NOTE: Both Sophomore and Junior Performance Barriers must be successfully completed before a Senior Recital is given. The graduate barrier exam must also be successfully completed before a M.M. degree 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 1/4 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
Spring Term (One year before the recital) – Meet with Jazz Faculty to select recital date and schedule pre-recital hearing. Fall Term (or two terms before the recital) Before the start of the term, meet with the Director of Jazz Studies to begin the official SOMD Scheduling of the Recital process. Then:
- Submit Recital Proposal to committee members for approval by end of Week 3
- If needed after committee review, revise recital program in consultation with faculty advisor.
- Confirm recital and rehearsal dates with your ensemble.
Winter Term
- All compositions/arrangements should be completed by early Winter Term to allow for ample rehearsal/practice time.
- Rehearsals begin
- Perform Pre-Recital Hearing for committee members during Finals Week
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- This hearing is to determine whether or not you are prepared to present your recital. At this hearing you will run through all of your repertoire to be performed at your recital all your ensemble personnel. 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.
- Bring copies of lead sheets/scores for the committee members.
Spring Term
- Continue rehearsals
- Publicize your Recital
- Submit your event information to the UO Events Calendar by clicking on “Submit an event.”
- Be sure to provide the location, date, and time.
- Please use the following format for the title of your event: “Senior Recital: Name, Instrument”
- In the “Department” field, select “School of Music and Dance.” This will ensure that your recital automatically feeds through to the SOMD Events Calendar.
- Although it is not required, it’s also helpful if you upload an eye-catching photo. The size limit for photo files is 5 mb.
- Optional: Book a performance at another venue. While it’s not required, it is always a good way to prep for a strong performance and to shake out any bugs.
- Create and print official SOMD Recital Program (find templates here) and bring copies to your recital.
- Perform at your recital!
NOTE: Recital fees are required for all senior and degree recitals and may apply for other types of recitals.