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Jazz Jury Keyboard Exam for Non-Piano Majors

The jury keyboard exams are aligned with the jazz program’s Jazz Keyboard Harmony curriculum, which teaches fundamental jazz harmony concepts while also developing essential keyboard skills for non-piano major students. The exam is scheduled during semesters three and four for undergraduate students, and semester three for graduate students. Jazz majors agree to prepare for these jury exams when signing the Jury Keyboard agreement located on the Ensemble Scheduling Form.

Note: Refer to recent announcement regarding 2025-26 UG Semester 5 and 6 Non-Piano Majors

Jury Keyboard Exam Overview (Parts 1 and 2)

Keyboard exam details are outlined on the Jury Requirements page under Semesters 3 and 4.

  1. Perform standard cadences and turnarounds
  2. Perform semester-level chord shapes
  3. Perform standard progression(s)
  4. Perform a memorized standard tune

Jazz Keyboard Prep (online)

For comprehensive self-paced preparation guides and illustrations, refer to the Jazz Keyboard Prep Canvas site.

Piano Faculty Assistance Unavailable After Midterm Week

Per the Jazz Handbook: While all instrumental instructors are expected to help their private students prepare for keyboard juries, the jazz piano faculty is available to provide further, specialized keyboard support. Keyboard Jury students may schedule help sessions with the piano faculty between the start of the semester and up to midterm (week eight). This is intended to encourage them to begin their keyboard studies early in the semester and avoid relying on last-minute help as a flawed approach. While assistance is no longer available after midterms, students who have completed an initial meeting can schedule follow-up sessions throughout the semester.