Journal of Jazz Studies

The Journal of Jazz Studies, an online, open-access journal published by the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University, announces plans for an upcoming special issue devoted to jazz music theory with Henry Martin and Keith Waters as guest editors. The predecessor of the JJS, The Annual Review of Jazz Studies, published an issue devoted to jazz music theory in 1996 (vol. 8). Our plan is to provide an overview of the state of the field and its evolution since 1996. In addition to state-of-the-field articles, we welcome theoretical or analytical essays on any topics relevant to jazz music theory. We expect the deadline for papers to be mid-2026. Please email Henry or Keith by January 15, 2026, if you are interested in submitting a paper or review, or if you have an idea for a special feature that we might consider. For papers and reviews, please provide a brief overview of aims as well as a proposed completion date.

martinh@newark.rutgers.edu and keith.waters@colorado.edu