Major in Performance with Emphasis in Jazz and Improvisational Music
Admission to the Bachelor of Music performance major with an emphasis in jazz and improvisational music may be granted to a limited number of students upon successful completion of qualifying examinations and with the approval of a candidate selection committee. For detailed information on admission and scheduling of requirements, students are referred to the chair of the jazz and improvisational music department.
Specific courses required for the emphasis are as follows (please note that these requirements are in addition to the core courses required for the B.Mus. degree):
1. Performance: 54 units
-36 units of applied individual instruction (MUIN) in piano, strings, winds, or percussion, numbered 361-380 or 561-580 during the freshman and sophomore years (before admission to the jazz emphasis)
-18 units of MUIN 560 after admission to the jazz emphasis (candidates may elect more than 18 units)
Please note: Before admission to the jazz emphasis, Bachelor of Music performance candidates are required to study each term with the respective classical applied instructors but may elect added applied study with the respective jazz applied instructor. After admission to the jazz emphasis, candidates performing on saxophone, piano, and guitar are required to study each term with the respective jazz applied instructor in each discipline but may elect to continue applied study with the respective classical instructor. Candidates performing on trombone, trumpet, bass, and percussion are required to study each term with the applied instructors in their respective discipline after admission to the jazz emphasis.
2. Supporting courses for the emphasis:
a. MUTH 240: Jazz Theory and Aural Training (3 units)
b. MUCA 220, 221: Jazz Improvisation I, II (6 units)
c. MUCA 230: Small Group Jazz Composition and Arranging (3 units)
d. MUCA 330: Large Ensemble Jazz Composition and Arranging (3 units)
e. MUCA 530: Advanced Jazz Writing Skills (3 units)
f. MURP 320: Functional Jazz Piano (3 units)
g. MUHI 455: Jazz History (6 units)
h. MUEP 305: Jazz Pedagogy (1 unit)
i. MUEP 120: Basic Audio Recording (1 unit)
3. Piano majors must complete either MURP 451 and 452 Literature of the Piano I
and II or MUEP 301 and 302 Piano Pedagogy I and II
4. Ensemble: completion of the requirement must include:
a. 5 terms of MUEN 248: Jazz Small Group Studies after admission to the jazz emphasis (5 units)
b. 6 terms of MUEN 295: Jazz Ensemble, or MUEN 293: Jazz Band, after admission to the jazz emphasis (6 units)
c. Additional ensembles, specific to major instrument, as follows:
Winds/Percussion:
6 terms wind ensemble/symphonic band;
3 terms chamber music
Strings:
9 terms symphony orchestra (3 terms required participation after admission to the emphasis in jazz studies);
3 terms chamber music
Piano:
3 terms symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, symphonic band, concert choir, women's choir, or chorale;
3 terms supervised accompanying
Guitar:
3 terms symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, symphonic band, concert choir, women’s choir, chorale, or chamber music
5. Presentation of required degree recitals:
Half recital (30 minutes maximum stage time) during junior year
Full recital (60 minutes maximum stage time) during senior year
6. Presentation of Media Project (see below)
7. Ensemble coaching/rehearsal techniques:
1-3 terms directing or co-directing a jazz small group (one 60-minute rehearsal per week) or serving as student assistant conductor of Jazz Workshop (frequency TBA) after admission to the emphasis in jazz studies.
Major in Theory/Composition with Emphasis in Jazz and Improvisational Music
Admission to the Bachelor of Music in theory/composition with an emphasis in jazz and improvisational music may be granted to a limited number of students upon successful completion of qualifying examinations and with the approval of a candidate selection committee. For detailed information on admission and scheduling of requirements, students are referred to the chair of the jazz and improvisational music department.
Specific courses required for the emphasis are as follows:
1. Music theory in addition to the core courses required for the B.Mus. degree:
a. MUTH 411: Orchestration I (6 units)
b. MUTH 510: Analysis of 20th Century Music (6 units)
2. Music composition and arranging:
a. MUCA 230: Small Group Jazz Composition and Arranging (3 units)
b. MUCA 330: Large Ensemble Jazz Composition and Arranging (3 units)
c. MCA 530: Advanced Jazz Writing Skills (12 units at 3 units per term)
d. MUCA 300: Techniques of the Contemporary Composer (6 units)
e. 3 units from MUCA 250, 350, 550: Composition
3. Supporting courses for the emphasis in jazz studies:
a. MUTH 240: Jazz Theory and Aural Training (3 units)
b. MUCA 220, 221: Jazz Improvisation I, II (6 units)
c. MURP 320: Functional Jazz Piano (3 units)
d. MUHI 455: Jazz History (6 units)
e. MUEP 305: Jazz Pedagogy (1 unit)
f. MUEP 120: Basic Audio Recording (1 unit)
4. Performance: a minimum of 24 units in applied individual instruction and 6 terms on the major instrument or voice
Please note: Before admission to the jazz emphasis, Bachelor of Music composition candidates are required to study each term with the respective classical applied instructors but may elect added applied study with the respective jazz applied instructor. After admission to the jazz emphasis, candidates performing on saxophone, piano, and guitar are required to study each term with the respective jazz applied instructor in each discipline but may elect to continue applied study with the respective classical instructor. Candidates performing on trombone, trumpet, bass, and percussion are required to study each term with the applied instructors in their respective discipline after admission to the jazz emphasis.
5. Ensemble coaching/rehearsal techniques:
1-3 terms directing or co-directing a jazz small group (one 60-minute rehearsal per week) or serving as student assistant conductor of Jazz Workshop (frequency TBA) after admission to the emphasis in jazz studies.
6. Ensemble: completion of the requirement must include:
a. 3 terms MUEN 248: Jazz Small Group Studies after admission to the jazz emphasis (3 units)
b. 3 terms of MUEN 295: Jazz Ensemble, or MUEN 293: Jazz Band, after admission to the jazz emphasis (3 units)
c. Additional ensembles, specific to major instrument, as follows:
Winds/Percussion:
6 terms wind ensemble/symphonic band;
3 terms chamber music
Strings:
9 terms symphony orchestra (3 terms requiredparticipation after admission to the emphasis in jazz studies);
3 terms chamber music
Piano:
3 terms symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, symphonic band, concert choir, women's choir, or chorale;
3 terms supervised accompanying
Guitar:
3 terms symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, symphonic band, concert choir, women’s choir, chorale, or chamber music
Voice:
6 terms concert choir or women’s choir
7. Presentation of required degree recitals:
Half recital (30 minutes maximum stage time) during junior year
Full recital (60 minutes maximum stage time) during senior year
8. Presentation of Media Project (see below)
JAZZ AND IMPROVISATIONAL MUSIC COURSES
Music Theory
MUTH 240
Jazz Theory and Aural Training
A comprehensive introduction to jazz scales, modes, chords, harmonic progressions, nomenclature, and notation. Emphasis on linking essential jazz theoretic functions to performance practice, composition, and arranging. This course serves as a prerequisite for MUCA 220 (Jazz Improvisation I) and MUCA 230 (Small Group Jazz Composition and Arranging). Sophomore status or consent of instructor. 3 units.
Improvisation, Composition, and Arranging
MUCA 220
Jazz Improvisation I
An introduction to the fundamentals of jazz improvisation. Exploration of jazz repertoire through scale/chord/mode associations, rhythmic and linear development, and solo transcription/ analysis. Recommended for students with previous experience in jazz improvisation. Required for candidates who plan to audition for the Emphasis in Jazz Performance. 3 units. Prerequisite: MUTH 340 Jazz Theory and Aural Training.
MUCA 221
Jazz Improvisation II
Continued exploration of jazz repertoire using more complex forms and progressions, intermediate linear concepts, and solo transcription/analysis. 3 units. Prerequisite: MUCA 220
MUCA 230
Small Group Jazz Composition and Arranging
Essentials of composing jazz music and writing for the jazz small group. Fundamentals of notation, orchestration, rhythmic embellishment, melodic development, jazz harmony, vertical sonorities, basic forms, 2-5 part densities. 3 units. Prerequisite: MUTH 340 Jazz Theory and Aural Training.
MUCA 330
Large Ensemble Jazz Composition and Arranging
Scoring techniques for the jazz big band and expanded chamber jazz ensembles. Focus upon melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, textual, and formal variation in the large jazz ensemble format. 3 units. Prerequisite: MUCA 230
MUCA 530
Advanced Jazz Writing Skills
A continuation of MUCA 230 and MUCA 330 that focuses upon special recital, concert, recording, and honors projects in jazz composition and arranging. May be repeated for credit. 3 units. Prerequisites: MUCA 330 and admission to an emphasis in jazz studies or consent of instructor.
Ensemble Performance Study
MUEN 248
Jazz Small Group Studies
Year-long study and performance of jazz small group repertoire for ensembles chosen by audition. A maximum of 6 units of jazz small group (chamber) music, beyond departmental requirements, may apply to degree requirements. 1 unit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
MUEN 293
Jazz Workshop
Study and performance of music for large jazz ensemble. Membership determined by audition. 1 unit.
MUEN 293
Jazz Band
Study and performance of music for large jazz ensemble. Membership determined by audition. 1 unit.
MUEN 295
Jazz Ensemble
Study and performance of music for large jazz ensemble. Membership determined by audition. 1 unit.
Music Education and Pedagogy
MUEP 305
Jazz Pedagogy
Structured to prepare teachers of elementary, middle school, and high school students. Jazz education philosophies, teaching improvisation/ aural skills/interaction, fostering composition/ arranging in the school program, small group development, large ensemble rehearsal techniques, repertoire/programming, and public presentation. 1 unit. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor
Music History
MUHI 455
Jazz History
A study of the contributions of select jazz artists through analysis of recordings, historical films, solo transcriptions, scores, and readings from texts. 6 units. Enrollment limit 20. Prerequisite: MUHI 202 or consent of instructor
Music Repertoire and Performance Studies
MURP 320
Functional Jazz Piano
An introduction to jazz piano voicings, basic piano comping techniques, and the role of the keyboard in the jazz rhythm section. Designed to accommodate upperclass students who have been admitted to the Bachelor of Music degree program with an emphasis in jazz studies, sophomore Bachelor of Music students planning to apply for the emphasis in jazz studies, and experienced student jazz performers with consent of instructor. 3 units. Enrollment limit: 9. Prerequisite MUCA 222 or consent of the instructor
Applied Music Individual Instruction
Private jazz instruction for credit is available by permission of instructor, based on interview or audition. Studio assignment and placement for Bachelor of Music degree candidates are determined upon matriculation. Students requesting non-required private lessons are accommodated to the extent faculty schedules permit.
Please note: Before admission to the jazz emphasis, Bachelor of Music performance candidates are required to study each term with the respective classical applied instructors but may elect added applied study with the respective jazz applied instructor. After admission to the jazz emphasis, candidates performing on saxophone, piano, and guitar are required to study each term with the respective jazz applied instructor in each discipline but may elect to continue applied study with the respective classical instructor. Candidates performing on trombone, trumpet, bass, and percussion are required to study each term with the applied instructors in their respective discipline after admission to the jazz emphasis.
Credit
Credit is granted as follows: with the exception of MUIN 102-120, 3 units per term for one 1/2-hour lesson per week; 6 units per term for a one-hour lesson per week; 6 units maximum per term in any one course.
QUALIFYING EXAMINATION, JURIES, RECITALS AND PROJECTS
FOR PERFORMANCE EMPHASIS CANDIDATES
Prerequisite Classical Qualifying Examinations
All jazz emphasis candidates are required to pass the respective performance major qualifying examination no later than the end of Term III of the sophomore year.
Jazz Emphasis in Performance Qualifying Examination
Following successful completion of the respective performance qualifying examination no later than the end of Term III of the sophomore year, all jazz emphasis candidates must pass the jazz emphasis qualifying examination no later than the conclusion of Term I in the junior year. The 30-minute exam will include:
1. Performance (with the jazz faculty) of the melody (by memory) and multi-chorus improvisations upon any of the 24 jazz department “Tune of the Week” selections from the previous school year. This repertoire will be addressed numerous ways in jazz classes, small groups, big bands, applied study, campus jam sessions, performances for hire, and organized TOTW sessions at the end of each term. During the year preceding the qualifying exam, candidates must locate model professional recordings and play-along (Aebersold, etc.) versions of those 24 selections and establish a weekly personal regimen to study and practice the repertoire. While applied jazz instructors may incorporate these materials in the candidate's private study, it is the responsibility of the candidate to master the material over the course of the 3 terms and the summer preceding the JEQE.
2. Performance (with a student ensemble prepared in advance) of the melody (by memory) and multi-chorus improvisations upon 2 or 3 significant jazz works in varying styles.
3. Performance of technical material;
a. Memorized transcription performed with the original recording;
b. Improvisation over Major ii-V-I and Minor ii-V-i progressions in all keys (as found on Aebersold Vol. 3 tracks 1 & 4) demonstrating knowledge of chord-scale relationships, harmonic resolutions, and bop/post bop vocabulary;
c. Technical studies assigned by the applied jazz studio instructor including:
Arpeggiations: Major, Minor, Dominant 7th, Mi7(b5) and diminished chords using all inversions (1357, 3571, 5713, 7135) up and down;
ii-V-I patterns in all keys (using bop language, chord substitutions, etc.);
Sequences in all keys;
Exercises based on pentatonics, augmented scale, and upper structure triads/triadic relationships.
Jazz Emphasis Performance Juries
Because the jazz qualifying exam and the two degree recitals will occupy 3 of the candidate’s 6 terms in the jazz emphasis, no jazz performance juries will be required.
Jazz Emphasis in Performance Required Degree Recitals
All candidates must present a half-recital (a maximum of 30 minutes of music without intermission) during the junior year and a full recital (a maximum of 60 minutes of music, intermission permitted). Repertoire for both the half-recital and the full recital will be comprised of approximately 50-75% jazz and improvisational music and 25-50% classical solo and chamber music.
Students must consult with both classical and jazz instructors in planning recitals to ensure balanced lesson preparation in both styles. Recital material will be chosen by the jazz performance coordinator in consultation with the applied jazz studio teacher and applied classical studio teacher. In order to present a full jazz emphasis recital, students must have performed a jazz emphasis half-recital the previous year. The candidate’s applied jazz studio instructor and jazz department chair must approve required jazz degree recital dates before the candidate enters the recital lottery or sets a recital date. Jazz emphasis degree recitals are not permitted during weeks 7-10 of Term III or during any week preceding large jazz ensemble concerts and jazz small group recitals; candidates are urged to schedule junior recitals early in Term III and senior recitals early in Term II.
Jazz Emphasis in Performance Pre-Recital Approval
In order to be approved for public presentation, each jazz emphasis performance recital program must receive approval from either the jazz performance coordinator (for performance candidates) or the jazz composition & arranging coordinator (for writing skills candidates) no less than one month prior to the scheduled recital date. A typed copy of the program including all program selections and personnel must be presented. The attending faculty may elect to approve, disapprove or edit the recital for presentation. It is the joint responsibility of the student, the attending jazz faculty members, and the studio teacher(s) to present these materials.
Jazz Emphasis Required Projects
Downbeat Magazine Student Music Awards Application:
By December 31st of the senior year, all candidates are required to submit an application and recording in the appropriate performance and/or writing categories to the annual Downbeat Magazine Student Music Awards.
Assembly of Self-Promotional CD and/or Website:
Over the course of the candidate’s two years in the jazz emphasis, a media project documenting the student’s jazz performances, compositions, arrangements, and teaching/pedagogical demonstrations must be assembled. Candidates may choose to create an audio CD, audio/visual DVD, personal website, or social media page containing significant recorded work by the candidate. The selected project(s) must be presented to the jazz and improvisational music faculty before the conclusion of the final term of study.
QUALIFYING EXAMINATION, JURIES, RECITALS AND PROJECTS
FOR JAZZ COMPOSITION/ARRANGING EMPHASIS CANDIDATES
Prerequisite Qualifying Requirements in Theory/Composition
Jazz emphasis composition/arranging candidates are required to satisfy all requirements through sophomore year Term III for the theory/composition major.
Jazz Emphasis in Composition and Arranging Qualifying Interview
No later than the conclusion of Term I in the junior year, all Bachelor of Music candidates intending to pursue the emphasis in jazz and improvisational music composition/arranging must:
(1) present a minimum of two complete scores (composed and/or arranged) for large jazz ensemble, vocal jazz ensemble, and/or jazz small group (to be evaluated by the jazz composition/arranging coordinator)
(2) present the scores to at least two original compositions in non-jazz genres (to be evaluated by the composition professor)
(3) perform a 30-minute exam (evaluated by the jazz faculty and applied studio teacher) that includes:
a. Performance (with the jazz faculty) of the melody (by memory) and multi-chorus improvisations upon jazz department “Tune of the Week” selections from the previous school year as designated by the jazz performance coordinator,
b. Improvisation over Major ii-V-I in C, Bb, Ab, Gb, E, D and Minor ii-V-I in B, A, G, F, Eb, Db (as found on Aebersold, vol. 3, tracks 1 and 4), demonstrating knowledge of chord-scale relationships, harmonic resolutions, and bop/post bop vocabulary,
c. Additional technical material assigned by the applied jazz studio instructor(s).
Jazz Composition/Arranging Jury Presentations
Because the jazz qualifying interview and the two degree recitals will occupy 3 of the candidate’s 6 terms in the jazz emphasis, no jazz composition/arranging jury presentations will be required.
Jazz Emphasis in Composition and Arranging Required Degree Recitals
All Bachelor of Music candidates with an emphasis in jazz and improvisational music composition/arranging must present a half-recital (25-30 minutes without intermission) during the junior year and a full recital (50-60 minutes of music, intermission permitted). Repertoire for both the half-recital and the full recital will be composed and/or arranged by the candidate and must be comprised of approximately 50-75% jazz/improvisational music and 25-50% contemporary media music and/or classical chamber music. Recital material will be chosen by the jazz composition/arranging program coordinator and composition professor. In order to present a full jazz emphasis recital, students must have performed a jazz emphasis half-recital the previous year. The candidate’s applied jazz studio instructor and jazz department chair must approve required jazz degree recital dates before the candidate enters the recital lottery or sets a recital date. No jazz emphasis degree recitals are permitted during weeks 7-10 of Term III.
Jazz Emphasis in Composition and Arranging Pre-Recital Approval
In order to be approved for public presentation, each jazz emphasis composition/ arranging recital program must receive approval from the jazz composition & arranging coordinator and the classical composition professor no less than one month prior to the scheduled recital date. A typed copy of the program including all program selections and personnel must be presented. The attending faculty may elect to approve, disapprove or edit the recital for presentation. It is the joint responsibility of the student, the attending jazz faculty members, and the studio teacher(s) to present these materials.
Jazz Emphasis in Composition and Arranging Required Media Projects
Downbeat Magazine Student Music Awards Application:
By December 31st of the senior year, all candidates are required to submit an application and recording in the appropriate performance and/or writing categories to the annual Downbeat Magazine Student Music Awards.
Assembly of Self-Promotional CD and/or Website:
Over the course of the candidate’s two years in the jazz emphasis, a media project documenting the student’s jazz performances, compositions, arrangements, and teaching/pedagogical demonstrations must be assembled. Candidates may choose to create an audio CD, audio/visual DVD, personal website, or social media page containing significant recorded work by the candidate. The selected project(s) must be presented to the jazz and improvisational music faculty before the conclusion of the final term of study.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS FOR ALL JAZZ AND IMPROVISATIONAL MUSIC EMPHASIS CANDIDATES
Sophomore Year
Term II or III: Successful completion of respective classical performance qualifying exam or theory/composition degree course requirements through sophomore year
Term III: Meet with chair of jazz and improvisational music to discuss qualifying exam/interview and set exam/interview date in Term I of junior year. Meet with respective applied jazz studio instructor to determine repertoire and practice schedule for the qualifying exam.
Junior Year
Term I (9th or 10th week): Jazz emphasis qualifying exam/interview
Term III: Half recital (before the 7th week of the term).
Senior Year
Term I: Downbeat Student Music Award application
Late Term II or early Term III: Full recital and presentation of media project (before end of 10th week)
RECOMMENDED COURSE SEQUENCE
JAZZ EMPHASIS PERFORMANCE CANDIDATES
Sophomore Year
Term I: MUTH 240 Jazz Theory and Aural Training (jazz MUCA prerequisite)
Term II: MUCA 220 Jazz Improvisation I
Term III: MUCA 221 Jazz Improvisation II
Junior Year
Term I: MUCA 230 Jazz Small Group Composition and Arranging
Term II: MUCA 330 Large Jazz Ensemble Composition and Arranging, plus suggested applied private study with Jazz Performance Coordinator for preparation of junior jazz emphasis recital.
Term III: MUCA 530 Advanced Jazz Writing Skills
Senior Year
Term I: MURP 320 Functional Jazz Piano, plus suggested applied private study with Jazz Performance Coordinator for preparation of junior jazz emphasis recital.
Term II: MUHI 455 Jazz History & MUEP 305 Jazz Pedagogy, plus suggested applied private study with Jazz Performance Coordinator for preparation of senior jazz emphasis recital.
Term III: MUEP 120 Basic Audio Recording, plus senior jazz emphasis recital.
JAZZ EMPHASIS WRITING SKILLS CANDIDATES
Sophomore Year
Term I: MUTH 240 Jazz Theory and Aural Training (jazz MUCA prerequisite)
Term II: MUCA 220 Jazz Improvisation I
Term III: MUCA 221 Jazz Improvisation II
Junior Year
Term I: MUCA 230 Jazz Small Group Composition and Arranging
Term II: MUCA 330 Large Jazz Ensemble Composition and Arranging
Term III: MUCA 530 Advanced Jazz Writing Skills, plus junior jazz emphasis recital
Senior Year
Term I: MURP 320 Functional Jazz Piano, plus MUCA 530 Advanced Jazz Writing Skills
Term II: MUHI 455 Jazz History & MUEP 305 Jazz Pedagogy, plus MUCA 530 Advanced Jazz Writing Skills
Term III: MUEP 120 Basic Audio Recording, plus MUCA 530 Advanced Jazz Writing Skills and senior jazz emphasis recital.
