Student Handbook

1. Information Relevant to All Students

This handbook is designed to provide an understanding of policies and procedures in the Jazz Studies Program at the University of North Texas, and to serve as a guide to the requirements for earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in Jazz Studies.

2 years 7 months ago

1.01 Important Addresses

UNT College of Music
1155 Union Circle #311367
Denton, TX 76203-5017
Tel: (940) 565-2791
music.unt.edu

UNT Division of Jazz Studies
1155 Union Circle #311367
Denton TX 76203-5017
phone: (940) 565-3743
jazz.unt.edu

UNT Web Site
UNT Catalogs

my.unt.edu (student information portal)
College of Music Calendar and Room Use Request Form

3 months 2 weeks ago

1.02 Jazz Studies Degrees

1. Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, emphasis: Instrumental Performance.
2. Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, emphasis: Jazz Arranging.
3. Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, emphasis: Vocal Performance.

4. Master of Music in Jazz Studies, with tracks in Performance, Composition, and Pedagogy.

5. DMA in Performance, local concentration in Jazz Studies, with emphases in Performance and Composition.

Note: Jazz Studies is also a related area in the Master of Music degree, in both Composition and Performance; the Master of Music Education degree; and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree.

3 months 2 weeks ago

1.03 Courses in Jazz Studies

This section of the handbook, which used to list all of the courses in Jazz Studies, has been replaced by these links to the catalog:

B.M. in Jazz Studies

M.M. in Jazz Studies

D.M.A. in Performance, concentration in Jazz Studies

8 months 2 weeks ago

1.04 Jazz Performing Ensembles

Lab Bands: 19-piece instrumental ensembles (1 through 8) - MULB 1808.500/5174.500
Jazz Guitar Labs; L 5 and Super 400 - MULB 1817/5174.517
Jazz Repertory Ensemble: historical focus - MULB 1818/5174.518 (not currently offered)
Zebras: contemporary jazz repertory ensemble - MULB 1819.500/5174.519
Jazz Singers: 16-20 member vocal/instrumental ensembles - MULB 1820.500,501/5174.520
U-Tubes: jazz trombone ensemble (does not fulfill a lab credit)
Latin Jazz Lab MULB 1821

Small Groups: 3- to 8-piece jazz combos - MUCM 3550.500/5550.500
Special ensembles formed to address specific styles of jazz
(For information on each group, see Performing Organizations, section 10.)

3 months 2 weeks ago

1.05 Jazz Studies faculty and staff

The most current information is found on the faculty and contact pages.

2 years 7 months ago

1.06 Office of Jazz Studies

The Office of Jazz Studies (Room 284) serves as a clearinghouse for general inquiries concerning the jazz program. Students may leave messages for the jazz faculty and teaching fellows in this office. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

2 years 7 months ago

1.07 Bulletin boards

Bulletin boards should be checked daily for important information. They are located outside Stan Kenton Hall (room 282), the Office of Jazz Studies (room 284), and the Jazz Chamber Music Room (room 292), and on the doors of 282, 263, and 262. It is important to check the boards of your private lesson instructor and those teachers you have a class with. Do not tape posters to walls or doors. Use the bulletin boards or poster rails.

2 years 7 months ago

1.08 Classroom and rehearsal facilities

Stan Kenton Hall (Room 282) - Large rehearsal hall/classroom with stadium seating for 125 people. Equipped for big band and A/V instruction. Also used for ensemble concerts, faculty and student recitals, departmentals, and workshops. Food and drink are not allowed in Kenton Hall at any time with the exception of water consumed by musicians who are playing.

Lab East (Room 263) - Rehearsal hall/classroom. Equipped for big band and A/V instruction.

Room 262 - Large classroom/rehearsal hall with seating for 60 people. Equipped for A/V instruction.

Jazz Chamber Music Room (Room 292) - Small combo rehearsals, rhythm sectionals.

8 months 2 weeks ago

1.09 Use of Rehearsal Rooms by Students

The goal of these policies is to ensure that the rooms and equipment are kept in good order so that we can concentrate on the reason we are here: to make music.

Jazz Studies majors (and other students who have been given permission by the chair of Jazz Studies, such as international exchange students) are welcome to schedule rehearsal time in 262, 263, and 292 with at least 24 hours notice using the College of Music room reservation system. The rehearsal must be scheduled after regular classes and ensemble rehearsals have ended.

https://music.unt.edu/calendar/request.php

After 5:00 pm and on weekends, Jazz Studies majors are welcome to use 262, 263, and 292 on a walk-in basis if the room is available. Students must present their UNT IDs to the monitor. The monitor will verify Jazz Studies status using the procedure below, keep the ID, and let student into the room. After the room use, the student will return to the copy room, the monitor will verify that the room is locked, and the student will receive the ID back.

To verify Jazz Studies status, go to the UNT Directory:

http://info.unt.edu/index.php

and search on the student's name. The search result includes the student’s major.

Second bachelor’s students and international exchange students do not show up in the system as Jazz Studies majors. Students who need to verify their status to make a reservation may contact the chair of the Division of Jazz Studies for assistance.

Kenton Hall can be used by students only with faculty supervision, and the faculty member must make the reservation. When it is not in use for classes, rehearsals, concerts, or other activities with faculty supervision, Kenton Hall should be locked. The only exception is for dress rehearsals scheduled as a part of a degree recital scheduling request. Food and drink are not permitted at any time in Kenton Hall, except for musicians on the tile floor area, who may have water.

Drumsets and drumset hardware must be locked in the cabinet at the end of the rehearsal. This also applies to drumset use for scheduled classes and rehearsals under faculty supervision. The only time that the drumset and hardware can be left out is if the next drummer is there and ready to take responsibility for the equipment. Students may not have access to the amp closet in 262 and should not ask the monitors to open it. Only faculty and TFs who have been issued a key to it may open it.

When you are finished, the rooms must be returned to their default setup so they are ready for the next class use.
Please check these things:
1. stereo off
2. 262: amp closet locked; 263 door to middle room locked; 292: sound system and lights off, door locked; Kenton: loading dock door and door to middle room locked
3. drumset and drumset hardware locked up
4. bass and guitar amp locked up
5. piano lid closed
6. Kenton: concert piano covered and off to the side, rehearsal piano in its correct position
7. any drinks or food in 262, 263 or 292 properly disposed of (no drinks or food are allowed in Kenton except water for performers)
8. video projector is off (students should not turn video projector on at all) and screen is up
9. chairs are where they should be for class setup (see photos below)
10. No instruments or equipment left in the room. This includes instruments you own and instruments that belong to UNT.
11. lights off
12. door locked

The photos below show how each room should be left when you are finished.

262

263

Kenton

2 years 7 months ago

1.10 Loading Ramp

Located behind Kenton and East Halls, the loading ramp is intended exclusively for loading and unloading heavy equipment. Rules for use: 1. Thirty minutes are allowed for normal unloading/loading of equipment. 2. Use of the loading ramp is limited to four cars at any one time: 3. Park in spaces outlined along the right side ONLY. 4. Do not park in the red-lined space in front of the loading dock or above the yellow line, or block the sidewalk at the bottom. Non-observance of these rules causes unnecessary inconvenience for others, and may lead to a parking ticket and/or loss of ramp privileges.

3 months 2 weeks ago

1.12 Lab Band Practice Music

Updated Aug. 21, 2014
We used to provide a packet of sightreading examples for lab band auditions, but no longer do so. This practice originated before there was a world wide web.

There is a lot of sightreading material available online in the form of solo transcriptions. The music library is a source for solo transcriptions and etudes. We know that lab band parts may not exactly resemble solo transcriptions or etudes, but both can enable you to practice your sightreading skills.

2 years 7 months ago

1.13 North Texas Jazz Recordings

Several of the major jazz ensembles at UNT record annually: the One O'Clock Lab Band, Two O'Clock Lab Band, the Jazz Singers, Jazz Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Rep Ensemble, etc. Their CDs are available for purchase in the Office of Jazz Studies (Room 284).

online store

2 years 7 months ago

1.14 Musician's Union

Denton is located within the jurisdiction of local 72-147, American Federation of Musicians. Some students opt to join.
For information, see their website: www.musiciansdfw.org.

2 years 7 months ago

1.15 EagleConnect Email and the Canvas class

Students are expected to check their EagleConnect email address regularly, and to use it for all UNT-related emails. Important messages from UNT and from your professors will reach you this way. You are responsible for being aware of information sent to you at your UNT email address. To find out the format of your EagleConnect address, log in with your EUID to

3 months 2 weeks ago

1.16 Jazz Lab Bands

2 years 7 months ago

1.16.1 Lab Band: MULB 1808.500/5174.500

Lab bands are 19- or 20-piece instrumental ensembles comprised of five trumpets, five trombones, five saxophones (aattb), and five rhythm (piano, guitar, bass, drums, sometimes vocals). There are eight Lab Bands at North Texas. All bands rehearse one hour daily (Monday through Thursday) in Stan Kenton or Lab East Halls.

3 months 2 weeks ago

1.16.2 Eligibility and Credit

Any current UNT student is welcome to audition for Lab Band. Students who major in Jazz Studies are required to audition each long semester.

In all, an undergraduate Jazz Studies major (Instrumental Performance and Arranging) must earn a minimum of six credits in Lab Band (in addition to two credits in another lab). Four Lab Band credits must be earned during long (fall or spring) semesters. The remaining two may be earned from summer Lab Band.

Graduate students majoring in Jazz Studies must complete at least one long semester (fall or spring semester) in Lab Band. Starting in summer 2019, graduate students may not apply summer lab band credits to degree requirements. The two lab credits required by the master's and doctoral degrees must be earned in the fall or spring semester, and at least one of them must be in a lab band (for instrumentalists) or vocal lab (for vocalists).

Undergraduate and graduate students who are receiving a scholarship are required to participate in a lab.

8 months 2 weeks ago

1.16.3 Lab Band Auditions

1. Auditions are held during registration each long semester. Sign up sheets are posted on the respective faculty member's door or bulletin board.
2. A student who registers late must make arrangements with appropriate faculty to schedule an audition.
3. Students may audition for lab band on more than one instrument.
4. Students who are assigned to more than one lab band (on different instruments) must enroll for a corresponding number of additional credits. See the administrative assistant in the Jazz Studies Office.
5. Each student must fill out a LAB BAND INFORMATION FORM at the lab band audition,
and indicate the hours of the day available for rehearsal.

2 years 7 months ago

1.16.4 What to expect in lab band auditions

Saxophone, Trumpet and Trombone Auditions:
Sight reading music in ballad, medium and fast swing, and in straight eighth funk/Latin styles.
Evaluations are in areas of tone quality, intonation, time feel, note accuracy, and jazz conception.

Jazz Chairs (Saxophone, Trumpet and Trombone):
By permission only (after having passed the reading audition). Evaluations are based upon improvisational skills.

Guitar Auditions:
Sight reading of chord symbols and single-note melodies, improvisation, and prepared chord solos.

Piano Auditions:
Students should: a.) prepare a solo piano selection of their own choice, b) be able to voice chords using inversions, c) read from chord symbols and written notes, d) demonstrate improvisational ability on a given tune (by sight with a play-along recording).

Bass Auditions:
Bring acoustic and electric basses (if both are played). Play bass lines and/or solo in swing, Latin, ballad, and funk styles. Students are evaluated on their ability to read chords symbols and notes, and on their ability to play with a good sound and feel.

Drum Auditions:
Students perform an initial sightreading audition and a preliminary playing audition with a Lab Band. For complete details, see the Percussion Lab Band Auditions sheet available from the Percussion Department.

Auditioning by Sections:
Sectional auditions are scheduled as needed to resolve placement of students in the higher bands.

2 years 7 months ago

1.16.5 Lab Band Assignments

1. Determining factors for Lab Band assignments are:
a. Sight reading skills.
b. Sound (color and tone quality)
c. Intonation
d. Stylistic interpretation
e. Performance evaluations from the previous semester in Lab Band (continuing students)
f. Hours available to perform, as indicated on the student's Lab Band Information Form.
2. Auditioners may request performance of a prepared selection.
3. Jazz Chair auditions are held separately.
4. TENTATIVE results of Lab Band auditions are posted on the bulletin board outside Kenton Hall by noon on the first Tuesday of classes.
5. FINAL results are usually determined by the end of the first week of classes and are posted accordingly. The faculty may at any time make changes for musical or administrative reasons.

2 years 7 months ago

1.16.6 Lab Band Policies

Attendance:
All Lab Bands rehearse daily (Monday through Thursday) for one hour. Substitutes may be sent a maximum of six times during a semester (three times for students who play only twice a week) according to the following guidelines:
1. The substitute is qualified (currently enrolled at North Texas, preferably playing in the next higher or lower band).
2. Twenty-four hours advance notice must be given, except in the case of a verifiable illness or emergency.
3. The music folder must be at the rehearsal.
4. All other absences will lower the student's semester grade.
In addition, there are on- and off-campus performances scheduled for the Lab Bands throughout each semester. Attendance for these performances and related dress rehearsals is mandatory.

Punctuality:
Be on time for all rehearsals and performances. This means set up, warmed up, seated and ready to play. Tardiness will lower your grade.

Preparation and Equipment:
1. For rehearsals:
Trumpets - Flugelhorn double, cup, harmon and plunger mutes
Trombones - Cup and plunger mutes
Saxophones - Soprano saxophone, flute and clarinet doubles
Lead Alto must bring piccolo when needed.
Baritone Sax should have access to bass clarinet, bringing it when needed.
Guitar/Bass - All necessary patch cords and effects.
Drums - cymbals, bass drum pedal, sticks, brushes and mallets.
2. For performances: Appropriate dress, as determined before each performance.
3. For sectionals: All section leaders should hold frequent sectional rehearsals.
4. Music Folders: Charts and folders are the responsibility of each student. Music must be properly cared for and brought to all rehearsals and performances. A fee of $1.00 per double page will be charged for the replacement of all lost parts. A fee of $50.00 for any lab band folder that is lost.

Syndicate performances
Students who are performing with Jazz Studies ensembles at the Syndicate in the University Union who are of legal drinking age may only have an alcoholic beverage after their ensemble has finished performing. No alcoholic beverages are to be taken onto the bandstand.

2 years 7 months ago

1.16.7 Lab Band participation and scholarships

Undergraduate and graduate students who are receiving a scholarship are required to participate in a lab.

2 years 7 months ago

1.17 Other Jazz Ensembles

2 years 7 months ago

1.17.1 Guitar Ensembles: MULB 1817/5174.517

The guitar ensembles are some of the many diverse performing groups at UNT. In these
ensembles, guitarists have the unique opportunity to rehearse and perform in a section of five or more guitars. This helps the student focus on reading skills, ensemble blend, group articulations, comping and soloing. Currently, there are two ensembles with instrumentations of five guitars, bass and drums.
The L-5 specializes in blues, rock, and electric avant-garde, and the Super 400 primarily
performs mainstream bebop. They are directed by Prof. Davy Mooney and graduate teaching fellows.

Auditions: Guitar auditions are held in Room 277 during the days of regular registration.
Specific details and sign-up sheets are posted on the bulletin board outside Room 277. Auditions for the Electric Guitar Ensembles focus on reading single note melodic material ranging in difficulty from beginning to advanced.

8 months 2 weeks ago

1.17.2 Jazz Repertory Ensemble: MULB 1818/5174.518

[Not currently offered]
The Jazz Repertory Ensemble is a 15 - 20 member group dedicated to performing classic and historical jazz. Repertoire consists of transcriptions of classics from Fletcher Henderson, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Gil Evans, Charles Mingus and others. Smaller groups may be formed from the larger ensemble to perform classic ragtime, New Orleans jazz, cool jazz octets, etc. The ensemble meets three times weekly for one hour rehearsals.

Substituting Credits: One credit hour from Jazz Repertory Ensemble may be substituted for one credit hour of Small Group, as required in the degree plan for the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies.

Auditions: Members of the Jazz Repertory Ensemble are selected on the basis of their lab band auditions. Interest in JRE should be checked on the lab band audition form.

8 months 2 weeks ago

1.17.3 Zebras: MULB 1819.500/5174.519

The Zebras - a contemporary jazz repertory ensemble including: 4-5 horns, keyboardist, pianist, guitarist, bassist, drummer, percussionist, and vocalist(s). Zebras meet twice
weekly for 75 and performs two or three times each semester.

Auditions:
Interested players should perform their primary jazz lab audition and check "Zebras" on their audition sheet. Call-back auditions will be held during the first and second
official class day (T/TH 11:00AM-12:20PM in room 263). This audition will measure the student's understanding of the idiom. Emphasis is on sight-reading of intricate note- passages and improvisational skills.

2 years 7 months ago

1.17.4 Vocal Jazz Ensembles

There are currently four vocal jazz ensembles in the Jazz Division at UNT:

UNT Jazz Singers (MULB 1820.500/MULB 5174.520)
Avenue C (MULB 1820.501/MULB 5174.521)
Third Street (MULB 1820.502/MULB 5174.523)
West End (MULB 1820.503)

All four ensembles are open to any registered UNT student (regardless of major), on the basis of live auditions held at the beginning of each semester. For more information visit the UNT Jazz Singers auditions page.

2 years 7 months ago

1.17.5 Latin Jazz Band (MULB 1821)

Latin Jazz Lab is directed by José Aponte and focuses on Latin jazz and related styles. Indicate your preference to be considered for this group on the Lab Band audition form.

2 years 7 months ago

1.17.6 U-Tubes

Jazz trombone ensemble, directed by a graduate teaching fellow. Rhythm section players may earn a lab credit for playing in U-Tubes.

3 months 2 weeks ago

1.17.7 Jazz Chamber Music (Small Groups): MUCM 3550.500/MUCM 5550.500

Jazz Chamber Music is an extension of Jazz Improvisation. Small performance groups are formed from among those students enrolled in the class. Small Groups provide an excellent opportunity to apply and further develop one’s improvisation and performance skills. Students involved in small groups also meet in forum twice weekly.
Small Group Forum: Forum meetings of all students involved in Small Groups are held each Monday and Wednesday from 4:00 to 4:50 p.m. in Kenton Hall. Small Group Forum provides an opportunity for groups to perform for an audience of their peers. A different group plays each time, followed by a period of discussion. A second required performance is arranged according to venue availability. In addition, the forum class has visiting artists each fall semester, and a recording project each spring semester. Recording projects are done at a professional Denton-based recording studio. Combos are coached on a part-time basis.
Attendance at Jazz Forums is required for all members of small jazz groups. Requests for excused absences must be submitted by E-mail.

Eligibility (Small Groups)
Prerequisite (small groups)
1. Undergraduate students must have passed 2370 with an A or B and passed the ICE.
2. Graduate students must be qualified for the Master of Music in Jazz Studies

Combo Placement Procedure
1. A small group leader must have passed the ICE Exam as well as demonstrate good leadership responsibilities.
Small group leaders are encouraged to seek members for their combos prior to the beginning of a new semester.
2. Students who are not chosen for a group need to come to class until placed during the first two weeks of classes. Students still not placed by the end of week 2 will be advised to drop.
3. Performances begin during week 3 of classes
4. Rehearsal and performance schedules will be posted on the bulletin board outside room 292 by the end of week 2. This bulletin board is important- please check daily for updates!

8 months 2 weeks ago

1.17.8 MUEN 2611.502 Rhythm Section Master Class

This class is not currently offered. It was designed to focus on specific topics that relate to the rhythm section in a small jazz group. Some of these are: group communication, individual instrument roles (piano and guitar comping techniques, bass lines, whether to "break it up", etc.), performance styles (ballads, medium tempo "tippin'" grooves, jazz waltz, up tempo burners, free playing, latin, etc.), and classic rhythm section analysis (early New Orleans, Basie, early bebop, post bop, Miles' ensembles of the '50s and '60s, Oscar Peterson, Wes Montgomery, etc.). There are four or five groups formed for the class (usually composed of piano, guitar, bass and drums) that rehearse and perform for critique and videotaping. Admission in the course is by consent of the instructors. More information on the website (http://www.jazz.unt.edu/node/64).

8 months 2 weeks ago

1.17.9 Jazz Strings Ensemble

Jazz Strings Ensemble meets twice per week and is directed by Prof. Scott Tixier. Rhythm section players may earn a lab credit for playing in Jazz Strings Ensemble.

3 months 2 weeks ago

1.18 Repertoire Lists

For:
ICE/GIEE
Improvisation Continuation Exam
and
Graduate Improvisation Entrance Exam

and

FIPE/GIPE
Final Improvisation Proficiency Exam
and
Graduate Improvisation Proficiency Exam

2 years 7 months ago

1.18.1 ICE/GIEE Repertoire

1. So What
2. Little Sunflower
3. Freddie Freeloader
4. Sonnymoon For Two
5. Blue Monk
6. Now's The Time
7. Blues By Five
8. Satin Doll
9. Pent Up House
10. St. Thomas
11. Take The "A" Train
12. Moonlight In Vermont
13. Eighty One

MUJS 2370
14. All Of Me
15. Four
16. Anthropology
17. Oleo
18. Solar
19. Tune Up
20. What's New
21. West Coast Blues
22. No Me Esqueça
23. Watch What Happens
24. Blue Bossa
25. All The Things You Are
26. Ladybird
27. Unit Seven
28. There Will Never Be Another You
29. Misty
30. Autumn Leaves
31. Don't Get Around Much Anymore

2 years 7 months ago

1.18.2 FIPE/GIPE Repertoire

MUJS 3360
32. What Is This Thing Called Love?
33. Yesterdays
34. Four Brothers
35. Triste
36. If I Were A Bell
37. Someday My Prince Will Come
38. Like Someone In Love
39. I Thought About You
40. Darn That Dream
41. Airegin
42. Line For Lyons
43. Wave
44. The Song Is You
45. My Romance
46. But Beautiful
[Recent tunes in 3360 have included: One Finger Snap, Up Jumped Spring, The Way You Look Tonight, Bohemia After Dark, Driftin', Windows, Dolphin Dance, Wee Dot, Tones for Joan's Bones.]

MUJS 3370
47. Witch Hunt
48. Footprints
49. Infant Eyes
50. E.S.P.
51. Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum
52. Miyako
53. Speak No Evil
54. Wild Flower
55. Adam's Apple
56. Children Of The Night
57. Virgo
58. Juju
59. Yes Or No
60. Nefertiti
61. Black Nile
62. Night Dream
63. This Is For Albert
64. El Gaucho
65. Epistrophy
66. I Mean You
67. In Walked Bud
68. Introspection
69. Monk's Mood
70. Off Minor
71. Round Minor
72. Ruby My Dear
73. Thelonious
74. Well, You Needn't

2 years 7 months ago

1.19 Jazz Piano Study Guide

In order to be exempted from MUJS 1371 (Jazz Keyboard Fundamentals), you must demonstrate your proficiency by comping through a variety of common jazz progressions using the following voicing structures:
- Rooted voicings: with 2 notes, 3 notes, and 4 notes
- Rootless voicings: with 2 notes and 3 notes only

You must also be able to play all major, minor, augmented, and diminished root position triads and their inversions, as well as all root position seventh chords (major, minor, dominant, half diminished, fully diminished).

The textbook for MUJS 1371, “Jazz Keyboard Harmony” by Phil DeGreg, is the most helpful tool in preparing for this exam.
- First, consult pages 1-18 to review keyboard fundamentals and learn about effective practice strategies for internalizing voicings at the keyboard.
- Then, study, memorize and internalize the voicings from Chapters 1-4 (pages 22-99). Use Appendices A and B (pages 225-230) to practice the voicings through a variety of common jazz chord progressions. Be sure to practice minor ii-V-I’s, dominant cycles, major cycles, and the diminished/tri-tone sub pattern…do not simply learn major ii-V-I’s.
- In the exam, which takes about 10 minutes, you will be asked to play through randomly selected progressions found in Appendix B (pages 227-230) at approximately 88-100 bpm, using randomly selected voicing structures from Chapters 1-4. You can expect to play through a variety of progressions: major ii-V-I’s, minor ii-V-i’s, dominant cycles, major cycles, and diminished/tri-tone sub progressions.
- You are allowed to miss up to four chords in any progression. If you miss a chord, simply keep going in tempo…do not stop and try to correct yourself. Play the exercise as if it were a real-world performance situation.
- If you miss more than four chords, you will be asked to stop the exercise. You will be given an extra minute to practice the progression and then you may try again. If you fail the exercise again, you may be asked to take MUJS 1371.

The instructor reserves the right to make final placement decisions based on overall performance in the exam.

Aim to become generally proficient with these voicings rather than memorizing a single exercise.

3 months 2 weeks ago

1.20 Student Clubs

2 years 7 months ago

1.20.1 UNT Guitar Club

Applied guitar students and those enrolled in MUJS 1131 or 1132 and guitar ensembles are expected to participate in this vital contribution to the excellence of the program. Meetings will coincide with jazz guitar departmental times. The dues for this club are $60 per year, which pays for artists. There are have been many guest artists and clinicians brought to the University through the annual Spring Lecture Series and the North Texas Guitar and Bass Club. That has included Herb Ellis (a UNT alum), John Abercrombie, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Peter Leitch, Bruce Forman, Howard Alden, Mike Stern, Joe Puma, Chuck Wayne, Larry Coryell, Bugs Henderson, Wayne Krantz, Joe Pass, Pat Metheny, Alan Holdsworth, John Scofield, Bill Frisell, Scott Henderson, Ben Monder, Jonathan Kreisberg, Tim Miller (a UNT alum), Lage Lund and many others.

2 years 7 months ago

1.21 Professional Absences

The following policy is from the College of Music Faculty Handbook Section 8.10.

Absences for Professional Reasons, Individual Students
NOTE: This policy statement is not intended to apply to absences from large ensembles for professional reasons. These instances are governed by policies set forth in the course syllabus.

1. A student who must be absent from a class for verified professional reasons is entitled to be excused from any punitive action (such as penalization of grade) for non-attendance;
2. The student may be held responsible for any material presented in any class for which there is a professional excuse;
3. Any assignments due during the time of absence must be turned in either in advance or at a time after return designated by the instructor;
4. If a test is scheduled during an excused absence, the student is entitled to a make-up examination to be administered at the convenience of the instructor;
5. The student must notify the instructor of an anticipated absence in advance of class and establish any make-up examination or assignment dates, if appropriate. Verification of the absence shall consist of a letter of explanation signed and dated by the sponsoring professor and the division chair, a copy of which shall be given the instructor.

3 months 2 weeks ago

2. Undergraduate Degree Programs

The Jazz Studies curriculum leads to the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, with areas of specialization in Instrumental Performance, Jazz Arranging, and Vocal Performance. Degree plans for each of these areas (outlined by semester) are found here: http://music.unt.edu/advising/degree2014.php

Each jazz major is individually responsible for following the degree plan written for his/her area of specialization, and seeking advice regularly from the College of Music undergraduate advising office.

PROGRAM GPA: For the course to count towards the degree, a minimum grade of B is required for all jazz studies courses in the major. This policy is supported by the resolution passed by the University Undergraduate Curriculum Committee on 6 May 2015, which states that programs may require "a minimum grade per course for a major and its supporting field."

Students are responsible for the prerequisites of each course for which they enroll, and for being prepared for placement, continuation and proficiency examinations, as listed in this handbook, and in the Undergraduate Catalog.

2 years 7 months ago

2.01 Entrance Requirements

1. Follow the steps outlined on the College of Music admissions page: http://music.unt.edu/prospective-students
and on the Jazz Studies website:
http://www.jazz.unt.edu/?q=node/2
Note that admission to UNT, to the College of Music, and to the Jazz Studies program are separate and required steps.
2. If transferring from another university, file a degree plan during the first semester at UNT (see the College of Music Advising Office).

2 years 7 months ago

2.02 Scholarships

The Jazz Studies program awards performance and arranging scholarships on a competitive basis. These awards also reduce the out-of-state tuition to in-state rates. Applications with references must be sent in and an audition must be performed in one of three ways:
1. In person - a live audition may be performed on one of the College of Music
audition dates that are published each year.
2. By appointment - a live audition may be performed during a visit to campus at a time other than the published audition dates (by contacting the Instructor).
3. By recording. See the Jazz Studies website for the specific requirements for each instrument.

For complete information on scholarships and appropriate application forms visit the College of Music Website (www.music.unt.edu) and the Jazz Website (www.jazz.unt.edu).

Note: Scholarship renewals depend upon a Grade Point Average of 3.0 Minimum (Undergrad), 3.5 minimum (Graduate) in music courses for the academic year and acceptable progress on your instrument.

2 years 7 months ago

2.03 Applied Concentration Requirements

The Jazz Studies major whose specialization is Instrumental Performance or Jazz Arranging must qualify for Lab Band on one of the following instruments: Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Piano, Bass, Guitar, Drumset or Percussion.
The Jazz Studies major whose specialization is Vocal Performance must qualify as a singer in the UNT Jazz Singers. (See Vocal Jazz at North Texas)
Jazz Studies majors must also declare one of the instruments listed above as their area of applied concentration. In these private lessons, the primary focus begins with classical study (except for Jazz Guitar, which is jazz for all four years).
Two semester hours of applied credit per semester is awarded for successful study on the concentration instrument. One hour of credit for applied study identifies a secondary instrument.
Generally, the Applied Concentration Proficiency Examination must be passed covering requirements through the second year of study. This exam may be attempted only after eight credits of study have been completed. Exceptions:
• Guitarists must complete eight hours of applied jazz guitar (MUAC 1526/3526). Jazz guitar departmentals (Fridays 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.) are mandatory every semester while enrolled in applied study.
• Percussionists will fulfill applied requirements in drumset, mallets, snare drum and timpani.
• Vocalists may attempt the UNT Voice Proficiency after four semesters of applied classical voice (MUAC 1503), followed by two semesters of applied jazz voice (MUAC 3533). Vocal Jazz Forum (Fridays 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.) is required each semester of applied study.

2 years 7 months ago

2.04 Lab Requirements

All Jazz Studies majors are expected to audition for a jazz lab every long semester they are enrolled. All students who perform in a jazz lab must be appropriately enrolled in that lab. See Jazz Laboratories, section 10.

Undergraduate students who are receiving a scholarship are required to participate in a lab.

2 years 7 months ago

2.05 Jazz Fundamentals Proficiency Examination

To be eligible for Jazz Improvisation, Arranging and Vocal Jazz Techniques, all students must complete the requirements of Jazz Performance Fundamentals (MUJS 1131/1132), Jazz Fundamentals (MUJS 1360/1370), Jazz Aural Fundamentals (MUJS 1361), Jazz Keyboard Fundamentals (MUJS 1371) and Intro to Jazz Records (MUJS 1470). Students are encouraged to complete this requirement within the freshman year.
Completing the courses with a minimum grade of B can satisfy the requirement. A student may attempt to pass one or more of these courses by exam. Exams are offered the week before the first day of class, both long semesters. Note: Jazz Fundamentals I is offered only via the internet. Also, be aware of the University policy that prohibits testing out of a course already taken for credit.
Locations and times for Jazz Fundamentals Proficiency Exams and the Jazz Keyboard
Proficiency Exam are listed on the bulletin board outside Room 353 & 272. The MUJS 1370 Proficiency Exam maybe attempted only after completing MUJS 1360 or its proficiency examination. (Those who have completed 1360 or its exam may attempt the 1370 proficiency.) For more information on proficiency exams, see the website (http://www.jazz.unt.edu/node/69).

8 months 2 weeks ago

2.06 Jazz Keyboard Proficiency Examination

In order to be exempted from MUJS 1371 (Jazz Keyboard Fundamentals), you must demonstrate your proficiency by comping through a variety of common jazz progressions using the following voicing structures:
- Rooted voicings: with 2 notes, 3 notes, and 4 notes
- Rootless voicings: with 2 notes and 3 notes only

You must also be able to play all major, minor, augmented, and diminished root position triads and their inversions, as well as all root position seventh chords (major, minor, dominant, half diminished, fully diminished).

The textbook for MUJS 1371, “Jazz Keyboard Harmony” by Phil DeGreg, is the most helpful tool in preparing for this exam.
- First, consult pages 1-18 to review keyboard fundamentals and learn about effective practice strategies for internalizing voicings at the keyboard.
- Then, study, memorize and internalize the voicings from Chapters 1-4 (pages 22-99). Use Appendices A and B (pages 225-230) to practice the voicings through a variety of common jazz chord progressions. Be sure to practice minor ii-V-I’s, dominant cycles, major cycles, and the diminished/tri-tone sub pattern…do not simply learn major ii-V-I’s.
- In the exam, which takes about 10 minutes, you will be asked to play through randomly selected progressions found in Appendix B (pages 227-230) at approximately 88-100 bpm, using randomly selected voicing structures from Chapters 1-4. You can expect to play through a variety of progressions: major ii-V-I’s, minor ii-V-i’s, dominant cycles, major cycles, and diminished/tri-tone sub progressions.
- You are allowed to miss up to four chords in any progression. If you miss a chord, simply keep going in tempo…do not stop and try to correct yourself. Play the exercise as if it were a real-world performance situation.
- If you miss more than four chords, you will be asked to stop the exercise. You will be given an extra minute to practice the progression and then you may try again. If you fail the exercise again, you may be asked to take MUJS 1371.

The instructor reserves the right to make final placement decisions based on overall performance in the exam.

Aim to become generally proficient with these voicings rather than memorizing a single exercise.

4 months 2 weeks ago

2.07 Jazz History Proficiency Exams

Transfer students may elect to test out of MUJS 1470 (Introduction To Jazz Recordings) by taking the Jazz History Entrance Exam, particularly if they have had a survey jazz history course at a previous institution. The JHEE involves listening identification of artists and titles in the selected from the history of jazz. The Jazz History Entrance Exam is offered during the week before classes in the fall semester. The Jazz History Proficiency Exam is offered to those who wish to test out of MUJS 4470. Typically only new master's students take this exam. This exam is offered by appointment with the instructor of MUJS 4470/5430 or the division chair before the start of each long semester. The exam is described on our website (http://jazz.unt.edu/4470-proficiency).

3 months 2 weeks ago

2.08 Policy on enrolling in MUJS 2360 before completing MUJS 1132

Undergraduate students may enroll in MUJS 2360 before completing
MUJS 1132 if they:

1) have completed MUJS 1131 with an A
2) have completed all other coursework with a B or better
3) have the approval instructor of MUJS 2360
4) have the approval of the major professor of their instrument
5) have the approval of the chair

2 years 7 months ago

2.09 Improvisation Continuation Exam

All undergraduate jazz majors must pass the Improvisation Continuation Exam (ICE) before they can be admitted to MUJS 3360 (Advanced Jazz Improvisation), MUJS 4610 (Advanced Jazz Arranging), or MUJS 4120 (Vocal Jazz Styles). The exam will take place each semester during finals week and be adjudicated by no fewer than five members of the jazz faculty. Each student must demonstrate competency in jazz improvisation on repertoire drawn from MUJS 2360 and 2370. Repertoire lists may be found elsewhere in this handbook. It is recommended that students take the ICE at the end of the semester in which they are enrolled in MUJS 2370. A student may attempt the ICE one time without being enrolled in MUJS 2370, after which he/she must enroll in 2370 before attempting the ICE again.

At its meeting on Aug. 24, 2012, the Jazz Studies faculty voted to establish a maximum of three times for attempting the ICE and FIPE exams. If students do not pass it on the third attempt, they will need to change to a major other than Jazz Studies.

Arranging and vocal students are responsible for additional continuation exams in their areas.
See Arranging Continuation Exam, and Vocal Jazz Degree Status.

2 years 7 months ago

2.10 Undergraduate Recital Guidlines

The most current recital guidelines are linked here in PDF. Please note that the MUJS 4720 capstone recital requires program notes, which must be reviewed by the major professor before they are distributed.

Current, former, retired, and adjunct faculty members may not participate in student degree recitals. Guest artists are not permitted in student degree recitals.

8 months 2 weeks ago

2.11 Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies (Instrumental Performance)

Major study begins in the freshman year with MUJS 1131/1132 (Jazz Performance
Fundamentals), MUJS 1360/1370 (Jazz Fundamentals), and MUJS 1470 (Introduction to Jazz Recordings). Four semesters of improvisation begin in the sophomore year. A sample degree plan can be found on the College of Music Advising website.

2 years 7 months ago

2.11.1 Final Improvisation Proficiency Exam

All instrumental jazz performance majors must pass the Final Improvisation Proficiency Exam (FIPE) before they will be allowed to play a senior recital. The FIPE will take place each semester during finals week and be adjudicated by no fewer than five members of the jazz faculty. Each student must demonstrate competency in the art of jazz improvisation on repertoire drawn from the UNT course of study in jazz improvisation. (MUJS 2360,2370, 3360, 3370) Repertoire lists may be found in section 12.01 of this handbook.
It is recommended but not required that students take the FIPE at the end of the semester in which they are enrolled in MUJS 3370. A student may attempt the FIPE one time without being enrolled in MUJS 3370, after which he/she must enroll in 3370 before attempting the FIPE again.
Students are expected to perform their senior recital in the semester following successful completion of the FIPE. If the recital is not completed within one year the student will be required to retake the FIPE.

2 years 7 months ago

2.11.2 Senior Recital (Instrumental Performance)

Please be aware that new requirements exist for the recital for those students who are taking it as a Capstone course. Please consult your academic advisor.

1. A senior recital is required of all Jazz Studies degree candidates. Two or more candidates must share a recital.
2. Each candidate must first have passed the Final Improvisation Proficiency Exam.
3. Each candidate must first have passed the appropriate College of Music Applied
Concentration Proficiency Exam.
4. Senior recitals may be given at any time during a long semester; however, the date must be scheduled before the end of the seventh week of classes.
5. The Jazz Recital Guidelines, available in the online student handbook, contain a complete checklist of procedures, requirements and deadlines.

2 years 7 months ago

2.12 Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies (Arranging)

Major study begins in the freshman year with MUJS 1131/1132 (Jazz PerformanceFundamentals), MUJS 1360/1370 (Jazz Fundamentals), and MUJS 1470 (Introduction to Jazz Recordings). Four semesters of arranging classes begin with MUJS 3610, listed as a junior level class. Students wishing to pursue arranging as their specialization are encouraged to enter arranging in their sophomore year, providing all prerequisites are met with grades of B or better. A sample degree plan can be found on the College of Music Advising website.

2 years 7 months ago

2.12.1 Requirements for Continuation

To continue past the second semester of (MUJS 3620) into third semester (MUJS 4610), the student must first pass the Improvisation Continuation Exam (ICE), and the Arranging Continuation Exam (ACE). For information on the ICE, see 4.01; the ACE is described below. MUJS 4610 is offered only in the fall semester. Therefore, the ACE should be taken in the preceding spring. Extra or remedial work required to pass any segment of the ACE may then be addressed in the summer, without adding unnecessary calendar time to the degree program.

2 years 7 months ago

2.12.2 Arranging Continuation Examination

The ACE is offered three times each year: first Monday of the fall semester at 4:00p.m., and finals week of both fall and spring semesters.
The exam is divided into three parts: 1) Theoretical arranging concepts, 2) Functional keyboard skills, and 3) Interesting and well written arrangements written and recorded for both large and small jazz ensembles. Each of these segments is graded on a pass/fail basis. The exam is explained in greater detail within the document “Preparing For The Arranging Continuation Exam” available in the Jazz Studies Office (Room 284)

2 years 7 months ago

2.12.3 Final Arranging Proficiency Exam

All arranging majors must pass the Final Arranging Proficiency Exam (FAPE) before they will be allowed to present a senior recital. The FAPE is also known as the Senior Arranging Recital Audition. This review will be available each semester during finals week. The student will submit scores (and tapes) of recently completed work demonstrating his/her readiness to present a senior recital as an arranger/composer. The material will be reviewed by appropriate jazz faculty. Students are expected to present their recitals in the semester following the successful FAPE. If the recital is not completed within one year the student must petition for another review. (A student may attempt the FAPE one time without being enrolled in MUJS 4610 or 4620, after which he/she must enroll in 4620 before attempting the FAPE again.) Further information may be found in the document “Senior Arranging Recital”, available in the Jazz Studies Office (Room 284).

2 years 7 months ago

2.12.4 College of Music Applied Concentration Proficiency Exam

The College of Music Applied Concentration Proficiency Exam (ACPE) is a requirement for graduation. This exam may be taken after six semesters of applied study. Although the ACPE is not prerequisite to the Senior Arranging Recital, it is highly recommended that the student pass this exam before beginning the Recital process.

2 years 7 months ago

2.12.5 Senior Recital (Arranging Specialization)

Please be aware that new requirements exist for the recital for those students who are taking it as a Capstone course. Please consult your academic advisor.

1. A senior recital is required of all Jazz Studies degree candidates. Two or more candidates must share a recital.
2. The candidate must have completed all degree requirements in Music Theory, Counterpoint and Composition. The candidate must also be enrolled in MUJS 4620 (4th semester Arranging) or have passed this course with a grade of B or better.
3. The Senior Arranging Recital consists of public performance of three charts, under circumstances detailed in the document “Senior Arranging Recital”, available in the Office of Jazz Studies.
4. Senior arranging recitals may be given only during long semesters, and must take place at the University of North Texas. The recital must be scheduled before the end of the third week of the semester in which it is to occur.
5. A complete checklist of procedures, requirements and deadlines is contained in the Undergraduate Recital Guidlines in the online jazz studies student handbook.

2 years 7 months ago

2.12.6 Requirements for switching to arranging emphasis

Students that have established a prowess for jazz writing may be allowed to change their status to become a jazz major with an emphasis in arranging. This decision must be determined no later than the completion of the sophomore level of study. Before doing so, the student should realize that this track requires significantly more time than the typical performance major since most of the requirements for instrumental performance still apply (including the successful completion of the jazz improvisation exams.

A formal written application must be filled out and approved via signatures from the student’s applied performance professor, Richard DeRosa – the director of jazz arranging, and the division chair.

In preparation for this transition, the student must present a portfolio of compositions and arrangements that show substantial potential beyond the limited writing production of a typical jazz performance major. It should include one complete arrangement for big band. The portfolio will then be evaluated by professor Richard DeRosa. The student must also demonstrate a reasonable facility at the keyboard by performing Stella by Starlight from memory (contact Professor DeRosa for an appointment).

Upon acceptance, the student must take the following advanced courses:

Advanced Jazz Arranging (MUJS 4610 and 4620)
Counterpoint (MUTH 3410)
Classical Composition (MUCP 3080)
Conducting (MUAG 3800).

The student will also change his/her applied area of instruction from performance to arranging; a minimum of three semesters of private study is required in order to present a satisfactory senior recital in this area. The first two semesters are dedicated to the bulk of the writing; at least two pieces (one large, one small) are to be written in each semester. The final semester is dedicated to one more piece and preparation for the recital.

The senior recital will consist of the following minimum:

Two pieces for big band (contrasting moods or styles)
Three pieces for various chamber groups – a 3-horn arr, a 4-horn arr, a 5-horn arr.

The five pieces must total at least 25 minutes of performed music and improvisation cannot constitute more than 40% of the written music. There must be a comprehensive representation of styles: swing, be-bop, modal, ballad, Latin, Brazilian, original (modern day).

3 months 2 weeks ago

2.13 Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies (Vocal Performance)

Major study begins in the freshman year with MUJS 1131/1132 (Jazz Performance
Fundamentals), MUJS 1360/1370 (Jazz Fundamentals), and MUJS 1470 (Introduction to Jazz Recordings). Four semesters of Vocal Jazz Techniques begin in the sophomore year, following the Vocal Jazz Placement Exam. Applied voice lessons begin with traditional study in the classical style. After four semesters of traditional study, the vocal jazz major may attempt the UNT Applied Voice Proficiency Exam and be eligible to sign up for Vocal Jazz Applied lessons.
Music laboratories are divided: 2-4 semesters of traditional choir, 4-6 semesters of vocal jazz ensemble. A detailed description of the vocal jazz program may be found online (http://www.jazz.unt.edu/?q=node/79).

2 years 7 months ago

2.13.1 Placement and Proficiency Examinations

Vocal Jazz Placement Examination
Singers are accepted into the vocal jazz degree program at one of two levels, on the basis of a live audition. This Placement Exam may be concurrent to the UNT Jazz Singers audition, or specially scheduled by appointment with appropriate faculty. See Vocal Jazz Auditions online through the jazz website.

Provisional Status - Qualify by audition to participate in UNT Jazz Singers - meaning:
1) Demonstrate the ability to handle intervals and in tune
2) Show reasonable control of head and chest voice, and breath support
3) Sight read music at the level of an alto part from a typical Protestant hymn; sight read rhythms at the level of Sammy Nestico big band brass parts.
4) Sing a solo from the standard repertoire with reasonable musicality.

Full Status - Demonstrate growth past the provisional level. On a forum performance:
1. Sing solos with the sound, control, and breath support idiomatic of vocal jazz
2. Improvise musically and sing the bass notes of the changes ... and following the Forum performance:
3. Play chord changes on the piano, showing functional keyboard skills
4. Give evidence of having memorized repertoire consistent with the length of time spent thus far in vocal jazz classes, ensembles.

Conversion: Provisional status must convert to full status within a reasonable time. Exceptions may be counseled into a different degree program.
The Improvisation Continuation Exam applies to all jazz majors. Vocal jazz majors must pass the ICE to gain admittance into MUJS 4120, Vocal Jazz Styles.

Vocal jazz majors must pass the Vocal Jazz Proficiency Exam (VJPE) before they will be allowed to present a senior recital. The exam is scheduled during finals week, each long semester, and is adjudicated by appropriate members of the jazz faculty. The singer must demonstrate competency as a soloist in the jazz idiom (including improvisation) on material drawn from the UNT Vocal Jazz Repertoire List, which is distributed in MUJS 3120 Vocal Jazz Techniques.
It is recommended that students take the VJPE at the conclusion of MUJS 4120 (Vocal Jazz Styles). A student may attempt the VJPE one time without being enrolled in MUJS 4120.
Students are expected to perform their senior recital in the semester following successful completion of the VJPE. If the recital is not completed within one year the student will be required to retake the VJPE .

2 years 7 months ago

2.13.2 Senior Recital (Vocal Performance)

Please be aware that new requirements exist for the recital for those students who are taking it as a Capstone course. Please consult your academic advisor.

1. A senior recital is required of all Jazz Studies degree candidates. Two or more candidates must share a recital.
2. Each candidate must first have passed the College of Music Applied Concentration Proficiency Examination.
3. Each candidate must be actively enrolled in, or have passed Vocal Jazz Styles (MUJS 4120) with a minimum grade of B.
4. Senior recitals may be given at any time during a long semester; however, the date must be scheduled before the end of the seventh week of classes.
The Undergraduate recital guidelines, available via the online student handbook, contains a complete checklist of procedures, requirements and deadlines.

2 years 7 months ago

2.13.3 Degree Plan (Vocal Performance)

A sample degree plan can be found on the College of Music Advising website.

2 years 7 months ago

2.13.4 Upper Divisions Examination for Vocal Jazz

Jazz Studies Major – (Voice) Upper Division Examination (UDE)
(effective Spring 2013)

All undergraduate Jazz Studies (Voice) majors and concentrations must pass the Upper Divisional Exam (UDE) before advancing to the 3000 level of voice study. The UDE assessment takes place during finals week no later than the fourth semester of study. Transfer students may be assessed in an earlier semester at the discretion of their teachers, but not earlier than the fourth semester of study overall and not later than their fourth semester at UNT.

I. The purpose of the UDE is to determine whether the student is progressing through their curriculum with sufficient promise for continued progress such that they will be prepared to perform a recital and earn their Bachelor's degree after 4 additional semesters of study. This is determined through examining the evidence of the student's total progress as they've passed through the following benchmarks:
1. Private study at the 1500 level
2. Vocal Jazz Techniques class (minimum of 1 semester)
3. Jazz Improvisation class (two semesters, including one attempt at the ICE at the conclusion of Improv II)

II. The focus of the UDE will be to determine a student's grasp of the most basic concepts of jazz and an ability to express themselves artistically in those styles. As such, we will assess two specific song performances, in addition to the other elements listed above:
1. A medium swing standard tune, sung between mm. 120 – 140 bpm. Within that performance, we expect to hear a demonstration of the following: good swing time feel, lyric delivery with expressiveness and phrasing, accurate intonation and ability to sing the melody accurately, as well as creativity when sections of the melody are repeated, good tone and command of vocal technique, and wordless vocal improvisation.
2. A standard jazz ballad, sung between 50 – 60 bpm. We expect to hear a demonstration of the elements listed above, minus the swing feel and wordless vocal improvisation, and adding an appropriate command of ballad phrasing.

III. Those songs can be performed during finals week in any of four different settings:
1. The ICE (medium swing selection)
2. The Vocal Jazz Techniques class jury: 2 song selections, 1 of your choosing (medium swing or ballad selection, or both)
3. The private lesson jury, if it includes something other than a transcription, since the UDE selections CANNOT be transcribed, but must be the intellectual property of the student (medium swing or ballad selection)
4. An additional song performed as part of the lesson jury, IF the two song requirements have not been met as part of one of the first 3 components

IV. It will be the student's responsibility to consult with their academic advisor in order to know that they need to be assessed for the UDE and get a form from their private instructor prior to finals week to fill out completely and bring to the ICE (if applicable) or the jury, whichever comes first. The student must give the filled-out form to Professor Barnes, who will then retain the form until the process is complete.

V. After the ICE, Techniques jury and lesson jury are completed, the student will either be notified of their UDE assessment with two possible results:
1. "Pass", signifying that the student is eligible to register for 3500 level lessons at the start of the following semester, and will study with one of the adjunct or full-time professors.
2. "Fail", meaning that the student will be asked to meet for a conference with Professors Barnes and Eckert to discuss their options and the possibility of not continuing their progress forward in the Jazz Studies-Voice degree curriculum

VI. Students who do not pass the UDE assessment on the first attempt MAY be permitted to remain in the 1500 level of lessons for an additional semester, then be assessed again, at the discretion of Professors Barnes and Eckert. Students who do not pass the UDE assessment on second attempt will be advised out of the Jazz Studies major.

2 years 7 months ago

3. Graduate Degree Programs

2 years 7 months ago

3.01 Entrance Requirements

1. Apply to and be accepted by the University through Toulouse Graduate School (http://www.tsgs.unt.edu/).
2. Apply to the College of Music (http://music.unt.edu/prospective-students)
3. Be admitted by the Jazz Studies Division, which is part of the College of Music admission process.
4. Complete courses as needed to remove undergraduate deficiencies.
5. Validate course work and skills by examination and/or performance.

Note: Jazz Studies is also a related area in the Master of Music degree (both with a major in Composition and in Performance, and an elective block in the Master of Music Education degree.

2 years 7 months ago

3.02 Graduate Recital Guidlines

Prerequisites and Eligibility
A degree recital is required of all candidates for the Master of Music in Jazz Studies degree. Once you have met the prequisites, you may enroll in MUJS 5535 with the permission of the professor who supervises your track. If you are in the performance track, this is your applied lesson professor. For the composition track, this is Richard DeRosa. For the pedagogy track, this is Dave Meder.

Students in the performance track must pass the Graduate Improvisation Proficiency Exam before enrolling in MUJS 5535 (improv jury done during finals week no later than the semester before you plan to do your recital). In composition, students must pass the Graduate Arranging Proficiency Exam (a portfolio review supervised by Richard DeRosa). In pedagogy, students must pass MUJS 5480 Pedagogy of Jazz and receive permission from Dave Meder before enrolling in MUJS 5535.

In the performance track, MUJS 5535 consists of private lessons leading up to your performance recital.
In the composition track, MUJS 5535 consists of private lessons leading up to your recital of compositions and arrangements.
In the pedagogy track, MUJS 5535 consists of research on a jazz pedagogy-related topic that involves a performance component. On your recital you will present the results of your research and then perform to demonstrate the performance component.

Since MUJS 5535 is a class, the primary policy document for it is your syllabus. This document should be considered a supplement to the syllabus.

Procedures
Once a candidate has met the prerequisites he or she may begin planning a recital.
The following steps are required:
1. Register for MUJS 5535.
2. Work with your professor to decide the content of the recital. Schedule the recital in consultation with your professor.
3. Jazz degree recitals may only be presented Monday through Thursday at 8 p.m. in Kenton Hall. Recitals cannot conflict with other Jazz Studies performances or other College of Music performances of a similar nature.

Recital Committee
In addition to your major professor, the chair/graduate advisor and one other faculty member will serve as your committee. The third faculty member is chosen by the faculty.

Program and Recital Performance
The responsibility to ensure that the recital is carried out within the guidelines of the Jazz Studies Division is shared by you and your major professor. The recital content will be chosen in consultation with the major professor. For performance recitals, the program should reflect a variety of current and historical styles. For composition and pedagogy recitals, consult with your major professor about content.

The recital should last between 45 and 60 minutes. The performance area should be neat and attractive. Kenton Hall must be left set up and ready for lab band rehearsal. You are encouraged to ask friends to help with setup and striking, which includes getting the room ready for lab band rehearsal.

Instrument
You must perform on your principal instrument, which is the one you use in your applied lessons, improvisation classes, and GIPE. If you wish to perform on an additional instrument, you must get written permission in advance from the jazz studies faculty member who teaches that instrument. The program selections on which you wish to perform on an additional instrument must be clearly indicated on your proposed program; your recital advisor must approve of the performance on an additional instrument; and a faculty member who teaches that instrument must approve and sign the recital form to indicate the approval.

Memorization requirement
Candidates must perform from memory. Student performers other than the degree candidate may read from parts.

Faculty performance on recitals
Members of the faculty, including professors, lecturers, and adjunct instructors, may not perform on degree recitals.

Recording and sound reinforcement
A recording of the recital must be made, either by the UNT College of Music Recording Services or a service contracted by the students. The recording should be available for review by the committee on request. If Jazz Studies division sound reinforcement equipment is used, it must be used under the supervision of the major professor.

Printed Programs
Printed recital programs are required. Proofs are to be submitted to the College of Music program office three weeks before the recital.

Your program information is due three weeks before the date of your recital. The program request form is a PDF form available here:

https://music.unt.edu/sites/default/files/recitalProgramInformationSheet.pdf

The form contains information designed to help you gather the required information for the program. You are responsible for researching dates of composers and compositions and proofreading the information for accuracy. Please include complete information on the performers and instruments.

Dress
Concert attire should meet professional expectations that are appropriate for a degree recital. Consult with your advisors in advance on this matter.

If you have a question about your recital that is not answered here, please check with your major professor.

3 months 2 weeks ago

3.03 Jazz Studies as a related field

Master's and doctoral students who wish to study Jazz Studies as a related field must audition with a jazz studies faculty member before enrolling in courses. This is a catalog requirement.

In the audition, the student must meet the level of the degree that they are working towards. In other words, a master's student must meet the entering level of the M.M. in Jazz Studies, and a doctoral student must meet the entering level of the DMA in Performance with a major in Jazz Studies.

Jazz studies professors may have more specific requirements for this audition.

Jazz Saxophone: saxophonists who wish to do the DMA related field in jazz studies must do the following:
1. Make an appointment with Prof. Brad Leali to discuss the audition requirements.
2. Arrange for a rhythm section of piano, bass, and drums for the audition.
3. Prepare the following jazz repertoire, to be selected by Prof. Leali, in advance:
a. up-tempo
b. ballad
c. medium tempo
4. At the audition, perform a jazz standard from a concert key leadsheet provided by Prof. Leali.

For further information, contact the chair of the Jazz Studies division.

3 months 2 weeks ago

3.04 Second Bachelor's degree status and IELI

Admission into second bachelor's degree status in Jazz Studies is possible only in one of two strictly defined situations.

  1. A student who already has a completed bachelor's degree in a major other than jazz studies who wishes to earn a complete second bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies.
    Students admitted under this condition will be ineligible to enter the M.M. in Jazz Studies degree program while working towards the Second Bachelor's degree. At the completion of the Second Bachelor's degree, the student will be eligible to apply for the M.M. in Jazz Studies. Admission to the M.M. in Jazz Studies is not automatic for students who complete the B.M. in Jazz Studies.
  2. A student who successfully auditions for the M.M. in Jazz Studies, but who is required take additional English language study in order to successfully demonstrate English language proficiency. Students admitted under this condition must follow this sequence of actions:
    1. audition successfully for admission to the M.M. in Jazz Studies
    2. complete English language instruction at a level that enables admission to UNT
    3. after completing English language study, audition again with a Jazz Studies faculty member for admission to the M.M. in Jazz Studies and meet all requirements for admission to the M.M. in Jazz Studies, including passing either the GRE Analytical Writing Exam or the Jazz Studies In-House Writing Exam. There are three possible outcomes of this audition and exam:
      1. Admission to the M.M. in Jazz Studies
      2. Denial of admission to the M.M. in Jazz Studies and denial of permission to continue in Second Bachelor's status. In this case, the student's work in Jazz Studies in any status would stop.
      3. Permission to remain in Second Bachelor's status for a maximum of one additional year, during which the student will take undergraduate courses under the supervision of the Jazz Studies Chair/Graduate Advisor. At the end of this year, there will be another audition and a review of academic progress. There are two possible outcomes of this audition and review:
        1. Admission to the M.M. in Jazz Studies.
        2. Denial of admission to the M.M. in Jazz Studies and denial of permission to continue in Second Bachelor's status. In this case, the student's work in Jazz Studies in any status would stop.
2 years 7 months ago

3.05 Scholarships

The Jazz Studies program awards performance and arranging scholarships on a competitive basis. For complete information on scholarships visit the Jazz Studies website and the College of Music website.

Graduate students who are receiving a scholarship are required to participate in a lab.

2 years 7 months ago

3.06 Teaching Fellowships and Assistantships

Teaching fellowships and assistantships are awarded to qualified graduate students in Lab Bands and other areas within the Division of Jazz Studies. The application is the same form for entrance/acceptance into the College of Music.

Criteria for selection of Teaching Fellows in Jazz Studies:
1. Outstanding musicianship
Must play in an upper level Lab Band or other lab with equal stature. Must demonstrate a high level of skill in jazz improvisation.
2. Communication skills: Ability to give and receive direction at the university level.
3. Conducting College Jazz Ensembles (MUJS 5470), or equivalent experience.
Exceptions must be approved by the Chair of Jazz Studies.

TA and TF Assignments
arranging
bass applied lessons
guitar
improvisation
jazz aural fundamentals
jazz keyboard fundamentals
jazz lab band
jazz recordings
Jazz Singers II
Jazz Singers III
saxophone
U-Tubes
Zebras

2 years 7 months ago

3.07 Changing tracks in the M.M. in Jazz Studies

Students are admitted into one of the three tracks (Performance, Pedagogy, Composition). Students who want to change tracks need to check with the faculty supervisor to get permission. If the request is approved, the faculty supervisor needs to let the graduate advisor know about the change in writing. If the student has already filed a degree plan using the old track, a new degree plan needs to be filed using the requirements for the new track.

Supervisors:
Performance: applied teacher
Pedagogy: Dave Meder
Composition: Richard DeRosa

3 months 2 weeks ago

3.08 Master's degree plan

Each student in the master's program must file a degree plan once he or she has earned 12 graduate hours towards the degree. You are invited to file it before then.

You'll need a copy of the letter or email that stated your jazz studies leveling courses assigned after the review of your transcript and the results of your GPE exams, which is in the gradebook of the GPE organization on Blackboard. If you don't have those documents, you can request copies from the Office of Graduate Studies. You'll also need to refer to your transcript.

The degree plan form is a PDF that you type into in Adobe Reader or Acrobat, then submit. It might not work correctly if you do it in another PDF reader or in a browser.

Read these directions before completing the degree plan.

This is the Degree plan PDF form

At the same time you submit the degree plan form, you must also submit the Designation of advisory committee form, which is linked to this page on the Graduate Studies site. When you complete this form, for Degree Sought enter M.M.; for Major enter Jazz Studies; enter your instrument; leave Related Field blank. The committee members are your major professor, the department chair, and a full-time jazz studies faculty member, preferably someone you have had classes with.

3 months 2 days ago

3.09 Master's designation of committee form

The Toulouse Graduate School requires each student to file a Designation of Advisory Committee Form. The form is available here. You must file this form at the time you file the degree plan. The three committee members will be the faculty who administer your comprehensive exam: your major professor (applied lesson teacher), the chair/graduate advisor, and third faculty member selected by the student.

2 years 7 months ago

3.10 Master's program entrance requirements

1. Meet the university and College of Music requirements for graduate admission.
2. Play an audition that demonstrates technical and improvisational skill at the level of MUJS 3360. See Graduate Improvisation Entrance Exam, below.
3. Submit manuscripts (and recordings) that demonstrate arranging skill equivalent to the level of MUJS 3620. See Graduate Arranging Entrance Exam, below.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge of Jazz History by the grade of B or better in MUJS 4470 Jazz History, or by taking the Jazz History Proficiency Examination.

2 years 7 months ago

3.11 Frequently-Asked Questions about Graduate Advising

It's a good practice for jazz studies master's students to check this page once in a while. New questions are added and answers are revised.

2 years 7 months ago

3.11.01 Q: How can I chose an elective in music outside of jazz studies?

The required six hours of elective credit need to be 5000-level courses, in music, but not a MUJS course and not a jazz studies lab or ensemble.

Options include:
MUCE Music Careers and Entrepreneurship courses
MUET = ethnomusicology
MUET 5030 Music Cultures of the World
MUET 5050 Music of Africa
MUET 5060 African American Music
MUET 5617 African Music and Movement

World music ensembles would also count if taken at the 5000-level

MUMH = music history
there are period courses like
MUMH 5343 Western Music History, 1900-Present, that are relevant to a jazz major's interests
also
MUMH 5440 Music in the United States

also possible: MUCP composition, MUTH music theory, MUED music education
especially good one is MUED 6580 College Teaching of Music Courses (master's students can take this 6000-level course)
also: applied study outside of jazz

2 years 7 months ago

3.11.02 Q: How can I find Mark Tucker's article on Jazz History?

A. Mark Tucker's article on jazz history is the one I recommend to people who are preparing to take the jazz history proficiency test. The test is described http://www.jazz.unt.edu/node/41">here.

You can read the article in New Grove II (the multi-volume New Grove, not the three-volume New Grove Dictionary of Jazz).

Here's how to read that article online: Go to the Oxford Music Online catalog page. Click on Connect to Oxford Music Online. If you are off campus, you will be prompted for your EUID and password.

From the Oxford Music Online page, search on the word Jazz. The first search result is the one you want. The text begins, "Writers have often portrayed the history of jazz as a narrative of progress."

2 years 7 months ago

3.11.04 Q: How do I register for MUJS 5535 Jazz Recital?

A. See the jazz studies administrative assistant to register you for this course.

2 years 7 months ago

3.11.05 Q: How do I schedule the comprehensive exam?

A. How to register for the comprehensive exam:
1. Choose your third committee member. The first two committee members are the chair/grad advisor and your applied teacher.
2. Schedule a one-hour exam time that works for everyone's schedule. It must take place before the jazz studies deadline for the M.M. comprehensive exam, which is always two weeks before the Toulouse Graduate School deadline for receiving the results of the comprehensive exam (typically in week 9 or 10 of the semester). This policy began in fall 2010. This is to allow two weeks for those students who are assigned a review assignment as a result of the exam. Students who are assigned a complete retake may not retake it sooner than two weeks after the exam, but they may retake it before the end of that semester, or later, at the discretion of the faculty committee.
3. The Toulouse Graduate School deadline is labeled "Graduate: Departments Comprehensive Exams Report / Remove Grades Of I Deadline" in the detailed academic calendar. UNT keeps changing the URL so I will not link to it here.
4. You don't need to schedule a room. Exams are held in the chair/grad advisor' office.
5. There is not a class to register for to take the comprehensive exam.
6. The comprehensive exam can only be done in a fall or spring semester.

2 years 7 months ago

3.11.07 Q: Is it automatic that I can graduate once I have finished all of the courses on my degree plan?

A. No. You need to apply to graduate

In the semester that you plan to graduate, you need to formally apply to graduate.
It does not happen automatically.

Read about this process here:

http://tsgs.unt.edu/academics/graduation

2 years 7 months ago

3.11.08 Q: What are the course numbers for ensemble holding sections?

A. Students should register for these sections of our large ensembles. After auditions, the section will be changed to the one that corresponds to the ensemble you are in.

Lab Band
graduate: MULB 5174.500
undergraduate (for second bachelor's students): MULB 1808.500

Jazz Singers
graduate: MULB 5174.522
undergraduate (for second bachelor's students): MULB 1820.500

2 years 7 months ago

3.11.10 Q: What is on the Jazz Studies in-house writing exam?

A. For this exam, students will be asked to read an excerpt from an article on a jazz topic in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal, then write in response to several prompts. The prompts will ask you to write about the author's main arguments and the evidence for the arguments, and to give your own thoughts on the arguments. The expected length will be around two single-spaced handwritten letter-size legal pad pages. The exam will last two hours. It will be graded on content and writing competence. No dictionaries or other reference tools may be used. The exam will be handwritten.

You can prepare by reading articles on jazz topics in these and other journals, many of which are available online via the UNT music library. To get to the online journals, search on the journal title using the Journal Title tab in the library catalog.

As you read the opening section of articles on jazz topics, be able to answer these questions: 1. What scholarly conversation (series of scholarly publications on the same topic) is this author participating in? 2. Who are the authors that the present author is reacting to? 3. What is the author's main argument? 4. What is the evidence for the author's argument? 5. How can you connect this author's argument with your knowledge and experience?

Jazz Perspectives (online)

Jazz Research Journal (online)

Journal of Jazz Studies (online)

Annual Review of Jazz Studies (hard copy in music library)

Journal of the Society for American Music (online)

Black Music Research Journal (online)

American Music (online)

Ethnomusicology (online)

Journal of the American Musicological Society (online)

Popular Music (online)

2 years 7 months ago

3.11.11 Q: What is the connection between MUJS 5470 Conducting College Jazz Ensembles in summer and Summer Lab Band?

A. If you take MUJS 5470 in the first five-week summer session, you are expected to play in summer Lab Band, but not required to register for it unless you need the credit. Why? In fall, there are enough students in 5470 to fill a band to practice conducting with. In summer, the summer lab band serves as the conducting lab for 5470.

2 years 7 months ago

3.11.12 Q: Why is MUHS 5450 no longer required?

A. Starting in Fall 2011, MUJS 5450, Jazz Historiography, will be deleted from the list of required courses for all tracks. In place of that, the elective hours will be increased from 3 to 6. This change was made in order to comply with National Association of Schools of Music requirements for a certain number of hours outside the major. The electives need to be 6 hours at the 5000-level in music but not in a jazz studies course, ensemble, small group, or private lesson. MUJS 5450 will not be offered in Spring 2012. if you have MUJS 5450 on your degree plan, now is the time to begin thinking of an elective to take in its place. There is a document on this site that gives some examples of electives. Much of the content of MUJS 5450 will be incorporated into my other two required M.M. courses, 5780 and 5440. If you have already taken MUJS 5450, you can continue to count it on your degree plan, and your electives total stays at 6.

2 years 7 months ago

3.12 Graduate Arranging Entrance Exam

To be accepted as a Graduate Jazz Major, students must pass the Graduate Arranging Entrance Exam (GAEE), thereby demonstrating skill in arranging equivalent to MUJS 3620 (second semester jazz arranging). Normally, students will complete this exam at the conclusion of MUJS 3620. However, a student experienced in jazz composition and arranging may take the exam earlier. In that case, the exam is given by petition. The GAEE is adjudicated by appropriate faculty. All graduate jazz students will be considered provisional until the GAEE is successfully completed.

2 years 7 months ago

3.13 Graduate Arranging Proficiency Examination

Jazz Studies majors whose Graduate Recital will focus primarily on jazz arranging and composition must pass the Graduate Arranging Proficiency Examination (GAPE) before negotiating the recital procedures with the degree advisor. The GAPE will take place each semester during finals week, and will be reviewed by appropriate jazz faculty.
The candidate must document two or more semesters of activity as a performed composer/arranger, and submit scores (and performance tapes) of recent work that clearly demonstrates an ability to compose and arrange in the jazz idiom at a level appropriate for the Graduate Recital.

Students interested in the GAPE should make a declaration of intent to the Graduate Advisor when they are admitted to the program. The GAPE may be attempted only once in any long semester.

2 years 7 months ago

3.14 Graduate Improvisation Entrance Exam and Jury Requirement for Graduate Improvisation

To be accepted as a Graduate Jazz Major, students must pass the Graduate Improvisation Entrance Exam (GEEE). New master's students who did not earn the B.M. in Jazz Studies at UNT must attempt this exam at the end of their first semester at UNT, and must re-take it until they pass it. The exam will take place each semester during finals week and be adjudicated by no fewer than five members of the jazz faculty. Each candidate must demonstrate competency in the art of jazz improvisation on repertoire drawn from the UNT course of study in jazz improvisation (Lower Level - MUJS 2360 and 2370). Repertoire lists may be found in section 12.01 of this handbook.

Before registering for MUJS 5490 Advanced Improvisation (graduate improvisation), graduate students must pass the FIPE improvisation jury, which is only offered during finals week in fall and spring semesters.

2 years 7 months ago

3.15 Graduate Improvisation Proficiency Examination

All graduate jazz performance majors must perform and pass the Graduate Improvisation Proficiency Exam (GIPE) before they will be allowed to play a graduate recital. The exam will take place each semester during finals week and be adjudicated by no fewer than five members of the jazz faculty. Each student must demonstrate competency in the art of jazz improvisation on repertoire drawn from the UNT course of study in jazz improvisation. (MUJS 2360, 2370, 3360, 3370, 5490) Repertoire lists for these courses may be found in section 12.01 of this handbook.

It is recommended but not required that students take the GIPE while enrolled in MUJS 5490. A student may attempt the GIPE one time without being enrolled in MUJS 5490, after which he/she must enroll in 5490 before attempting the GIPE again.

2 years 7 months ago

3.16 Jazz History Proficiency Examination

The Jazz History Proficiency Examination is offered by appointment during the week preceding each long semester. The exam is described on the website (http://jazz.unt.edu/4470-proficiency).

3 months 2 weeks ago

3.17 Jazz Studies In-House Writing Exam

Purpose of this exam
The performance audition evaluates applicants' preparedness for the performance aspects of our graduate programs. The purpose of this exam (and the review of undergraduate transcripts) is to evaluate applicants' preparedness for the academic aspects of our program. UNT's Toulouse Graduate School requires that students submit an acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or satisfy a program's alternative criterion. Applicants to the M.M. in Jazz Studies and the D.M.A. in Performance with a local concentration in Jazz Studies have the option of taking the GRE (Analytical Writing Portion only) or taking the Jazz Studies In-House Writing Exam. The in-house exam is our alternative criterion. It's as much a test of reading as it is a test of writing.

What is on the exam
For this exam, students will be asked to read an excerpt from an article on a jazz topic in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal or book, then write in response to several prompts. The prompts will ask you to write about the author's main arguments and the evidence for the arguments, and to give your own thoughts on the arguments. The expected length will be approximately two single-spaced handwritten letter-size legal pad pages. The exam will last two hours. It will be graded on content and writing competence. By content we mean the degree to which the student demonstrates comprehension of the author's argument and the ability to summarize it and comment on it without duplicating the language in the article. No dictionaries or other reference tools may be used.

Doctoral students will do all of this and write in response to a listening example, so they should bring a laptop or other device that can accept a USB drive and headphones. You'll be asked to comment on the example in historical and analytical terms. Doing this successfully will not depend on being able to identify the players. You can still pass even if you do not identify the players correctly.

How to prepare
You can prepare by reading articles on jazz topics in these and other journals, many of which are available online via the UNT music library (for students currently enrolled in UNT classes), and by reading scholarly books on jazz topics. To get to the online journals, search on the journal title using the Journal Title tab in the UNT library catalog. If you are not currently enrolled in UNT classes, you may find these journals at a university library; some are freely available on the web.

As you read the opening section of articles on jazz topics, be able to answer these questions:
1. What scholarly conversation (series of scholarly publications on the same topic) is this author participating in?
2. Who are the authors that the present author is reacting to?
3. What is the author's main argument?
4. What is the evidence for the author's argument?
5. How can you connect this author's argument with your knowledge and experience?

Journal of Jazz Studies (open-access journal)

Jazz Research Journal (online; online = online via UNT music library)

Jazz Perspectives (online)

Annual Review of Jazz Studies (hard copy in UNT music library)

Journal of the Society for American Music (online)

Black Music Research Journal (online)

Critical Studies in Improvisation (open-access journal)

American Music (online)

Ethnomusicology (online)

Journal of the American Musicological Society (online)

Popular Music (online)

3 months 2 weeks ago

3.18 Master's Recital

1. A graduate recital is required of all candidates for the degree Master of Music in Jazz Studies.
2. Each candidate must have first removed any undergraduate and GPE deficiencies, and have passed either the Graduate Improvisation Proficiency Exam, or the Graduate Arranging Proficiency Exam.
3. Each candidate must have also completed sixteen graduate credits toward the degree, at which time, the candidate may submit a proposed recital program in consultation with the applied teacher.
4. Graduate recitals may be given at any time during long semesters, following the guidelines for scheduling in the recital packet. However, the date must be scheduled before the end of the seventh week of classes.
5. A complete checklist of procedures, requirements and deadlines is contained in the Graduate Jazz Recital Guidelines (found in this handbook) along with any necessary forms.
6. Current, former, retired, and adjunct faculty members may not participate in student degree recitals. Guest artists are not permitted in student degree recitals.
7. Master's recitals must have program notes written by the recitalist. The notes must be reviewed by the major professor before they are distributed.

8 months 2 weeks ago

3.19 Master's Comprehensive Exam

The master’s comprehensive exam is one-hour exam that is evaluated by a committee of three faculty: the student’s applied teacher, the chair/graduate advisor, and a third jazz faculty member invited by the student, with whom the student should have had at least one class, lesson, or ensemble. The questions will measure the student's understanding of (a) the history and repertoire of the student’s instrument in jazz, (b) important concepts and supporting material from all graduate coursework. There will also be questions designed to measure your readiness to assume professional responsibilities as a jazz educator. You will be expected to show a detailed knowledge of jazz repertoire and to recall material from classes and why it is significant. The exam tests more, however, than your recall of material from classes. It also tests your ability to demonstrate your competence in a professional situation that has a lot in common with a job interview. It measures how well you have been able to integrate all you have learned in classes and in your self-guided studies during your master's program. If a student does not pass the exam on the first attempt, a total of two additional attempts are permitted. Guidance will be given on how to prepare for a retake of the exam.

Last revised 2016-02-08

2 years 7 months ago

3.20 Prerequisites for MUJS 5540, Composition for the Media

Admission to MUJS 5540 requires the permission of the instructor, Prof. Richard DeRosa. Before requesting permission, please consider the following:

1. The course is designed primarily for Graduate Jazz Arranging majors. Classical Composition majors who have some experience writing in a more commercial context are also welcomed but this is not mandatory for them.

2. Students must have a comfortable command with creating digital audio soundtracks primarily through any of the following applications: Logic, Digital Performer, ProTools, Cubase, or some other similar format. A lesser alternative would be Finale with a Garritan Sound library. All assignments are generated via this digital format.

3. Students outside of the Graduate Jazz Arranging track must present a digital audio representation of at least one music work for consideration to be accepted.

4. The student must be an accomplished writer who can produce music quickly and also at a high quality standard. The average workload is at least one minute of music per week (composed and produced). Assignments become more difficult and time-consuming as the semester progresses.

This class is required of all Graduate Jazz Arranging majors. Other students who are interested should consider carefully the weight of the course commitment and the considerable time it will take to complete the assignments.

2 years 7 months ago

3.21 Required Courses (Master of Music in Jazz Studies)

The most authoritative source for the required courses is the catalog. The catalog is now only published online. When you follow the link below, you'll see the undergraduate catalog. Use the drop-down menu at the top right of the page to switch to the graduate catalog. On that page, find College of Music in the left menu. At the bottom of that page, you'll see two links:

Display programs for College of Music (this shows degree programs and required courses)
Display courses for College of Music (this lists all of the courses with a brief description)

The link is to the top-level catalog page because links to degree programs or courses could change when the catalog is updated.

Link to catalog

2 years 7 months ago

3.22 Transcript leveling and GPE review courses for students in the M.M. in Jazz Studies

Last updated: August 6, 2019

The purpose of this page is to explain the process of assigning leveling and review courses to students who are entering the M.M. in Jazz Studies program. Leveling and review courses for students in the DMA in Performance with local concentration in Jazz Studies are handled individually by the Jazz Studies graduate advisor. If you have any questions about this topic, please contact the Jazz Studies division chair/graduate advisor or the graduate advisor in the College of Music Office of Graduate Studies.

This process is intended to be transparent. The purpose of leveling and review courses is to make sure that new graduate students have adequate preparation for graduate work.

Review courses may be assigned as a result of the Graduate Placement Examination (GPE), which is required of all new graduate students. Leveling courses may be assigned as the result of a review of your undergraduate transcript. The standard we use for this comparison is the Handbook of the National Association of Schools of Music, sections VIII-B and IX-F.

It's very important for you to understand that you have a role in determining how many hours of leveling and review courses you will be required to take. If you prepare well and pass all parts of the GPE, you'll have no hours from that category. If you prepare well and pass all of the jazz history proficiency exams and do well in placement auditions and the arranging review, you can ensure that you will have the minimum number of jazz studies leveling courses to take. The assignment of leveling and review courses can be discussed with your graduate advisor. If a course was assigned because a certain course was not found on your undergraduate transcript, for example, and it is present on the transcript and you point that out to the advisor, the list of leveling courses can be revised. Finally, if you think you can demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills that are required by a course on your list of leveling courses, whether you have an equivalent course on your transcript or not, you can ask to demonstrate that. If you do so successfully, the course can be removed from the list.

Graduate Placement Exam (GPE) review courses
All new graduate students must take the Graduate Placement Examinations during new graduate student orientation prior to their first semester of enrollment. New graduate students receive information about these exams along with information about new graduate student orientation. Be sure to check your EagleConnect email for this and other important emails. Beginning in Fall 2019, only the post-1750 portion of the music history exam will be required for Jazz Studies majors.

An exemption policy exists for the music history portion of the exam. The policy is published on the College of Music Graduate Studies site. Note the deadline for applying for the exemption.

Several courses can be assigned as review courses depending on your score on the GPE and the degree you are seeking. Please use the information on the GPE Prep Course on Blackboard to learn more about this. Students who are admitted are provided with information about the prep course.

For Jazz Studies majors, review courses with MUMH and MUTH prefixes must be passed with a grade of C or higher in order to count towards the Jazz Studies M.M. degree.

Leveling Courses assigned as a result of transcript evaluation
All leveling courses in this section must be passed with a grade of B or higher in order to count towards the degree.

1. Prerequisites for Jazz Improvisation classes
All new jazz M.M. students must take these proficiency tests before the start of their first semester. Jazz fundamentals courses taken elsewhere are not accepted for transfer credit. NASM policy: VIII-B-2-a and b, XI-F-3-a.

The undergraduate course in which these skills are taught are:
MUJS 1360 Jazz Fundamentals I
MUJS 1361 Jazz Aural Fundamentals
MUJS 1370 Jazz Fundamentals II
MUJS 1371 Jazz Keyboard Fundamentals

If you do not pass one or more of these proficiency exams, you will be directed to take the corresponding graduate review course:
MUJS 1360 Jazz Fundamentals I > MUJS 5360
MUJS 1361 Jazz Aural Fundamentals > MUJS 5361
MUJS 1370 Jazz Fundamentals II > MUJS 5362
MUJS 1371 Jazz Keyboard Fundamentals > MUJS 5363

2. Jazz Improvisation
Starting level is assigned by audition with the improvisation faculty at the start of each fall and spring semester. Improvisation courses taken elsewhere are not accepted for transfer credit. Improvisation skills equivalent to the level of MUJS 2360 and 2370 are required for admission to the program. MUJS 2360 and 2370 are required prerequisites for MUJS 5480, Pedagogy of Jazz (Pedagogy track). MUJS 3360 and 3370 are prerequisites for MUJS 5490, Advanced Jazz Improvisation (Performance track). When you are placed into a level of improvisation class, that removes the levels below that as leveling courses. For example, if you are placed into improv 3 (MUJS 3360) by audition, then MUJS 2360 and 2370 are automatically taken care of in your list of leveling courses. NASM policy: IX-F-3-a.

The undergraduate course in which these skills are taught are:
MUJS 2360
MUJS 2370
MUJS 3360
MUJS 3370

If you do not pass one or more of these proficiency exams, you will be directed to take MUJS 5370, Graduate Review of Jazz Improvisation.

Jazz vocalists who are advised to take improv levels 3 and 4 will take MUJS 5120 and MUJS 5130.

3. Jazz Arranging
Arranging skill equivalent to the level of MUJS 3620 is required for admission to the program. Arranging courses taken elsewhere are not accepted for transfer credit. Students must take the classes or demonstrate their skills by submitting a portfolio of small group and big band arrangements to the Prof Richard DeRosa. MUJS 4620 is the prerequisite for MUJS 5760, Jazz Arranging (Composition track). Students in Pedagogy track must demonstrate arranging skill equivalent to MUJS 4620 or improvisation skill equivalent to MUJS 3370. NASM policy: IX-F-3-a.

The undergraduate course in which these skills are taught are:
MUJS 3610
MUJS 3620
MUJS 4610
MUJS 4620

Graduate students who are directed to take one or more of these arranging classes will use the graduate course numbers MUJS 5610, 5620, 5630, or 5640.

4. Jazz History
Jazz history courses taken elsewhere are not accepted for transfer credit. MUJS 4470 History of Jazz is a prerequisite for MUJS 5440 and 5450 (5450 is no longer one of the required courses for the master's and is no longer offered). Students can test out of it by taking the Jazz History Proficiency Test by appointment. The test is described here: http://www.jazz.unt.edu/node/41
Graduate students who need to take this course should take MUJS 5430, Graduate Review of Jazz History, instead of MUJS 4470. In MUJS 5430, you will attend MUJS 4470 and meet higher requirements for course work than the undergraduates have. NASM policy: IX-F-3-a.

5. MUAG 5805 Fundamentals of Conducting (2SH)
This is a required prerequisite for MUJS 5470, Conducting College Jazz Ensembles, which is required for all tracks. It is assigned as a leveling course if the undergraduate transcript does not show a conducting course. If you have the equivalent conducting skills, you may ask to demonstrate them for the instructor of MUJS 5470. If you do so successfully, this leveling course will be removed. NASM policy: VIII-B-1-d.

6. Lab Band
MULB 1808 Jazz Lab Band
A graduate section of Jazz Lab Band (MULB 5174) is assigned as a leveling course if the undergraduate transcript does not show large jazz ensemble experiences. This is rarely assigned because most students admitted to our program have this experience. NASM policy: IX-F-3-b.

7. MUCM 3550.500 Jazz Chamber Music
A graduate section of Jazz Chamber Music (MUCM 5550) is assigned as a leveling course if the transcript does not show small group jazz playing. This is rarely assigned because most students admitted to our program have this experience. NASM policy: IX-F-3-b.

3 months 2 weeks ago

3.23 DMA handbook

This degree is one of several local concentrations within the DMA in Performance. The policies that guide the DMA are published on this page of the graduate studies website:

http://music.unt.edu/graduate/

2 years 7 months ago

3.24 DMA Dissertation recitals

The dissertation consists of three recitals plus a fourth activity that includes options for recital, written project, and lecture. The first three recitals can begin as soon as you start your program if your major professor gives permission. The College of Music Graduate Studies Office provides the required form to request a recital. DMA recitals must have program notes written by the recitalist. The notes must be reviewed by the major professor before they are distributed. Jazz DMA students are required to attend recitals by the other jazz DMA students.

Current, former, retired, and adjunct faculty members may not participate in student degree recitals. Guest artists are not permitted in student degree recitals.

8 months 2 weeks ago

3.25 One-page overview of the DMA Program

This page in the degrees section of this website presents an overview of the degree:

http://jazz.unt.edu/dma-performance-jazz-studies

2 years 7 months ago

3.26 DMA Qualifying Examinations

The policy for DMA qualifying exams is stated here:

http://music.unt.edu/graduate/30-dma-qualifying-examinations

Please be aware that for part of your qualifying exams, you will be expected to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of jazz history and repertoire, jazz analysis, and jazz pedagogy. In other words, you are responsible for knowing more than the topic of your dissertation research.

2 years 7 months ago

3.27 Proficiency exams for new MM students who did their undergrad degree in Jazz Studies at UNT

New Jazz Studies master's students who completed the B.M. in Jazz Studies at UNT within two years of beginning the master's program do not have to take the proficiency exams in jazz theory, aural skills, and keyboard that correspond to MUJS 1360, 1361, 1370, and 1371.

3 months 2 weeks ago

3.28 Degree Progress and Academic Dismissal Policy

Students must maintain satisfactory progress towards their degree and are subject to university policies regarding academic probation and suspension. In addition, they will be subject to dismissal from the program if one or more of the following conditions apply:

  1. If the student receives one grade of a C or lower in two consecutive semesters.
  2. If the student receives two grades of a C or lower in a single semester.
  3. If the student receives a grade of NPR for thesis or dissertation hours in two consecutive semesters.

In cases where one or more of these conditions apply, students will typically be removed from their program upon the recommendation of the director of graduate studies in consultation with the division chair and major professor. Students may appeal this decision by contacting the College of Music associate dean for academic affairs.

8 months 2 weeks ago

3.29 Professional Expectation Policy

The UNT College of Music expects graduate students in music to be committed to their degree and to follow the UNT Code of Student Conduct (University Policy Manual, section 07. 012). Success in a graduate program requires students not only to meet minimum academic standards but also to be active contributors to the artistic and scholarly community of the College of Music. Hence, students must exhibit professional behavior, which includes (but is not limited to): 1) attending classes and meetings (including seminars, masterclasses, and departmentals); 2) meeting area, division, college, and university deadlines; and 3) maintaining respectful interactions with all members of the UNT community. Students are also expected to adhere to professional standards as outlined in division/area handbooks. In cases where there is substantial evidence of unprofessional behavior, students will be removed from their program upon the recommendation of the director of graduate studies in consultation with the division chair and major professor. Students may appeal this decision by contacting the College of Music associate dean for academic affairs.

8 months 2 weeks ago