For information on Jazz Voice Auditions for admission to a degree program, see the Jazz Voice Auditions page.
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Degrees: Jazz Vocal Performance is a degree path at the Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral (DMA) levels. Within the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, students are involved in private applied lessons, small ensemble performing and recording experiences, recitals, vocal jazz forum, and vocal jazz ensembles.
Program of Study
In both the Bachelor and Master of Music Jazz Studies degrees, singers study and experience both the traditions and modern practices of vocal jazz performance (in both solo and ensemble settings), songwriting, vocal pedagogy, jazz aural and keyboard skills, jazz theory and arranging, as well as courses in jazz history. In addition to jazz courses and ensembles, undergraduates must satisfy College of Music and University Core requirements.
Ensembles
Participation in one of the four vocal jazz ensembles (UNT Jazz Singers, Avenue C, Third Street and West End) is open to any 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.
Vocal jazz majors are expected to participate in a jazz ensemble every semester.
UNT Jazz Singers Fall 2012
Applied Lessons
• Undergraduate vocal jazz students study jazz voice with one of the outstanding Graduate Teaching Fellows during their first four semesters of applied study. Following a successful Upper Division Examination (UDE), students study with one of the senior faculty (Jennifer Barnes, Rosana Eckert or Brian Piper). The senior recital occurs in the 8th semester.
• Graduate students pursuing the Master of Music in Jazz Studies have four semesters of vocal jazz applied study. The graduate recital occurs in the fourth semester.
Courses
For a listing and description of courses offered in vocal jazz and related subjects, see the Jazz Studies courses page.
Vocal Jazz Forum
Vocal Jazz Forum takes place each Friday afternoon at 3 PM in Lab East (Room 263) in the fall and spring semesters, featuring two or three students with instrumental accompaniment sharing the 50-minute performance, as well as specialized topics of interest. All vocal jazz majors are expected to be in attendance.
Vocal Jazz Recitals
The senior recital occurs in the last semester of study, and is shared by two student performers. Before presenting a senior recital, the student must first pass the Final Improvisation Proficiency Examination (FIPE), scheduled at the end of MUJS 4120, Vocal Jazz Styles. The senior recital may be given only in Fall or Spring semester; recital procedures and requirements are available in the Office of Jazz Studies.
The graduate recital is given by one singer, and occurs in the last Fall or Spring semester of study. Prior to the graduate vocal jazz recital, the student must earn an A or B in MUJS 4120, Vocal Jazz Styles, or test out of the course. Before being approved to present a graduate recital the singer must pass the Graduate Improvisation Proficiency Exam (GIPE).
For Further Information:
Contact Jennifer Barnes (email) and Rosana Eckert (email) for information regarding vocal jazz at UNT.
• For vocal jazz ensemble information visit here.
• For UNT Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop (held each June at UNT) information visit here.
• For Jennifer Barnes' bio and a link to her current teaching schedule, including available office hours, visit here.