Graduate Performance Emphasis Barrier

Graduate Jazz Barrier Exams must be successfully completed prior to taking Graduate Oral Exams in jazz. It is recommended that barrier exams be completed during the first year of study.

Performance Emphasis Barrier
(Performance Emphasis Majors Only)

NOTE:   All elements of the Jazz Barrier must be passed prior to Graduate Oral Exams
a) Jazz Repertoire Performance (see Graduate Performance Barrier Repertoire List below)
b) Jazz Theory – a written exam
c) Jazz Piano

You must notify the Director of Jazz Studies of your intent to take barrier exams the term prior. You will be assigned a date to perform by the first week of the term of the barrier.  Repertoire lists must be submitted at 6 weeks before the performance date.  The Repertoire portion of the barrier exam is performed before a live audience.

Jazz Repertoire Performance
Graduate Performance Barrier Repertoire List (download)
Repertoire is to selected from the list above.  At least two selection in bold must be performed from the “Jazz Classics” category.

Graduate Drum Set Barrier Repertoire List (download)
Repertoire is to selected in consultation with your studio instructor .  Artists in bold must be represented in repertoire chosen.

Jazz Theory
(Command of the following theoretical concepts may be demonstrated through the course of study, by exam or both)

.       Scale Spelling/Identification
.       Chord Spelling/Identification
.             – Chord Extension/Alteration Identification
.             – “Unusual” Chord Identification
.       Scale/Chord Relationships
.       Functional Harmony
.             – Diatonic Triads/7th Chords
.             – Common Chord Motion Within a Single Key Center
.             – Borrowed Chords
.             – Secondary Dominants
.             – Tritone Substitutions
.             – N6 Chords
.             – Augmented 6th Chords
.             – Reharmonization
.             – Cycle Substitution
.             – Delayed Cycle Substitution
.       Non-Functional Harmony
.       Song Analysis
.             – Chord Function
.             – Key Center
.             – Modulation
.       Motive Manipulation
.             – Pattern/Motive Chord Quality Transfer
.             – Motive Planing Within Modes/Keys
.       Improvisation Approaches Utilizing
.             – Bebop Scales
.             – Pentatonics
.             – Triad Pairs
.       Block Voicing Technique – 3 to 5 Part Density
.       5/9 Plane Voicings – 2 to 5 Note Voicings
.       Spread Voicings w/
.             – Block Upper Structure
.             – Triad/7th Chord Upper Structure
.             – Cluster Upper Structure
.             – Omni Upper Structure
.       Cluster Voicings/Pan Diatonic Technique

Jazz Piano
(Command of the following skill set may be demonstrated through the course of study, by exam or both)

You must demonstrate the ability to create 4 or 5 note two-hand rootless piano voicings through standard chord progressions on sight.