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. 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. 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. See more details here.
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 (waived w/ completion of MUJ 272)
d) Jazz Repertoire* – memorization and performance of 27 songs from the Undergraduate Jazz Repertoire List)
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 freshman 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 overextended period of time.
NOTE:
1) All elements of the SPB must be passed prior to registering for Jazz Repertoire I.
2) Elements a), b), and c) of the SPB must be passed prior to registering for Jazz Arr. I.
Sophomore Barrier Checklists or Sophomore Barrier Checklist (Drum Set) are to be completed by the student and submitted to the panel at the time of your exam. Note: For their sophomore 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.)