For Performance Emphasis Candidates
Prerequisite Classical Qualifying Examinations
All jazz emphasis candidates are required to pass the respective performance major qualifying examination no later than the end of Term III of the sophomore year.
Jazz Emphasis in Performance Qualifying Examination
Following successful completion of the respective performance qualifying examination no later than the end of Term III of the sophomore year, all jazz emphasis candidates must pass the jazz emphasis qualifying examination no later than the conclusion of Term I in the junior year. The 30-minute exam will include:
1. Performance of the melody (by memory) and multi-chorus improvisations upon any of the 20 jazz department Tunes Of The Week
This repertoire will be addressed numerous ways in jazz classes, small groups, big bands, applied study, campus jam sessions, performances for hire and organized TOTW sessions at the end of each term. During the year preceding the qualifying exam, candidates must locate model professional recordings and play-along (Aebersold, etc.) versions of those 20 selections and establish a weekly personal regimen to study and practice the repertoire. While applied jazz instructors may incorporate these materials in the candidate's private study, it is the responsibility of the candidate to master the material over the course of the 3 terms and the summer preceding the JEQE.
2. Performance (with a student ensemble prepared in advance) of the melody (by memory) and multi-chorus improvisations upon 2 or 3 significant jazz works in varying styles.
3. Performance of technical material;
a. Memorized transcription performed with the original recording;
b. Improvisation over Major ii-V-I and Minor ii-V-i progressions in all keys (as found on Aebersold Vol. 3 tracks 1 & 4) demonstrating knowledge of chord-scale relationships, harmonic resolutions and bop/post bop vocabulary;
c. Technical studies assigned by the applied jazz studio instructor, for example:
Arpeggiations: Major, Minor, Dominant 7th, Mi7(b5) and diminished chords using all inversions (1357, 3571, 5713, 7135) up and down;
ii-V-I patterns in all keys (using bop language, chord substitutions, etc.);
Sequences in all keys;
Exercises based on pentatonics, augmented scale and upper structure triads/triadic relationships.
Jazz Emphasis Performance Juries
Because the jazz qualifying exam and the two degree recitals will occupy 3 of the candidate’s 6 terms in the jazz emphasis, no jazz performance juries will be required.
Jazz Emphasis in Performance Required Degree Recitals
All candidates must present a half-recital (a maximum of 30 minutes of music without intermission) during the junior year and a full recital (a maximum of 60 minutes of music, intermission permitted). Repertoire for both the half-recital and the full recital will be comprised of approximately 50-75% jazz and improvisational music and 25-50% classical solo and chamber music.
Students must consult with both classical and jazz instructors in planning recitals to ensure balanced lesson preparation in both styles. Recital material will be chosen by the jazz performance coordinator in consultation with the applied jazz studio teacher and applied classical studio teacher. In order to present a full jazz emphasis recital, students must have performed a jazz emphasis half-recital the previous year. The candidate’s applied jazz studio instructor and jazz department chair must approve required jazz degree recital dates before the candidate enters the recital lottery or sets a recital date. Jazz emphasis degree recitals are not permitted during weeks 7-10 of Term III or during any week preceding large jazz ensemble concerts and jazz small group recitals; candidates are urged to schedule junior recitals early in Term III and senior recitals early in Term II.
Jazz Emphasis in Performance Pre-Recital Approval
In order to be approved for public presentation, each jazz emphasis performance recital program must receive approval from either the jazz performance coordinator (for performance candidates) or the jazz composition & arranging coordinator (for writing skills candidates) no less than one month prior to the scheduled recital date. A typed copy of the program including all program selections and personnel must be presented. The attending faculty may elect to approve, disapprove or edit the recital for presentation. It is the joint responsibility of the student, the attending jazz faculty members and the studio teacher(s) to present these materials.
Jazz Emphasis Required Projects
Downbeat Magazine Student Music Awards Application:
By December 31st of the senior year, all candidates are required to submit an application and recording in the appropriate performance and/or writing categories to the annual Downbeat Magazine Student Music Awards.
Assembly of Self-Promotional CD and/or Website:
Over the course of the candidate’s two years in the jazz emphasis, a media project documenting the student’s jazz performances, compositions, arrangements and teaching/pedagogical demonstrations must be assembled. Candidates may choose to create an audio CD, audio/visual DVD, personal website or social media page containing significant recorded work by the candidate. The selected project(s) must be presented to the jazz and improvisational music faculty before the conclusion of the final term of study.
Bachelor of Musical Arts in Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation Degree Candidates
First Year Review
All BMA candidates are required to perform on a BMA recital Term III of their first year. Each candidate will perform a piece featuring improvisation in any style. The performance can be solo or accompanied.
Bachelor of Musical Arts Qualifying Examination
Following successful completion of the respective first year review, all BMA candidates must pass the BMA Qualifying Examination no later than the conclusion of Term III of the sophomore year. The exam will include two sections:
1. Performance of a piece with multi-chorus improvisations. Repertoire could include jazz, popular, bluegrass, and global music. The performance can be solo or accompanied.
2. Performance of an original composition in any style featuring improvisation.
The performance can be solo or accompanied.
Bachelor of Musical Arts Pre-Recital Approval
In order to be approved for public presentation, each BMA recital program must receive approval from a jury composed of BMA faculty and the studio instructor no less than one month prior to the schedule recital date. A PDF copy of the program including all program selections and personnel must be emailed to the BMA faculty. The attending faculty may elect to approve, disapprove, or edit the recital for presentation. It is the joint responsibility of the student, the attending BMA faculty members, and the studio instructor to present these materials.
Bachelor of Musical Arts Required Degree Recitals
All candidates must present a half-recital (a maximum of 30 minutes of music without intermission) during the junior year and a full-recital (a maximum of 60 minutes of music) during the senior year.
Bachelor of Musical Arts Required Projects
Downbeat Magazine Student Music Awards Application:
By December 31st of the senior year, all candidates are required to submit an application and recording in the appropriate performance and/or writing categories to the annual Downbeat Magazine Student Music Awards.
Assembly of Self-Promotional CD and/or Website:
Over the course of the candidate's four years in the BMA degree, a media project documenting the student's jazz performances, composition, arrangements, and teaching/pedagogical demonstrations must be assembled. Candidates may choose to create an audio CD, audio/visual DVD, personal website, or social media page containing significant recorded work by the candidate. The selected project(s) must be presented to the jazz and improvisational music faculty before the conclusion of the final term of the study.