Jazz
Jazz Course
Audition Requirements
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Candidates
Online Audition
Candidates should complete their online application first.
In the online application, students should include a digital portfolio (Dropbox folder, YouTube, Vimeo) with a video of the candidate performing the audition programme as prescribed here below. The video needs to be one unedited performance of the required audition programme.
After the digital portfolios have been assessed, candidates will be informed whether the department has selected them for an audition in person (On-campus courses) or for an interview (both for On-Campus and for Online courses).
All the portfolios submitted should indicate the applicant’s name and ID number if any, the program applied to and the contents of the file.
For online courses only, a portfolio needs to be submitted 2 weeks before the beginning of the term.
For full academic year enrolment starting September 2022, portfolios needs to be submitted by 31st January 2022.
Part One: Digital Portfolio
Candidates shall submit a digital portfolio containing several examples of their performing and arranging skills as follows:
• A video of the candidate performing one Standard Tune
• A video of the candidate performing one Ballade
• A video of the candidate performing his/her original composition or arrangement of a jazz standard
• A brief written statement of purpose or goals in the programme
MMDip candidates must also include in their portfolio at least two examples of their academic written work, each piece of written work being 1000-2000 words in length and in English. The candidate’s written work should aim to demonstrate:
• Responsiveness to music and musical issues
• Quality of critical engagement
• Capacity for research enquiry
Part One-bis: In person Audition
For On-Campus enrolments, candidates short-listed from the digital portfolio examination will be invited for an audition in person.
Undergraduate and Postgraduate candidates will be asked to perform:
a programme of their own choosing of maximum 15 minutes. The music used for the exam has to be taken from “The New Real Book Volume One” (Chuch Sher). Singers are allowed to bring their own accompanist, however we would encourage them to perform with the given audition group. In this case, singers would be allowed to ask the rhythm section to perform the exam standards in a different key.
The programme shall be split in three parts as follow:
1st section: candidates shall perform a programme of two “standard tunes” from the following list:
• Airegin (Ab)
• Beautiful Love (D minor)
• I Mean You (F)
• Take the A Train (C)
Candidates are expected to play the melody on the first chorus, take two choruses solo on the chord sequence and then play the melody to finish.
PIANO or GUITAR: Expected to perform an additional chorus of comping behind the soloist before last theme.
BASS: Expected to perform only one chorus solo
DRUMS: Expected to perform behind the front line soloist for one chorus, behind the piano for one chorus and an additional chorus of “fours”.
2nd Section: candidates shall perform a programme of two “ballads” from the following list:
• Angels Eyes (C minor)
• Chelsea Bridge (Db)
• Come Sunday (Bb)
• I should care (C)
Candidates are expected to give a free interpretation of the melody, with one-chorus improvisation on the chords and alternation between Rubato and in time.
3rd Section: Candidates will be asked to organise and prepare in no more than 10 minutes an original composition or arrangement of a jazz standard. This will be performed with the same single front-line player and rhythm section from the audition performing group.
Part Two: Panel Interview
Following the practical assessment, a panel interview will be conducted with the candidate. This will:
• Allow the panel to further examine the candidate’s knowledge of music and their suitability for the course
• Provide an opportunity for the candidate to ask questions and discuss their performance during the audition
• Allow the panel to gain a clear understanding of what the student hopes to achieve from the course if they are accepted
General Notes
Throughout the audition, candidates should note and strictly adhere to the following:
• In the videos, the camera needs to face the applicant
• Videos of the applicant performing over a soundtrack (instead of a live accompanist or ensemble) will be accepted
• For in person auditions, no time will be available during the audition to rehearse or discuss any special arrangements the candidate may require with the accompanist or rhythm section provided by LPMAM
• Wherever possible, candidates shall ensure that their instruments are fully ready and warmed-up prior to entering the audition room. A warm-up room will be available for this purpose close to the audition room. No warm-up will be allowed during the actual audition
• Prior to commencing the audition, the candidate must provide the music they will be performing in the practical assessment. This should be given to the steward in a suitable folder which must be clearly marked with the candidate’s name and a list of contents. The folder must contain copies of the score or lead sheet for use by the panel along with the melodic and rhythm section parts
• Additionally, undergraduate candidates must also complete the LPMAM written paper on the day of the audition in person. This requirement does not apply to postgraduate candidates
Jazz Course Syllabus
The course is run over a period of four years, each comprising the following core elements: Principal Study lessons, Performance Classes, and Academic and Supporting Studies with the chance to take part in concerts and masterclasses.
Assessment will be focused on the student’s attitude and ability in practical studies and attendance – to include punctuality, preparation for lessons, classes & rehearsals and performance skills.
All year students will benefit from:
• 90 minutes individual tuition each week
• Weekly classes in Academic and Supporting Studies
• Opportunity to undertake a second or related study
The following outlines the performance and coursework expectations required from students for each year of this programme:
Year 1
Performance 1 [Technical Assessment]:
Students are expected to prepare and perform:
1. Chord Scales,
2. To play a Jazz standard piece at the piano (for non-pianists) or on any other instrument (for pianists)
3. Sight reading
Performance 2 [Non-public recital]:
Students will prepare and perform a programme of 10 minutes, with varied style and repertoire. Option to perform alone or in group with fellow jazz students.
They will be expected to research and write the notes to the programme and give a spoken presentation to the recital.
Coursework:
Student’s practical work will be continuously assessed as part of the coursework.
Compulsory coursework components of the first year include:
Principal Study Lessons, Jazz Ensembles, First-Year Brass or Wind or Strings, Composition, Performance Classes, Masterclasses, Events and Concerts.
Optional coursework components of the first year include:
Second/Related Study Lessons, Brass/Wind Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra, Symphony/Chamber/Opera Orchestra, Contemporary/Classical and Early Music.
Year 2
Performance 1 [Technical Assessment]:
Students are expected to prepare and perform alone, or in duo with a fellow second year jazz student:
1. An original arrangement of a Jazz standard piece
2. To play a Jazz standard piece at the piano (for non-pianists) or on any other instrument (for pianists)
3. Sight reading
Performance 2 [Non-public recital]:
Students will prepare and present a programme of 15 minutes, with varied style and repertoire. At least one piece must be an original composition. Option to perform alone or in group with fellow jazz students.
They will be expected to research and write the notes to the programme and give a spoken presentation to the recital.
Coursework:
Student’s practical work will be continuously assessed as part of the coursework.
Compulsory coursework components of the second year include:
Principal Study Lessons, Jazz Ensembles, Composition, Performance Classes, Masterclasses, Events and Concerts.
Optional coursework components of the second year include
Second/Related Study Lessons, Jazz Orchestra, Wind/Brass Orchestra, Repertoire Orchestra, Performance Events and Concerts, Contemporary/Classical and Early Music.
Year 3
Performance 1 [Ensemble Assessment]:
Students are expected to compose, prepare and perform in group with fellow jazz students:
1. Their own original composition for Small Ensembles
Performance 2 [Public Recital]:
Students will prepare and present a programme of 20 minutes, with varied style and repertoire. At least two pieces must be an original composition. Option to perform alone or in group with fellow jazz students.
They will be expected to research and write the notes to the programme and give a spoken presentation to the recital.
Coursework:
Student’s practical work will be continuously assessed as part of the coursework.
Compulsory coursework components of the third year include:
Principal Study Lessons, Composition and Arrangement, Performance Classes, Masterclasses, Events and Concerts.
Optional coursework components of the third year include:
Second/Related Study Lessons, Jazz Orchestra, Wind/Brass Orchestra, Repertoire Orchestra, Performance Events and Concerts, Contemporary/Classical and Early Music.
Year 4
Performance 1 [Large Ensemble Assessment]:
Students are expected to compose, prepare and perform:
1. Their own original composition for Large Ensembles
Performance 2 [Public Recital]:
Students will prepare and present a programme of 25 minutes, with varied style and repertoire. At least three pieces must be an original composition.
They will be expected to research and write the notes to the programme and give a spoken presentation to the recital.
Coursework:
Student’s practical work will be continuously assessed as part of the coursework.
Compulsory coursework components of the fourth year include:
Principal Study Lessons, Studio Recording, Performance Classes, Masterclasses, Events and Concerts.
Optional coursework components of the fourth year include:
Second/Related Study Lessons, Jazz Orchestra, Wind/Brass Orchestra, Repertoire Orchestra, Performance Events and Concerts, Contemporary/Classical and Early Music.