Juries for 1st & 2nd Year Drummers
Jazz Studies Majors on Drum Set will perform a jury at the end of each term of study leading up to the Sophomore barrier at the end of their Sophomore year. At each jury, the following must be prepared:
Grooves: You are expected to prepare and perform 4 new grooves per term. These are to performed w/ recording. Some grooves are required, while others may be chosen by you and studied with consultation from your instructor. The goal is to play these spot on… with every note and gesture in place (accents, dynamics, etc).
Sight-Reading: Drummers are expected to read and interpret small group and big band charts at sight. In addition, they may be asked to read written lines in both treble and bass clef on keyboard.
Technique: Drummers are expected to perform rudiments and set-up/kick exercises assigned by the instructor.
Etudes/Transcriptions: Drummers may be required to perform etudes/transcriptions assigned by the instructor.
At the end of their sophomore year, Drummers are required to pass the Sophomore Barrier exam in order to continue in the Jazz Studies major. See the requirements for the Sophomore Barrier Exam here.
Juries for 3rd Year Drummers
After passing the Sophomore Barrier Exam, students will perform a jury at the end of Fall and Winter terms of their Junior year. At each jury, the following must be prepared:
Analysis & Application: Drummers are required to provide a written transcription and analysis of two solos of contrasting eras/styles studied over the course of the term. In addition to performing the transcriptions, students must be able to explain and demonstrate key concepts from each transcription, and must be able to apply these concepts in solos on repertoire selected for jury performance.
Repertoire Performance: Using repertoire selected for the jury performance, students are expected to demonstrate the following:
- Sing the melody
- Comp in the appropriate style over the form of the song
- Solo over the song form in the style of the transcribed drummer
- Solo using motifs
- Solo referencing the melody
Sight-Reading: Drummers are expected to read and interpret small group and big band charts at sight. In addition, they may be asked to read written lines in both treble and bass clef on keyboard.
Etudes/Transcriptions: Drummers may be required to perform etudes/transcriptions assigned by the instructor.
At the end of their Junior year, Drummers are required to pass the Junior Barrier exam in order to continue in the Jazz Studies major. See the requirements for the Junior Barrier Exam here.
Juries for 4th Year Drummers
After passing the Junior Barrier Exam, jury requirements will vary based on the goals of the student, in consultation with the instructor.
Juries for Graduate Student Drummers
Jazz Drummers seeking the MM in Jazz Studies with an emphasis in Instrumental Performance are expected to perform a jury at the end of each term during their first year of study. At each jury, the following should be prepared:
Analysis & Application: Drummers are required to provide a written transcription and analysis of two solos of contrasting eras/styles studied over the course of the term. In addition to performing the transcriptions, students must be able to explain and demonstrate key concepts from each transcription, and must be able to apply these concepts in solos on repertoire selected for jury performance.
Repertoire Performance: Using repertoire selected for the jury performance, students are expected to demonstrate the following:
- Sing the melody
- Comp in the appropriate style over the form of the song
- Solo over the song form in the style of the transcribed drummer
- Solo using motifs
- Solo referencing the melody
Sight-Reading: Drummers are expected to read and interpret small group and big band charts at sight. In addition, they may be asked to read written lines in both treble and bass clef on keyboard.
Etudes/Transcriptions: Drummers may be required to perform etudes/transcriptions assigned by the instructor.
During their second year of study, Drummers seeking the MM Jazz Studies degree are expected to pass the Graduate Drum Set Performance Barrier Exam during Fall Term, perform a Pre-Recital Hearing at the end of Winter Term, and perform a Recital during Spring Term. These various checkpoints will take the place of a jury in each respective term.