Jazz Handbook

Welcome to the Jazz Studies program at Mason Gross School of the Arts, New Brunswick, NJ.

The goal of the jazz curriculum is to fully train and prepare those admitted for successful careers in the contemporary performing arts. Fundamental skills in the following areas are to be developed:

• Instrumental Technique
• Improvisational Fluency
• Repertoire
• Sight Reading
• Small and Large Ensemble Proficiency
• Ear Training and Keyboard
• Practice, Rehearsal, and Performance Discipline

Grading standards are based upon the following criteria:

• Preparation
• Performance
• Attendance
• Punctuality (timely arrivals, as well as handing in assignments and form submissions by their posted deadlines)

Students are expected to be aware of all school-related events that pertain to them throughout each semester, such as concerts and performances, recitals, juries, etc. The student agrees to be responsible for making note of and keeping open, such dates at all times as required to successfully fulfill course requirements and associated grades, as stated in this handbook. Email is considered to be a primary form of communication and is dependent on regularly during the academic year. Failure to observe this requirement will not constitute an excuse for being unaware of pertinent communications.

The student agrees that they are responsible to diligently review the following forms of communication throughout each semester:

• The online Jazz Event Calendar
• Student designated Email
• The Jazz Bulletin Board (located outside the RHL104 doorway)
• School-assigned Student Mailbox (in the basement of Marryott Music Building)

Rutgers.edu email accounts are provided for each enrolled student by the Rutgers Office of Information Technology. The process to obtain an account is generally as follows:

1. Register a Rutgers NetID if you have not already, here
2. Visit the Rutgers Email Information page here to establish your email account
3. Configure and access your new email through ScarletApps, here

If you have problems accessing your account, contact the Helpdesk at 732-445-HELP (4357), or send e-mail to helpdesk@nbcs.rutgers.edu.

Note: Informal text-messaging is not an officiated form of communication and is not utilized or depended upon by the school, faculty, or administration.

Eligibility

All jazz ensemble placement decisions are judged according to each student’s demonstrated aptitude when auditioned at the start of each semester. Eligible ensemble participants are defined as any currently enrolled Rutgers University student in attendance, whether a jazz-major or not, who has satisfied jazz audition requirements and deemed qualified to participate by the Mason Gross Jazz faculty.

Ensemble Placements

The jazz faculty reserves the right to evaluate and adust ensemble placement decisions as needed. The program maintains that an ensemble is a class, and placement decisions are an assignment, not a suggestion or an option to the student. Students are expected to respect the faculty, the placement process, and the decisions that are made at all times and contribute to the success of the jazz program of which they’ve enrolled in.

Mandates for each ensemble’s instrumentation is at the sole discretion of the jazz faculty as to which might be deemed flexible or inflexible, potentially affecting student assignment responsibilities. Large 17-20 piece ensembles such as JE-1 or JE-2 and other niche ensembles such as Super-Sax have inflexible instrumentation requirements, in which students are fully responsible for their seat once it is assigned. As an inflexible assignment, it is the students’ responsibility to fulfill all associated ensemble duties, including any need to find a permanent replacement. The burden falls on the assigned student, not the jazz faculty or school administration, to obtain an inflexible replacement, subject to the approval of administrators of the jazz program.

Returning students are never afforded placement considerations based on previous semesters. No student can assume they will automatically qualify for any given ensemble at any time. All students audition and re-qualify for all ensembles, each semester.

Chamber Jazz Ensembles

Placement audition results are announced by the first Monday of the semester. Please note that non-majors may participate in chamber ensembles subject to available seats within each chamber group, per semester. Graduate students who choose to participate in any chamber ensemble without receiving credit for it may do so but are fully expected to respect their ensemble instructor and fellow ensemble members by meeting all class requirements, which includes mandatory rehearsal and performance times, even though not-for-credit. Failure to sincerely put forth the expected effort may result in exclusion from the program.

The student is aware that Chamber Ensemble grades are also based on the successful completion of Chamber Ensemble Requirements and Projects, as applicable.

Chamber Jazz Recital Policies

• Ensembles are to prepare two (2) selections for their upcoming chamber recitals and keep their segment within 15 minutes.
• Attire is Performance Black
• No gum chewing
• Performers are to remain within the recital hall at all times and be prepared to take the stage. It is not permissible for performers to wait their turn outside of the hall
• Equipment set up and sound-check/rehearsals must end prior to when doors open for the audience (normally a half-hour before start time)
• Please transition between ensembles as quickly as possible
• Please respectfully work with the Event Staff who are present to oversee the recital and manage the audience
• As with all events, student performers are depended on to represent the jazz program and the school properly

Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band, and Alternate Themed Ensembles

The emphasis of the Large Jazz Ensembles is to prepare the student for a career as a successful performer while stressing:

• Sight-reading
• Understanding of section playing
• Ensemble precision
• Improvisational skills and
• Knowledge of diverse styles

Students enrolled in jazz ensemble(s) …

• are solely responsible for all music. Lost parts must be repurchased from the publisher at the student’s expense or, if unavailable, re-copied note for note from the score. Students are to return music as needed after rehearsals and performances. It is not acceptable to leave music on the stands unattended.
• are responsible for bringing proper equipment to all rehearsals.
• as Brass players will bring all mutes.
• as Reed players will bring all doubles.

Rehearsal Setup And Breakdown

Drummers are responsible for arriving early with enough time to retrieve and set up the Jazz Ensemble Drum set. Guitar and Bass players are to arrive in time to retrieve and set up amps. Everyone must return all equipment to the proper storage areas in RH 209A after rehearsal.

It is the Ensemble GA’s responsibility to set-up prior to the scheduled time to ensure that the rehearsal starts on time. After rehearsal, everyone is encouraged to assist in returning all chairs and stands to the appropriate storage area and leave all rehearsal spaces in order.

Substitutes

For any absence, it is the student’s responsibility to find a substitute and to arrange for him/her to have the music for the rehearsal. When a substitute is secured, you must provide the name of the substitute to the respective Jazz Studies faculty or ensemble assistant. Failure to do so will result in an unexcused absence. If the sub is absent or late, it will be held against the primary student’s grade. The first choice for a sub should be a Rutgers Jazz student.

Critical Rehearsals Policy: it is not permissible for any student to substitute-out or be absent-for rehearsals that are scheduled directly before any performance. This includes the dress rehearsal on the day of the performance, as well as the final rehearsal immediately prior to the actual performance date. These are deemed critical rehearsals, and no exceptions will be made.

The Chair of Jazz Studies and/or Ensemble Director has to approve all subs for ensembles in advance of the rehearsals. Failure to follow these requirements will result in a compromised or failing ensemble grade.

Student Arrangements

All students, except first-year undergraduates, are required to contribute arrangements and compositions for concerts. All Chamber Jazz Ensemble student compositions/arrangements must be submitted to your instructor and must specify the composer and the arranger. All music for Chamber Jazz Ensemble must be submitted no later than two (2) weeks before the concert or performance date.

Live/Virtual Performance Assignments

In addition to the stated live performance requirements and grading, jazz directors may also assign graded virtual performance assignments each semester. Under this criteria, jazz ensemble participants would be assessed on the ability to professionally represent themselves in a virtual video performance context equaling 50% of their large ensemble grade, each semester. The remaining 50% of this grade to be satisfied from the students’ live performance ensemble course assignments.

Sectional Rehearsals

Please refer to procedures and policies for assigned sectional rehearsals on the ‘All Ensembles’ page.

Pre-Concert Dress Rehearsal

Please note that, unless otherwise notified, there will always be a pre-concert run through for all of the students the rehearsal day before concert performances. Attendance is required for all students performing on the concert. Refer to Substitution Policy, above.

Pre-Concert Sectionals

The ensemble director reserves the right to call sectionals before each concert. Attendance at sectionals is mandatory.

Concert Attire

Concert attire, also known as “Performance Black,” is required for all jazz program performances at all times. This includes, and is not limited to, all concerts, recitals, and performances on or off-campus. The objective of the program is to present performing students in a unified manner which requires students to adhere strictly to all dress codes. The jazz program holds all performances and dress codes to a high standard of which students are to respect. In most cases, these performances weigh heavily as a students’ final ensemble project or presentation which must be addressed with proper concern.

Refer to Senior Recital attire listed separately, below.

Concert dress for women is all-black (referred to as “Performance Black”) with no lines, stripes or patterns of any kind, with black long-sleeve shirt or blouse with a conservative neckline, black pants or skirt, black socks or stockings, and black shoes.”

Concert dress for men is all-black (referred to as “Performance Black”) with no lines, stripes or patterns of any kind, with black collared long-sleeve dress shirt, black pants, black socks, black dress shoes, and a black jacket.

No jeans, leather, or color variations of any sort are permitted. It is the students’ responsibility to understand the stated dress code and secure proper performance attire in advance.

Inappropriate concert attire is defined as any breach of the above dress guidelines.

A director of jazz studies or the students’ ensemble director reserves the right to govern the eligibility of any student to perform at any time, potentially impacting the students’ large ensemble grade requirement, and not a particular ensemble’s grade, for the respective semester. This impact will be counted against the entirety of the semester without regard for preceding achievements or conduct accumulated, for the respective term.

If an improperly dressed student is prevented from performing, the student will receive no higher than an F (failing) equivalent for their large ensemble grade requirement for the respective semester, regardless of the ensemble in question.

Performance Etiquette

Students are expected to act in a manner that best represents Rutgers University when performing either on campus or away. This means dressing appropriately, no drinking of any alcoholic beverages or use of any illegal substances while engaged in Rutgers University Jazz activities, and no use of foul language. Please remember that you’re representing not only yourself but Rutgers University Jazz Studies.

Jazz majors are obligated, without exception, to participate in all performances of the ensembles they belong to, regardless if taken for credit, or not. This would include:

• Chamber Jazz Ensemble recitals and concerts
• Assigned Chamber Ensemble campus gigs, paid or non-paid
• Jazz Ensemble I and Jazz Ensemble II recitals and concerts
• Assigned Jazz Ensemble I and Jazz Ensemble II campus gigs, paid or non-paid

As previously stated, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain a substitute musician in their place, according to the rules above and at the discretion of the respective ensemble instructor.

Off-Campus Performances

Off-Campus Performances are defined as playing venues outside of the usual Douglass Campus spaces (such Nicholas Music Center, Schare Recital Hall, Shindell Hall, etc). All students selected for jazz ensembles each semester, jazz major or not, are required to participate and to appropriately represent the jazz program.

• Playing arrangements will be made in advance each semester with venues at nearby school spaces, such as Student Campus Centers, the Harvest Cafe, Zimmerli Museum, etc.
• Ensemble students will be assigned a playing time and location each semester. Students must complete one performance per semester, minimum.
• Each playing session is deemed a major performance, containing the same grading weight and requirements as any other concert or recital.
• Grading is Pass/Fail, interpreted as grades “A” or “F”. Failure to complete a performance or to arrive to an assigned venue results in a Fail / “F”.
• Efforts will be made to supply pianos or portable keyboards and drum gear, as needed. Students are responsible to use and return all school gear utilized in these performances. All other instrumentalists are expected to cart their own equipment to each venue.
• Casual attire is permissible.

Attendance

You are required to attend all Jazz Studies classes, rehearsals, and performances. You are required to notify the Jazz Studies Faculty and send a substitute if you are unable to attend a rehearsal. Emergency absence should be reported as soon as possible, before class or rehearsal.

Students are advised to use the university’s online Self-Reporting Absence Application (SSRA) to officially report any of their absences; https://sims.rutgers.edu/ssra/.

As stated on that site, use of the SSRA system does not constitute a documented excused absence:

“It is up to your instructors to determine how to handle your absence from classes, labs, or exams. Reporting your absence does not “excuse” you. It notifies your instructors, a courtesy that provides an opportunity for you to contact your instructor directly about missed work.”

Students must contact and arrange with their instructors regarding documented excused absences in accordance with class policies as governed by its respective instructor.

All students must attend a minimum of 50% of the Jazz Student Recitals. Failure to do so will reduce your Rutgers Jazz Ensemble grade by one (1) grade level. Also refer to the Critical Rehearsals Policy, below.

Absence from a dress rehearsal or a performance will result in a failing grade for the semester.

Absences

All Jazz Studies courses and ensembles have strict attendance policies. You must follow those policies. Any violations can result in a lower grade.

• Each late arrival to rehearsals will count as ½ absence.
• Two late arrivals to rehearsals count as one (1) full absence.
• One unexcused absence will result in the lowering of your grade one-half grade. Two unexcused absences will result in the lowering of your semester grade by one full grade.
• If you fail to attend class regularly, i.e. more than two unexcused absences, you will be required to report to the Chair of Jazz Studies for a conference. Further absence could affect your grade and may result in possible artistic probation.
• Absence from or lateness to rehearsals and classes is counterproductive. If for any reason you cannot attend a rehearsal because you are ill or have an emergency, you must report the problem as soon as possible. Informing the Jazz Studies Faculty or appropriate TA does not qualify as an official excuse. Requests for professional leave must be submitted at least 4 weeks in advance. If granted, you are required to provide a substitute, notify the Jazz Studies faculty, and arrange for them to have the music ahead of time for all rehearsals.
• Any absence without a substitute will result in a grade reduction and, possibly, artistic probation.

Leave of Absence

Long-Term Leave

If you are in good standing, you may request a leave of absence of one (1) full academic year (defined as two (2) consecutive jazz-program semesters) without having to re-apply for admission. A withdrawal for more than one (1) academic year, for any reason, will require a re-application for re-admission and would also include a re-audition.

Short-Term Leave

If you are in good standing, you may request a short-term leave of absence. A Short-Term Leave of Absence Form must be completed and returned to the Jazz Studies Faculty at least four (4) weeks prior to the proposed departure date for outside professional commitments. You should state in detail the reason for the request. A conference with the Chair of Jazz Studies may be required. A short-term leave is not to exceed a consecutive three (3) week block of time within a semester. Any absence beyond one said time-block in a given semester will be deemed as a Long-term leave for that term and may necessitate retaking semester courses should insufficient grades result.

Please note that not all leave requests are granted.

The Chair of Jazz Studies will grant the leave on the conditions that the major teacher endorses the leave by signature and/or e-mail and submits that the leave will enhance the musical and professional growth and does not interfere with any Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts commitments. A copy of the letter or contract confirming the dates of the professional commitment must be attached to the request form. You must list all class and ensemble teachers, the scheduled time of each class, and all previous leaves taken during the school year. Additionally, you must provide a substitute for all rehearsals and you will miss and notify respective Jazz Studies faculty of the name of your substitute(s).

Instructors will be notified of any request for a leave that is denied. Only students in good academic standing are eligible for leaves.

Jazz Leave of Absence Form

Re-Entrance After a Long-Term Leave

Any Long-term leave from the jazz program which is beyond one (1) academic year requires a re-audition for re-entrance before a panel of jurors assembled and governed by the program’s directors. The jury evaluation criteria will be based on the students’ last fully attended semester, as outlined under “Jury Requirements”. Any stated Keyboard Essentials criteria will only be mandated as the jury panel may dictate. To accommodate these requirements, said students must prepare at least two (2) memorized tune selections also consistent with their last fully attended semester, from which at least one will be chosen for evaluation according to the respective Jury Requirements that apply. Should jurors determine that the student who is re-auditioning did not satisfy the above evaluation requirements, said student would then need to make arrangements for another re-audition at the availability of the jury faculty before being approved to re-enter the jazz program.

Deadline

Initial entries are due by the first Tuesday at midnight, the first-class week of each semester. Students must specify all current schedule information they are aware of by this time. They will then have the opportunity to amend this information no later than the end of the Drop/Add period.

Purpose

To assist in coordinating chamber ensemble times around diverse student class schedules, as well as student playing opportunities around campus. All students, major or non-major, must complete the online Ensemble Scheduling Form in order to participate in ensembles. To update information already submitted, simply complete another form. Information from the most recent form will always be used.

Please note: the Ensemble Scheduling form is a graded component and can impact a student’s ensemble grade if procedures are not followed to meet ensemble-credit requirements.

Missed Deadline

Failing to submit an Ensemble Scheduling Form by the stated deadline results in an ensemble ranking of zero (0) and possible exclusion from ensembles for the semester. A zero (0) ensemble rank will only allow you to be placed in spare ensemble seats after other students have been placed, should any still remain. In such a case, there is no priority or guarantee of ensemble placement (for jazz majors) as may be needed to fulfill their ensemble requirements.

The student acknowledges that this form caters mostly to scheduling chamber jazz ensembles whose meeting times vary each semester, as opposed to some large ensembles that meet at static times. Since large ensemble participation is a requirement, jazz-majors may be placed into large and alternate large ensembles as the jazz faculty sees fit, regardless of a students’ stated availability or preference. Without exception, jazz-majors must prioritize their class and personal schedules, particularly during the drop/add period, to accommodate placement results.

The student agrees not to misrepresent their schedule, or do so in such a way as to favor or avoid certain ensemble times. In keeping with the Rutgers code of conduct, section VII-A, 2b-c, students must truthfully state their fullest availability at all times. Violations may result in exclusion from ensemble participation, and/or from the jazz program.

Student Handbook Agreement

Jazz Majors are required to complete and sign the Jazz Student Handbook Agreement Form by the Week-3 Monday of each semester. Hand in forms to an administrator of the Jazz department. Each student is expected to read and fully understand the Jazz Student Handbook before signing this form. Your signature indicates your consent to everything outlined. The Jazz Department maintains that all policies and procedures herein are subject to change at the discretion of the Jazz Artistic Director and managing faculty. See Grading Policy for forms, below.

Jazz Drummer/Percussionist Agreement

Jazz Drum Majors are to sign and submit the ‘Jazz Drum Major Jury Agreement‘ by the Week-3 Monday of each semester: Said majors are expected to demonstrate proficiency in scales, chords, and theory as with any other major. Due to the non-melodic/harmonic nature of their lessons, drummers have a specific program and jury requirements and must study and prepare according to the outlines provided. See Grading Policy for forms, below.

Undergrad Sem-5/6 and Grad Sem-3 Non-Piano Major Agreement

Due by the Week-3 Monday of each semester: Non-piano majors within these terms are required to demonstrate accumulated proficiency in basic keyboard skills and are responsible for their preparation to do so at juries. Applicable students must fully sign the ‘Keyboard Essentials Agreement for Non-Pianists‘ form as outlined. This agreement is graded as an assignment. See Grading Policy for forms, below.

Note that non-jazz major students only need to sign a Handbook Agreement form. All other forms do not apply.

Grading Policy for All Agreement Forms

Note: the following grading policy applies to all agreement form deadlines (except as otherwise stated) which students are responsible for, include, but limited to, the forms listed above. By default, any and all student agreement forms are due no later than the Week-3 Monday of each semester.

Final Large ensemble grades for the semester may be reduced according to the following schedule for every day beyond any stated Agreement Form deadline date:

• Forms received after the first Monday deadline date – lowered .5 point
• Forms received after the following Wednesday – lowered 1 point
• Forms received after the following Friday – lowered 1.5 points
• Forms received after the following Monday – lowered 2 points

(not to exceed beyond a “C” grade, equivalent)

Jazz Performance Majors are required to register for private lessons each semester as an integral part of their curriculum. Students understand that lesson studio loads and choice of instructor decisions each semester are made solely by the jazz faculty, and not by the student.

Students also acknowledge that lesson studios which are taught by more than one weekly instructor require the student to alternate their private lessons between instructors each semester, as determined by the jazz faculty. For instance, if there are two weekly departmental drum instructors, each drum student will take lessons with one instructor within a given semester, and study with the other instructor during the next semester. They will then continue to alternate thereafter, accordingly. An exception to this may be for saxophone studios, where there is perhaps only one instructor for each type of saxophone. Further, visiting faculty and intermittent lessons are always in addition to regular weekly lessons, and exempt from this policy.

Students acknowledge that private lesson times are subject to the scheduling of ensemble meetings early in the semester. Lesson scheduling can only be accommodated once ensemble placement auditions are completed and results have been posted on the first Monday of each semester. Successfully delegating ensemble meetings involves the massive coordination of numerous student/teacher agendas, of which lessons involve the coordination of only two.

Students, therefore, are expected to cooperate by arranging their lesson times directly with their assigned instructor each semester in accordance with the above. Please contact your instructor as needed for more information.

If it is determined by the major applied teacher, Jazz Faculty, Chair of Jazz Studies, and Music Dept. Artistic Standing Committee that sufficient progress is not being made you will not be permitted to continue in the jazz program at Mason Gross School of the Arts with a grade lower than B.

The student is aware of all Private Lesson Assignments / Responsibilities and the respective graded components, which include Jury Scale, Sight-reading, and Jury Tune studies, Artist Studies, and Keyboard Essentials for non-piano majors.

Rutgers University Jazz Majors will be required to take a sight-reading proficiency exam each semester they are enrolled except during semesters when they are giving a recital. Levels 1,1A, 2, 2A, 3, 3A, and 4 of the sight-reading exam must be passed to perform a senior recital. These tests are typically incorporated into Jury exams at the end of each semester.

The Jazz Faculty will provide sight-reading material written for each instrument. The reading examples will be in line with professional-level expectations. Guitarists and pianists will read chord symbols and rhythms, as well as melodies. Horn players will be required to read complex linear material. All students will be expected to improvise over a set of chord changes at sight. Drummers will sight-read Big Band parts using standard notation. All sight-reading examples will be performed with a metronome or play-along track.

Grading of the sight-reading proficiency is pass/fail. If the first sight-reading attempt is unsuccessful,  a second attempt may be made. If a student fails to successfully play an example after two attempts, the sight-reading exam is failed.

Juries take place at the conclusion of the fall and spring semesters in December and May. All students are required to take jury examinations scheduled by the Jazz Studies Faculty. The jury will be evaluated with special care for the purpose of deciding whether or not you should be allowed to continue studies at Rutgers University.

You will be required to prepare selections mostly from the appropriate year’s Tune List. Each semester you will be responsible for at least 10 different songs from the Tune List to be approved by your applied instructor and worked on throughout the respective semester. At your jury, the Jazz Faculty will pick one tune from your list at random and you will perform that selection from memory. The jury will be the faculty’s opportunity to assess your effectiveness and development in Musicianship and Jazz Improvisation.

The student is aware of all references made in the Study Guide pages for Jury Requirements By Semester.

Graduating recitals (a.k.a. “Senior Recitals”, or “Degree Recitals”) are considered a terminal performance of the degree candidate who will demonstrate proficiency in satisfying all jazz program requirements before an adjudicating panel. This panel will determine the recital student’s eligibility to fully graduate from the jazz program, thus signifying the seriousness and weight of the recital and the need to properly prepare for it. The graduating recital candidate will work closely with their private lesson instructor to fully prepare and be mentored directly up to the recital time. A full semester of private lessons is a mandatory component of the senior recital process which normally takes place during a student’s final (terminal) semester.

Please note the school maintains strict lesson allocations. Extending private lessons beyond what is allotted by a degree program is not possible. Undergraduate students receive no more than 8 semesters of lessons, and grad students no more than 4 semesters of lessons. When planning your senior recital, it’s important to take these allocations into consideration.

• By default, graduating recitals are expected in the spring semester of a student’s final allocation of private lesson instruction on their primary instrument. A graduating recital will not be approved in any semester the student is not eligible for, or not fully registered for, a full semester of private lessons. Exceptions will not be made.
• No student may hold a graduating recital without the consent and presence of their current private lesson instructor at the performance.
• Graduating recitals cannot be scheduled if a recital candidate has a grade of Unsatisfactory in any semester of Music Assembly.
• Graduating recitals must have the advance approval of a jazz studies administrator to proceed within a given semester.

Recital Repertoire Requirements

Senior recital program content must contain at least one selection/example minimum of the following criteria:

1. Blues
2. Rhythm Changes
3. Ballad
4. Odd Meter
5. Coltrane Changes [from either the Major 3rd or Minor 3rd Matrix systems or Countdown Changes]
6. Modal
7. Cadenza – at least one minute in length playable by itself or as part of a tune, at the beginning, middle, or end.
8. Original Tune:
   • B.M. – One (1) original tune, written out as a formalized arrangement for at least 3 horns, or in common transposition format (Concert, Bass, Bb, Eb) ideally as an extended leadsheet containing horn structures and ensemble hits.
   • M.M.- Two (2) original tunes, one of which is a formalized arrangement; 4-part minimum horn writing with intro, melody, solos, backgrounds, interludes, development or shout chorus, and melody out

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 Performance Requirements

• Each recital segment will be 45 to 50 minutes, typically 5 to 6 selections. This time allocation facilitates setup and breakdown per segment, allowing each start time to begin on the hour.
• All recital repertoire is subject to review and revisal on a case-by-case basis.
• The recital leader (the graduating candidate) and their supporting band members must be physically present in the recital room throughout the previously scheduled performance, and be ready to promptly take the stage and begin their recital at its scheduled time.
• The recital leader will memorize all selections including chart arrangements and not rely upon printed music during their degree performance, and therefore must not have a music stand within proximity of their performance location. Supporting band members, however, may use printed music.
• It is not permissible for any Rutgers teaching faculty member to participate in a senior recital in any performance capacity whatsoever, to be strictly enforced.
• Special lighting, stage enhancements, PA systems, or audio/video recording equipment is not permitted by students or those assisting or attending the recital, according to school policy. The school’s Concert Services facility records audio at all recitals of which students may obtain a copy (see below).
• The first graduating recital student to use the performance space on a given date is responsible for coordinating the transport and set up of any program-related music gear, such as amps and drums.
• The last graduating recital student to use the performance space on a given date is responsible for coordinating the return of any program-related music gear, such as amps and drums to their designated storage space.

Spring Recital Scheduling

Spring-term Graduating Recital dates are pre-determined in advance by jazz program directors (not by the recital student) for each academic year and announced to students during the prior Fall semester.

Students are not involved in, or responsible for, the selection of adjudicating faculty who will be present at their spring recitals, which is also pre-determined. To schedule a spring-term graduating recital, please observe the following:

• Spring Senior Recital candidates will submit the ‘Jazz Spring Senior Recital Declaration Form‘ by the 1st Monday of December deadline of the prior Fall semester.
• Each combined Spring recital session date will be 3 to 5 hours in total length, allowing for 3 to 5 consecutive recitals per date.
• Once a spring recital date has been formalized, respective students will follow up during early Spring semester to promptly process the remaining school recital application as Mason Gross conservatory requires. The online forms (contact Main office for links) are used to determine eligibility to proceed with a student’s intended recital date as they committed to.
• Per conservatory policy, all degree recitals must take place BEFORE the last two weeks of classes (not including Exam weeks) when in a semester of graduation.

Spring Recital Agreement

As outlined above, spring-recital scheduling preparations are to begin in the prior Fall semester. By signing the Jazz Spring Senior Recital Declaration form, students are committing to a recital date which is then considered binding and final. No provision is afforded to alter this confirmation beyond the 1st Monday of December deadline of the Fall semester stated above – no exceptions. Failure to meet this fall submission deadline may result in the inability to schedule a spring senior recital.

Students are expected to clear future commitments to allow for the completion of their mandatory degree recitals, as more than enough time and notice are provided to them to reasonably make advance accommodations as needed.

Please refer to the “Graduating Recitals – FAQ” section below for additional clarification

Do I pick the date/time for my spring graduating recital?

Spring recital date(s) will be chosen for you. However, based on faculty availability, if more than a one-time slot is available, you will be presented with date options that you may choose from.

Can I pick the location of my graduating recital?

No. Predetermined spring recital dates and assignments include predetermined recital locations, as well. Custom locations cannot be accommodated or approved.

Can I pick which adjudicators/faculty will be present?

No

My private lessons end in the Spring, but I’m not graduating until the Fall or thereafter. Therefore, I’d rather hold my recital in the Fall.

As fully explained, this is not possible except by petition under very specific circumstances. If your last allocation of lessons is during the spring, your recital must take place during that spring term of which private lesson registration is a mandatory component. There are no exceptions. Refer to “Regarding non-Spring Recitals”, below.

I’m pretty sure I’ll still be taking private lessons this Fall, so I’ll wait to hold my recital till then.

This is not possible except by petition under very specific circumstances. Graduating recitals are designated as a spring event, only. Refer to “Regarding non-Spring Recitals”, below.

What’s the difference between the jazz program’s “Jazz Spring Senior Recital Declaration” form and the conservatory’s online Recital Application forms?

The “Jazz Spring Senior Recital Declaration Form” form is required by the Jazz Department only and is used by students in late fall to commit to a spring recital date. The conservatory online forms are used afterward to determine eligibility to proceed with a students’ intended recital date they’ve committed to and to supply needed program information in consultation with their private lesson instructor. Please contact the Main Office for more information.

Who is responsible to fill out all these forms?

It’s the students’ responsibility to complete and to hand in ALL forms, as specified.

Where can I obtain the Jazz Spring Senior Recital Declaration form and what is its deadline?

It can be downloaded here and must be submitted to a jazz administrator no later than the 1st Monday of December of the Fall semester, for a Spring recital date.

Where can I find the school’s other required recital application forms and what are their deadlines?

MGSA recital forms are found online on the school website. They are to be submitted in the early spring semester at least 4 weeks in advance of your recital date which is typically by mid-February (taking Spring break into consideration). Additional instructions are on the forms. Contact the front main office for more details and assistance.

The school recital application forms ask who the other faculty members will be. How would I know if I don’t pick them?

All recital forms must be approved by a Jazz Studies director who will then also advise on co-adjudicators for your recital.

Can I have a post-recital reception?

Yes, however, recitals dates that contain consecutive performances cannot accommodate individual receptions, except for, perhaps, a coordinated effort among student recital leaders to arrange a combined reception after all performances are completed at that given time. This is subject to space availability and scheduling, which the jazz program does not administrate. Refer to the school’s reception documentation for further details. If clearance is given, holding such receptions is fully the recital-students’ responsibility, including approval for, set up, break down, and clean up according to MGSA policies.

Performance Attire

Proper performance attire reflects the seriousness of the student’s intent to faithfully complete all program requirements, present themselves professionally, and properly represent the school and the jazz program. The exception for Graduating Recitals is that the usual mandate for “Concert Black” attire may be substituted for any formal attire of a similar kind. No jeans or leather will be permitted. You are responsible for obtaining suitable performance attire well in advance of the performance date. Failure to dress appropriately will prevent your performance and result in lowering your performance grade.

Note: Gum-chewing during a performance is absolutely unacceptable and will lower your performance grade.

Piano Tuning for Recitals

The scheduling of piano tunings is the responsibility of the Department Administrator. The Department will try to schedule a tuning as close to the day of a degree recital as possible. Tuning for a non-degree recital is the performer’s responsibility.

Graduating Recital Printed Programs

The Music Department types and duplicates programs to be distributed at degree recitals. All program information must be proofread and approved by the teacher and submitted to the Music Dept office no later than four weeks prior to the recital. Completed programs are placed in the student’s mailbox for pickup just prior to the recital. It is the student’s responsibility to have the programs distributed to the audience. This may be done by placing them on a music stand outside the performance venue or by having friends distribute them at the door. Normally the Department will make 70 copies of a program. The printing of program notes or translations is the student’s responsibility.

Recital Room Setup

Because the room may be in use just prior to a scheduled recital, it is the student’s responsibility to check the set-up at least a half-hour before the recital. Nothing is to be placed on the piano before, during, or after a recital. The student must leave the room in usable condition; this means returning borrowed instruments or stands, clearing the stage, picking up extra programs, and so forth. This is a common courtesy from one performer to another. A custodial fee may be imposed if the room is not left in appropriate condition. The last senior recital student to use the performance space on a given date is responsible to coordinate the return of any program-related music gear, such as amps and drums.

Graduating Recital Recordings

It is the school’s policy to make an audio recording of all degree recitals. Copies of recordings made by the Department of recitals or ensemble concerts may be obtained through the main office. The order form for this purpose is available in the school’s main office. Students or other persons are not permitted to procure or operate their own audio or video equipment for the recital, as stated earlier.

Graduating Recitals outside of a spring semester are not facilitated except by petition under very specific circumstances, such as for music education and/or double-majors who undertake remote spring student-teaching assignments that would prevent them from taking private instruction on campus, or any student whose terminal semester happens to not be during a spring term. As fully outlined earlier, all graduating recitals will otherwise take place during a spring term, only.

For consideration of a non-Spring recital, the graduating recital candidate must:

1. Be eligible for, and registered for, weekly private lesson instruction on their primary instrument during the semester they wish to hold a non-Spring senior recital. Weekly private lessons commencing the start of the semester must extend up to and immediately before the scheduled performance date. This is mandatory and there are no exceptions.
2. Provide written proof that they cannot be present on campus for private lessons during the following spring terminal semester, due to a remote student teaching assignment or fall graduation. Any other spring leave-of-absence status will not meet this requirement or be taken into consideration.

To begin the petition process, graduating recital candidates must first fill out and sign a “Jazz Senior Recital Petition for Non-Spring Term” form obtainable from a jazz studies director, and submit it during the previous semester, but no later than the Week-3 Monday of the semester containing the proposed recital to a jazz studies director. Candidates must attach to their petition submission written proof of private lesson registration for the term containing the proposed recital, and written proof of inability to be present the following spring term. Failure to meet this form deadline, its criteria, or requirements outlined in the Jazz Handbook will disqualify the petitioning candidate from being approved for a non-Spring term graduating recital.

It is the faculty’s hope and expectation that every student admitted into the program is capable of benefiting from and meeting the goals of the course of study in all of its aspects. If at any time the faculty’s assessment of your progress or achievement indicates that there is a significant problem in any area of your development, that problem will be discussed with you, the concerned faculty member(s), the Chair of Jazz Studies, and the Dean of Students. Specific conditions and a probationary time period for dealing with the problem may be imposed. Failure to meet the conditions may result in dismissal from the program as per the Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts procedural rules.

General Principles

A student’s artistic progress in the Rutgers University Jazz program will be measured by the level of achievement in performance lessons, on juries, in ensemble participation, and in those courses — above all, Fundamentals I-III (for Undergraduates)– in which musicianship skills play a central role. Achievement in performance lessons will be indicated by both the major instructor’s grade and the reports of faculty members hearing juries. Regular attendance in Music Assembly and at Department concerts is also expected.

Artistic Probation and Dismissal will not normally occur after the first two years of a student’s participation in the B.M. program at Rutgers. The special circumstances that might justify dismissal at a later time are poor grades based on extensive absences, which reveal a lack of commitment, or a failure to meet conditions for continuing in the B.M. program that is spelled out following a semester of probation within the first two years.

Except in extreme circumstances, such as receipt of an F in the performance lesson or jury, a student will not be dismissed without having first been placed on probation for one semester. On the other hand, a student will not normally be placed on probation more than once; after a probationary semester, a performance that would justify further probation will normally result in dismissal.

Because grades in courses involving performance are arrived at differently by different teachers, the following criteria will not necessarily result in probation or dismissal but should be regarded as the adequate justification for such action.

Artistic Probation

A student may be placed on probation for any of the following reasons:

• A grade of C+ or lower in the performance lesson in any semester.
• Grades of C+ or lower from any two faculty members hearing the jury in any semester.
• A grade of C+ or lower in an ensemble in any semester.
• A grade of D or F in Fundamentals of Musicianship in any semester.

Artistic Dismissal

A student may be dismissed from the B.M. program for any of the following reasons:

• A grade of D or F in the performance lesson in any semester, or grades of C or worse in any two semesters.
• A grade of D or F from any two faculty members hearing the jury in any semester, or grades of C+ or lower in any two semesters.
• A grade of F in an ensemble in any semester.
• A grade of F in Fundamentals of Musicianship in any semester, or a grade of D in any two semesters.

Academic Probation & Dismissal

Policies concerning academic performance are established for all students in Mason Gross and can be found in the Mason Gross section of the Rutgers Undergraduate Catalog. Each student’s academic progress is monitored each semester by the Dean’s office. When problems arise, they are resolved by a Mason Gross Scholastic Standing Committee chaired by the Dean of Students.

There are specific guidelines for deciding when a student should be placed on probation or dismissed. The guidelines are as follows:

Academic Probation

Any student, including first-term first-year students, whose term average is lower than 1.8 is placed on Academic Probation. Students are notified in writing of probationary status before the start of the next term. While on probation, students must maintain full-time academic status and must complete successfully at least 12 credits per term.

Academic Dismissal

There are no automatic dismissals for first-term first-year students. Students are ordinarily dismissed when their term average is 1.4 or less regardless of their cumulative grade-point average or preceding term average. Students may also be dismissed if their term average falls below the probationary level in any two consecutive terms, in any three non-consecutive terms, or if their cumulative grade-point average at any time is less than the following:

• • first year: 1.6
  • second year: 1.8
  • third year: 2.0
  • fourth year: 2.0

Academic Dismissal may be appealed to the Mason Gross Scholastic Standing Committee. The appeal process is described in the Mason Gross section of the Rutgers Undergraduate Catalog.

Rutgers University holds many events that are open to the public and it is difficult to control who is in the music buildings. Please keep all of your personal belongings and any Rutgers University property for which you are responsible locked up at all times when not in use.

You may inquire about lost property and should turn-in found property at the Music Office in the Marryott Music Building.

ID Cards

As an important part of maintaining security, RUConnection Identification Cards should be made during the first week of school and must be carried at all times. You will need your card to check books out of the Rutgers Library. If you lose your card, report the loss at once. If your card is lost as a result of a theft or burglary, you should report the crime promptly to Rutgers Public Safety.

Instrument Insurance

It is strongly urged that you obtain insurance for your instrument. Rutgers University is not responsible or liable for any damage to an instrument caused on campus, on tour, or at assigned gigs.

Use of Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts studios, practice rooms, or rehearsal space that is not for official Jazz Studies rehearsals or work is strictly prohibited. Non-drummers will NOT have access to the drum sets in RH 209 and use of Rutgers University drum sets without prior permission from the Jazz Percussion Professor or Chair of Jazz Studies.

Practice rooms are located in the Marryott Music Building and the Music Annex. When the University is in session, the practice rooms are available whenever the buildings are open. This includes evenings and weekends (normally during daytime hours on Saturday and afternoons and evenings on Sunday).

It is not necessary (or possible) to reserve a practice room in advance. When all rooms are in use, sign your name on the board in the downstairs lobby; the order of names on the board will be honored as rooms become available.

As a general rule, practice rooms are open to anyone enrolled in a music course. Students not taking music courses must obtain special permission to use the practice rooms.

A clear distinction should be maintained between practice rooms and areas for socializing with friends. No food or drink is to be brought into the practice room. No smoking is allowed anywhere in the buildings. If you plan to be gone from a room for more than 10 minutes, you should remove your things and make the room available to someone else.

The practice rooms are not to be used for teaching purposes without the authorization of the Music Department Administrator.

Only currently enrolled Jazz Drum majors are allowed access to the drum sets in RH 209. Drum/Vibes usage is allowed solely for the purposes of individual Jazz Drum major rehearsal and Rutgers-related performances. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action.

Rutgers Health Services is here to try to help keep students healthy while they focus on studies at Rutgers University. Students can expect the same quality of health care services here that they may receive from their own family healthcare provider.

Clinical services range from immediate medical care to physical exams, including women’s health services. Experienced healthcare professionals provide triage, evaluation, and treatment of medically urgent problems. Health Services offers same-day appointments for other pressing medical needs.

Health Services Contact Information

732- 932-7402
Email: health@rci.rutgers.edu

Busch-Livingston Health Center

110 Hospital Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854

Hurtado Health Center

11 Bishop Place, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Willets Health Center

11 Suydam Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903

Counseling Services

Counseling, ADAP & Psychiatric Services (CAPS)

All services are accessed through the main office at 17 Senior Street on the Rutgers University, College Avenue Campus. 732-932-7884

Clinical Services

Undergraduate and graduate students experience a great many stresses in their lives – sorting out one’s identity, establishing and maintaining important relationships, coping with anxiety and depression, working on changing relationships with parents and other family members, dealing with losses, handling new academic demands, and dealing with reactions to one’s differentness. To help with these tasks, Counseling, ADAP & Psychiatric Services provides a variety of psychological counseling services for all students of Rutgers University in New Brunswick/Piscataway, undergraduate, and graduate. Services are free, and confidentiality is guaranteed within legal and ethical guidelines.

Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP)

Alcohol & Other Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) is a counseling and information program for students who are concerned about their drinking or use of other drugs, about a friend’s use/abuse, or about drug or alcohol use in their family. ADAP is a special focus service of Counseling, ADAP & Psychiatric Services (CAPS), which is a division of Rutgers Health Services.

Nine programs are available at ADAP:

1. Consultation and outreach
2. Evaluation and assessment
3. Individual alcohol/ drug counseling
4. Alcohol/other drug awareness groups
5. Recovery support groups – For students in recovery to provide support and meet other students in recovery.
6. Recovery housing – On-campus housing for Rutgers students who are in recovery from a chemical dependency. It is a supportive environment for students who live abstinent from alcohol and other drugs.
7. Early Recovery Program
8. Nicotine Dependence Assessment and Referral
9. Adult Children of Alcoholics/Addicts group – For students whose parent, other family members or close friend is an alcoholic or drug addict.