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Virtual Jazz Degree Recital

Mason Gross Recital Forms and Policies

  1. Review MGSA recital information and regulations as posted by the school: https://sites.rutgers.edu/mgsa-music-resources/recital-information/
  2. Fill out the school’s recital form as soon as possible, but no later than 4 weeks PRIOR to your recital, and/or submission date: https://airtable.com/shr7owzbTKhvOuRXB
    • For “Additional Performance Faculty”, select ‘Stasio, Marc’ (this is in reference to adjudication faculty)
    • For “Area Head”, select ‘Herwig, Conrad’
    • Note: the above form also assists in securing a sanctioned live performance space, if desired. Refer to Option 2, below

Virtual Recital Criteria

In compliance with the Jazz Handbook and current distance-learning mandates, virtual degree recitals require the successful execution of the following jazz performance criteria:

  • Blues
  • Rhythm Changes
  • Odd Meter (in 5 or 7, preferably)
  • Coltrane Changes
  • Modal
  • Ballad
    • If the Ballad form allows, solo only over one-and-a-half (1.5) choruses and take the last-A Head out.
  • An unaccompanied Cadenza performance of no less than one (1) minute in length.
  • Composition and Arrangement requirements: see below (also refer to the Jazz Handbook)

Note: Students are encouraged to combine the above criteria. For instance: write a 5/4 Odd-meter Blues, or, Rhythm Changes containing Coltrane Changes, etc.

Recital Recording Options

Jazz majors currently have three options in which to video record the above requirements:

Option 1 – Recorded Solo Recital

  • Degree recital students may perform alone (no other visible players) using pre-recorded backing track (“play-along”) accompaniments. Play-alongs may be commercially available tracks, non-mechanical custom tracks, or any combination of either. See “Approved Backing Track Guidelines“, below.
  • Solo Performance video recordings of the above criteria will consist of the Head-in and 2 choruses of solo improvisation (3 choruses if solo form is 16 bars or less)
  • Ideally, Option 1 recital videos would contain 4-5 selections and be no more than 25 minutes in length.
Approved Backing Track Guidelines
    • Permissible play-along track options:
      • Professionally recorded (live players, non-mechanical) tracks, such as are commercially available from Aebersold, Learn Jazz Standards, etc.
      • Custom recorded tracks via remote collaboration with other students (again, live players, non-mechanical)
    • In keeping with the Jazz Handbook, remote collaboration may include current students or alum. It is not permissible for faculty to contribute toward student performances in any capacity
    • The degree recital student takes full responsibility for the time commitment necessary to coordinate and produce custom backing tracks. It’s important to stress that the use of pre-recorded professionally produced tracks is fully recommended and encouraged.

Refer to “Additional Recording Requirements” at bottom

Original Compositions and Arrangements
    • For Review Only
      • Students may choose to not perform or prerecord compositions and arrangements and only submit original works for review. Exceptions might be for an original composition made over a standard form, such as Blues or Rhythm Changes, by which performance over a backing track is found compatible.
      • Another exception: Guitarists and Pianists may perform without accompaniment on no more than 2 original works; all else must be with backing tracks.
      • For any work that is not performed, students are asked to submit exported audio playback file(s) as rendered through Sibelius, for instance.
        • It’s important to note that grading assessments for non-performed material is evaluated on the basis of writing caliber and satisfying written requirements. The mechanical nature of any exported audio is not taken into account.
    • Custom Tracks
      • Students may also choose to record their Option-1 solo video performances of original works utilizing custom recorded tracks, as outlined above.
      • For arrangements, said custom tracks may contain any additional required instrumentation, such as horn parts.

Option 2 – Recorded Live Recital

This option is possible only within an MGSA sanctioned performance venue and may contain the degree recital student accompanied by no more than four (4) additional players (equaling 5 performers, total) at a time. Permissible performance space options include Rehearsal Hall 104, Shindell Choral Hall, or Schare Recital Hall under the following conditions:

    • The ensemble may use one of these sanctioned performance spaces, only. There are no exceptions and non-compliance may invalidate the recital submission
    • Up to 5 performers total are permitted in the empty space with no audience, no adjudicators/faculty, and no additional personnel present
    • Performers must be seen on the video observing all social distancing and mask mandates, including instrument and bell covers
    • The degree recital student is responsible for following all procedures to secure a sanctioned space in advance and to video record their recital, themselves. Refer to the MGSA recital form, outlined at top
    • The degree recital student is to be the featured soloist, throughout. Please keep all other soloists to a bare minimum.
    • Ideally, Option 2 recital videos would contain 5-6 selections and be no more than 35 minutes in length.
Original Composition Requirements
    • This option will likely assist in performing original compositions, which degree recital students are encouraged to fully utilize.
Arranging Requirements
    • This option will NOT likely enable arrangements to be performed in a live manner, considering the limit on allowed performers in the space. Therefore, students are asked to either submit their arranging requirements for review only, and/or make use of the custom track option detailed above in Option 1, under “Original Compositions and Arrangements“.

Option 3 – Compilation Video of Options 1 and 2

    • Students may compile a degree recital video combining elements of Options 1 and 2 as desired or as best assists in completing requirements.
    • Likewise, said compilation recital videos would contain 5-6 selections, depending on the number of original works performed, and reasonably kept within 35 minutes.

Submission Deadline

The deadline for Spring degree recital video submissions has been extended by the school to May 7th, 2021

How to Submit Recital Video

Upload recital video content using the Mason Gross “Digital Recital Submission” form by the above deadline: https://airtable.com/shr1XGwuWgKudWDA6

Backing Track Guidelines

Additional Recording Requirements

  • Please video record each required component in one (1) take with no edits
  • Backing tracks must be clearly audible and of acceptable fidelity, and balanced with the live video performance.
  • Students may use common devices for video recordings, such as a laptop or smartphone using their built-in cameras/microphones. Students are also welcome to use more sophisticated means.
  • Backing tracks should be played back through a higher fidelity system, such as a common home stereo or amplifier to properly support your live playing and create a balanced ambient mix.
  • Students are responsible for the technology needed to complete the above requirements and equally obligated to fully test said technology in advance to successfully meet recital procedures and deadlines.