Current
Students - B.M. in Jazz Studies
BM in Jazz Studies Term Planner
Undergraduate Repertoire List
Jazz Juries
Undergraduate Performance Barriers
Barrier Criteria
Sophomore
Performance Barrier
Junior Performance Barrier
Junior Arranging Barrier
Senior
Recital Guidelines
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies
Term Planner
(Jazz courses in red)
Freshman Year
Fall Winter Spring
Music in World Cultures 4 *Writing 121 4 Wr 122/23 4
Music Theory I 2 Music Theory II 2 Music Theory III 2
Aural Skills I 2 Aural Skills II 2 Aural Skills III 2
Keyboard Skills I 1 Keyboard Skills I 1 Keyboard Skills I 1 Guided Listening (opt.) 1 Guided Listening (opt.) 1
Jz Ensemble (opt.) 1 Jz Ensemble (opt.) 1 Jz Ensemble (opt.) 1
Jz Perf. Lab I 2 Jz Perf. Lab I 2 Jz Perf. Lab I 2
Jazz Perf. Study 2 Jazz Perf. Study 2 Jazz Perf. Study 2
Classical Ensemble 1/2 Classical Ensemble 1/2 Classical Ensemble 1/2
Classical Perf. Study 2 Classical Perf. Study 2 Classical Perf. Study 2
16/17 16/17 16/17
*Writing 121 must be completed in the 1st academic year.
Sophomore Year Fall Winter Spring
Gen. Studies #1 4
Music Theory IV 2 Music Theory V 2 Music Theory VI 2
Survey of Music History 4 Survey of Music History 4 Survey of Music History 4
Jz Ensemble 1 Jz Ensemble 1 Jz Ensemble 1
Func. Jz. Pno I 2 Func. Jz. Pno II 2
Jazz Theory 2 Jz. Improv. I 2 Jz. Improv. II 2
Jazz Perf. Study 2 Jazz Perf. Study 2 Jazz Perf. Study 2
Classical Perf. Study 2 Classical Perf. Study 2 Classical Perf. Study 2
17 15 15
Junior Year
Fall Winter Spring Gen. Studies #2 4 Gen. Studies #4 4 Gen. Studies #5 4
Gen. Studies #3 4 Jazz History 4 Gen. Studies #6 4
Jz Ensemble 2 Jz Ensemble 2 Jz Ensemble 2
Jz. Repertoire I 3 Jz. Repertoire II 3 Jz. Repertoire III 3
Jz. Arranging I 3 Jz. Arranging II 3 Jz. Arranging III 3
16 16 16
Senior Year
Fall Winter Spring
Electives 6 Electives 6 Electives 8
Gen. Studies #7 4 Gen. Studies #8 4 Recital 0
Adv Jz. Rep I or Adv Jz. Rep II or Adv Jz. Rep III or
Adv Jz. Ar I 3 Adv Jz. Ar II 3 Adv Jz. Ar III 3
Jz Ensemble 2 Jz Ensemble 2 Jz Ensemble 2
15 15 13
Jazz Studies Repertoire List
University of Oregon
Songs on the Jazz Studies Repertoire List are required to be performed by memory including the melody and improvised choruses over the chord changes. You are strongly encouraged to learn these songs by listening to the original artists and recordings when possible. All songs may be found on Jamey Aebersold play-alongs for practice purposes.
Freshman Year
Impressions (modal) - Dmi
Maiden Voyage (modal) - D7sus
Mr. PC (minor blues) - Cmi
Billie's Bounce (major blues) - F
Oleo (rhythm changes) - Bb
Autumn Leaves (standard) - Gmi
What's New (ballad) - C
Lady Bird (jazz classic) - C
Blues Bossa (jazz classic) - Cmi
Sophomore Year
All Blues (modal 6/8 blues) - G
Witch Hunt (modal) - Cmi
Tenor Madness (major blues) - Bb
Birk's Works (minor blues) - Fmi or Gmi
Scrapple From the Apple (jazz classic) - F
Out of Nowhere (standard) - G
Misty/I Want to Talk About You (ballad) - Eb
Alone Together (standard) - Dmi
Solar (jazz classic) - Cmi
Junior Year
Four (jazz classic) - Eb
Green Dolphin Street (standard) - C and Eb
What is This Thing Called Love (standard) - Cmi
Caravan (jazz classic) - Fmi
Invitation (standard) - Cmi
Body and Soul (standard) - Db
Stella By Starlight (standard) - Bb
It's You or No One (standard) - F
Lazy Bird (jazz classic) - G
Moment's Notice (jazz classic) - Eb
Once I Loved (standard) - F
All The Things You Are (standard) - Ab
Jazz Juries
A performance jury of 10 - 15 minutes is required of all jazz studies majors at the end of Fall and Spring terms.
Transcriptions: You are expected to prepare and perform one extended solo each term. These transcriptions are to be performed by memory w/recording (supplied by the the student).
Performance: You will be asked to supply the jury with standard repertoire studied and prepared for performance over the term. The jury will select one or two selections for performance from your list. Be prepared to play common intros, endings, and to improvise over the song form with or without accompaniment. All repertoire must be performed by memory.
Jazz Juries for Drummers
Transcriptions: You are expected to prepare and perform one extended solo or ensemble passage per term. These transcriptions are to be memorized.
Performance: You will be asked to supply the jury with standard repertoire studied and prepared for performance over the term. The jury will select one or two selections for performance from your list. Be prepared to play common intros, endings, and to improvise over the song form.
Grooves: You are expected to prepare and perform 4 new grooves per term. These are to be performed w/recording (supplied by the student). The goal is to play these spot on...with every gesture in place (accents, dynamics, etc.). A suggested list of grooves listed term by term follows:
Freshman Year Sophomore Year
Fall Term Fall Term
Slow Swing Scofield #2
Moderate Swing #1 Moderate Samba
Slow Samba Moderate Ballad
Straight 8th Feel #1 Moderate Waltz
Ballad #1 Moderate - Up Swing #1
Winter Term Winter Term
Scofield #1 Moderate - Up Swing #2
Slow Waltz
Reggae
Moderate 2 - Beat Up - Tempo Swing #2
Dixieland Moderate Waltz #2
Shuffle #1 & #2 Scofield #3
Spring Term Spring Term
Fast 2 - Beat ECM Waltz
Mozambique Up - Tempo Swing #3
2nd Line #1 & #2 Disco
Bossa 12/8 Swing
Up-Tempo Swing #1
Slow Swing Ballad
Undergraduate Performance Barriers
Jazz Performance Barriers are held at the end of Sophomore and Junior years and used as check points for continued study in the B.M. in Jazz Studies degree program. Barrier exams are approximately 40 minutes in length.
NOTE: Memorization and successful performance of Freshman Year repertoire (See Jazz Studies Repertoire List) is required of all students before study at the MUP 200 level. Additional proficiencies for advancement to the 200 level may be required by the individual studio.
Barrier Criteria
The following criteria are used to determine if a student passes their barriers:
1) Performance at the Barrier Exam
a. Checklist of factors
i. Time/Feel
1. Strong 8th note feel
2. Articulations and accents
3. Steady/internalized time
ii. Sound/Range/Technique
1. Characteristic jazz sound
2. Comfort in playing in typical instrumental ranges
3. Proper instrumental technique
4. Good pitch
iii. Performance of melodies
1. Reference to recorded presentations of such by jazz artists
2. "Artistic" presentation of melodies
iv. Ease of use of jazz vocabulary
v. Comfort w/ performance of a variety of tempos/feels
1. Ballads
2. Moderate tempos/2 beats
3. Up tempos
4. Swing and straight 8th feels
vi. Ability to highlight harmonic motion
1. V7 (b9) to Is
2. Turnarounds
3. Mode changes
b. Checkilist of non-factors
i. Student dress
2) Student progress prior to the barrier
3) Student's work ethic - commitment to studio and classroom instruction
4) Potential of the student to meet future degree requirements
Sophomore Performance Barrier
The Sophomore Performance Barrier (SPB) is a checkpoint for students wishing to take upper division courses in jazz studies and must be passed in order to do so. Proficiency is tested for in the following areas as covered in the Jazz Core Curriculum:
Sophomore Performance Barrier Elements
a) Scales/Arpeggios/Patterns - on your primary instrument (waived w/ completion of MUJ 182)
b) Jazz Theory - written exam based upon core course materials
c) Jazz Piano - comp through a standard chord progression by sight at a moderate tempo using left-hand bass and two-note right-hand guide tone voicings
d) Jazz Repertoire* - memorization and performance of Freshman and Sophomore Year repertoire (See Repertoire Lists (above))
e) Sight-Reading* - You will be required to read written lines, comp or walk bass lines (if applicable), and improvise over chord changes at sight.
*Drummers repertoire and sight-reading requirements are as follows:
Grooves - perform 24 grooves by memory with recording.
Sight-Reading - You are expected to sight-read big band charts with appropriate kicks and set-ups, feel changes, etc.
Repertoire - You will required to supply the jury with standard repertoire studied and prepared for performance throughout your freshmand and sophomore years. Be prepared to play common intros, endings, and to improvise over the song form referencing the melody.
Playing Tempos - You are expected to develop the stamina to perform fast tempos over an extended period of time
NOTE:
1) Element a) of the SPB is waived with successful completion of MUJ 182 (Jazz Performance Lab III)
2) All elements of the SPB must be passed before a student may register for Jazz Repertoire I. 3) Elements a), b), and c) of the SPB must be passed prior to registering for Jazz Arranging I.
The SPB is typically taken at the end of the student's sophomore year (spring term) or immediately prior to fall term of the junior year. See the Jazz Calendar for specific dates.
Junior Performance Barrier
The Junior Performance Barrier (JPB) is used to check for skills necessary to complete final coursework in the B.M. in Jazz Studies degree program. Proficiency is tested for in the following areas:
Junior Performance Barrier Elements
a) Jazz Theory - written exam based upon core and junior level course materials
b) Jazz Piano - comp through a standard chord progression by sight at a moderate tempo using left-hand bass and three-note right-hand voicings
c) Jazz Repertoire* - memorization and performance of Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior Year repertoire (See Repertoire Lists (above))
d) Sight-Reading* - perform notated music and improvise over chord changes at sight
*Drummers repertoire and sight-reading requirements are as follows:
Transcriptions - You will be asked to paly all transcriptions studied throughout your junior year with recordings (supplied by the student).
Sight-Reading - You are expected to sight-read big band charts with appropriate kicks and set-ups, feel changes, etc.
Repertoire - You will required to supply the jury with standard repertoire studied and prepared for performance throughout your freshmand, sophomore, and junior years. Be prepared to play common intros, endings, and to improvise over the song form referencing the melody.
Playing Tempos - You are expected to develop the stamina to perform fast tempos over an extended period of time
NOTE:
1) Elements a), b), c), and d) of the Junior Performance Barrier (JPB) must be passed before a student may register for Advanced Jazz Repertoire I or give their Senior Recital.
2) Elements a) and b) and the Junior Arranging Barrier must be passed before a student may register for Advanced Jazz Arranging I
The JPB is typically taken at the end of the student's junior year (spring term) or immediately prior to fall term of the senior year. See the Jazz Calendar for specific dates.
Junior Arranging Barrier
In addition to passing parts a) and b) of the Junior Performance Barrier, students wishing to take the advanced arranging course sequence (MUJ 483/484/485) as seniors must submit transposed scores, parts, and recordings for a large and small jazz ensemble piece that demonstrate the following skills:
a) Proper formating of scores and parts (transposed)
- Score and part layout (rehearsal numbers, repeats, etc.)
- Proper rhythm section notation
- Appropriate use of dynamics and articulation
b) Solid orchestration
- Idiomatic writing for each instrument
- Effective use of
c) Understanding of scale/chord relationships and common functional harmonic progresssions
d) Rhythmic writing appropraite to the style
e) Ability to embellish/compose melodies and motives
f) Use of common formal components (intros, transitions, development sections, codas, etc.)
g) Common writing/voicing techniques
- One-part techniques
a. Unison writing
b. Dovetailing of phrases
- Two-part techniques
a. Melodic couplings
b. Counterpoint
- Block voicing technique
a. Close & drop 2 voicings
b. Soli style approach chord techniques
c. For solis and full ensemble
h) Solo backgrounds that assist phrasing and compliment the solo section
i) Presence of the "X Factor"
- Overall effectiveness of the arrangement
a. strong pacing and shape
b. ability to convey emotion/gesture
- Artistry
Senior Recital Guidelines
NOTE: Both Sophomore and Junior Performance Barriers must be successfully completed before a Senior Recital is given.
General Information
Content
Your recital should be a musical showcase of your study at the U.O. and of your creativity. As a part of your recital, you will be asked to demonstrate certain idiomatic elements through performance of standard jazz literature (i.e. the ability to improvise at a fast tempo, make complex chord changes, demonstrate rhythmic variety while improvising, etc.). The remainder of the recital should serve to highlight your best work as a musician.
You are the Star
Your recital is a showcase of YOUR talents, not the other members of the ensemble. Pieces should serve to feature you. Avoid too many solos by other group members.
Length of the Recital
1 hour at the minimum, 1 1/2 hours at the maximum.
Your Ensemble
It is your job to line up the musicians that will be accompanying you on your recital. Choose your ensemble(s) carefully! You need to have musicians around you who are accomplished enough to perform convincingly in the style in which you are playing. It may be necessary to hire professionals in certain roles.
Timetable of Events
In order for your recital to go smoothly it is important that you observe the following timetable and meet deadlines. Failure to do so may result in a delay or cancellation of your recital. A typical timetable of events follows:
Spring Term (One year before the recital) - Initial Recital Program Meeting
Fall Term - Submit Pre-Recital/Recital Schedule to Jazz Studies Committee for approval, revise Recital Program in consultation with faculty advisor
Winter Term - Submit Recital dates to School of Music scheduler for approval; submit Final Recital Program for approval; perform Pre-Recital Hearing
Spring Term - Senior Recital
Initial Recital Program Meeting (One year in advance of recital)
You must set up a meeting with the Director of Jazz Studies to present a completed written proposal for your recital a minimum of two terms prior to the recital itself. Your proposal needs to include:
1) Repertoire
a) lead sheets/initial arrangements
b) approximate timings of each piece
c) improvisation/writing goals for each piece
d) plans for the completion of arrangements/compositions
2) Names of Accompanists
Pre-Recital/Recital Schedule Approval (Three terms in advance of the recital)
You must apply to the Jazz Studies Committee for Recital Schedule Approval a minimum of three terms prior to your recital date. Your proposal must include:
1) Three possible dates for your recital (dates that you have cleared with your accompanists)
2) Three possible dates for your Pre-Recital Hearing (also approved by your accompanists)
School of Music Recital Schedule Approval (Two terms in advance of the recital)
You must review your approved recital dates (as approved by the Jazz Studies Committee) with the School of Music Scheduling Office in order to reserve the time and space for your recital. All recital forms must be completed and submitted with your recital deposit of $40.
Final Recital Program Approval (Two terms in advance of the recital)
You must submit a Final Recital Program as a written proposal to the Jazz Studies Committee for approval at least 2 terms prior to the recital itself and no less than 6 weeks prior to your Pre-Recital Hearing. Your proposal must include:
1) Repertoire
a) lead sheets/initial arrangements
b) approximate timings of each piece
c) improvisation/writing goals for each piece
d) dates for completion of compositions/arrangements
2) Names of Accompanists
3) Final Pre-Recital Hearing Date
4) Final Recital Date
Pre-Recital Hearing (One term in advance of the recital or 6 weeks - whichever is greater)
This hearing is used to determine whether you are prepared to present your recital. Based upon your performance and the performance of your accompanists you will either be approved to present your recital as scheduled or asked to re-schedule at a later time.
Senior Recital (Your Concert)
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