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. 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. 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. See more details here.
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 36 songs from the Undergraduate Jazz Repertoire List
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 play 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 freshman, 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
Junior Barrier Checklists or Junior Barrier Checklists (Drum Set) are to be completed by the student and submitted to the panel at the time of your exam. Note: For their junior barrier exams, students should select additional repertoire from the Undergraduate Jazz Repertoire List. (Students may select songs not on the list with the approval of their applied instructor.)