAR CASES AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES
- BACCALAUREATE OR EQUIVALENT DIPLOMA
Expected completion in 2026:
- Copy of the certificate of enrollment from your institution for the current academic year
Baccalaureate or other qualification granting access to higher education obtained:
- Copy of the Baccalaureate or equivalent diploma
- Copy of the transcript of records
2. HIGHER EDUCATION
Higher education currently in progress:
- Copy of the most recent transcript of records
Previous higher education:
- Copy of the diploma obtained or the most recent transcript of records
3. MUSICAL STUDIES
Musical studies currently in progress:
- Copy of the certificate of enrollment from your conservatory or institution, including details of the courses taken
Previous musical studies:
- Copy of the DEM Jazz or DNOP Jazz, or certificate of enrollment in the CPES
- Copy of the certificate of completion or enrollment for all other musical training undertaken
FOR DE CANDIDATES
- Cover letter (your background related to teaching, the reason for your application to the DE, your professional project with regard to teaching, etc.)
- The information form for the DE entrance examination, duly completed.
FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
- Copy of foreign higher education entrance qualification (with certified translation)
- Copy of diploma or certificate for any foreign music degree
- Receipt of DAP application submitted to the university (foreign applicants outside the EEA only)
- Certificate of comparability for a degree obtained abroad issued by ENIC NARIC France
Regarding training costs
Initial training
The cost is broken down as follows:
- CMDL registration: €2,000
- University of Evry Paris-Saclay registration: +/- €175
- CVEC (student and campus contribution): +/- €105
That is approximately €2,280 per year.
Continuing education
The cost is broken down as follows:
- CMDL registration: €7,200
- University of Evry Paris-Saclay registration: +/- €175
- CVEC (Student and Campus Life Contribution): +/- €105
That’s about €7,480 per year.
About the scholarship
In initial training
Scholarships based on social criteria (BCS)
Aid is awarded based on three criteria: household income, the number of dependent children in the family, and distance from the place of study. For more information, simulations, and BCS scholarship applications, visit etudiant.gouv.fr Don’t wait for the exam results to assess your eligibility for a scholarship!
Emergency aid
The national emergency aid fund provides a rapid response to students in precarious situations. There are two types of specific assistance: one-off assistance for students experiencing temporary serious difficulties, or annual assistance for students experiencing long-term difficulties.
For more information, visit etudiant.gouv.fr
Continuing education
Various funding mechanisms for vocational training may be available.