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Jazz
The jazz performance program is designed for two types of students. One type started with classical study, and blossomed into a primary interest in jazz. This type of student will be attracted to the Peabody program because of the opportunities to excel in jazz without being completely divorced from more traditional forms of "art music." The second type of is entirely focused on jazz--a "purist" if you will. This type of student will be attracted to Peabody because of a wish to study with our jazz-specific faculty. They are the core of the program. Students applying for the jazz program will audition only for the jazz faculty--either in person or via CD recording.
Recently we have had to reject an unusually large number of Jazz applicants, so I asked the faculty what was going on. The faculty emphasized that they were very serious about scales--major, and all three types of minors. You will be required to play them at the audition. The second element has to do with repertoire performed. Jazz standards are required. If the term "jazz standard" is not familiar to you, check with your teacher for guidance. You will find more details on the repertoire page.
Jazz auditions are not held at regional sites. Jazz applicants are not required to perform a "classical" audition. The best source of detailed information about jazz at Peabody is Gary Thomas, the Director of Jazz Studies. He invites you to email him with your questions. The address is: gthomas@jhu.edu
Special note about combining Jazz and Recording Arts:
Jazz and technology seem a natural combination, and indeed a number of our first jazz students are also Recording Arts majors. However, as they have been progressing through the program we are finding the combination to be especially challenging. At issue is the exceptional amount of "playing" that is a hallmark of our Jazz program. The Jazz faculty does not want to prohibit a Jazz/Recording Arts combination, but those interested should understand the special issues involved, and should check with the jazz department for advice if considering this combination.
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