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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, teaching jazz harmony concepts and keyboard skills for non-piano majors. The exams are in semesters 3 and 4 for undergraduates, and a single semester 3 for grads. Jazz majors agree to prepare by signing the Jury Keyboard agreement on the Ensemble Scheduling Form.

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, 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.
Part1

Undergrad – Semesters 3
Graduate – Semester 3

Part 2

Undergrad – Semesters 4
Graduate – Semester 3

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 help private students prepare for keyboard juries, with jazz piano faculty offering additional support. Keyboard Jury students can schedule help sessions with the piano faculty from the start of the semester until the midterm (week eight). This encourages early keyboard study and avoids last-minute help. Students who complete an initial meeting can schedule follow-ups during the semester, but missed initial appointments will not be made up beyond Midterms.