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Jazz Jury Keyboard Exam for Non-Piano Majors

The jury keyboard exams follow the jazz program’s Jazz Keyboard Harmony curriculum, which teaches jazz harmony concepts and keyboard skills to non-piano majors. Jazz majors agree to prepare by signing the Jury Keyboard agreement on the Ensemble Scheduling Form at the start of each semester.

Jury Keyboard Exam Overview (Parts 1 and 2)

Keyboard exam details are outlined on the Jury Requirements page under Semesters 3 and 4. The following must be performed at a steady tempo and sound rehearsed:

  1. Perform standard cadences and turnarounds
  2. Perform semester-level chord shapes
  3. Perform standard progression(s)
  4. Perform a memorized standard tune performance of specific ballad standards, using split voicings.
    • Note: A performance consisting of LH chords and RH melody is invalid and will not receive a passing grade. Refer to Jazz Keyboard Prep, below.

Exam Schedule

Undergrad
  • Part 1 Requirements – Semester 3 Jury
  • Part 2 Requirements – Semester 4 Jury
Graduate
  • Part 1 & Part 2 Requirements – Semester 3 Jury

Jazz Keyboard Prep (online)

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

Piano Faculty Assistance Unavailable After Midterm Week

Per the Jazz Handbook, all instrumental instructors should help private students prepare for keyboard juries, and jazz piano faculty may offer additional specialized support. Keyboard Jury students can schedule help sessions with piano faculty only from the start of the semester through midterm (week eight). This encourages early keyboard study and avoids procrastination. However, students who complete an initial meeting may schedule follow-up help during the semester, but missed initial appointments cannot be made up after Midterms.