Who can apply to study Jazz Interpretation? 

 Applicants must demonstrate an exceptional level of skills in their specialisation in a practical exam and meet the conditions of the admission procedure. The practical exam determines the professional and especially artistic qualification for studies in the chosen specialisation of the given study programme. Percussion Instruments, Jazz Interpretation, Jazz Composition and Arrangement. The entrance examination takes the form of a solo or chamber interpretation. For the Jazz Composition and Arrangement specialisation, the applicant presents at least one composition or arrangement of his or her own.

What are the specific conditions of the entrance examination and what do applicants need to prepare?

The admission procedure is divided into four parts: theoretical, intonation and practical parts and a general knowledge test with focus on jazz history.

1.Theoretical part:

Testing the knowledge of jazz theory basics. Knowledge test in the field of chord mark recognition and notation. Questions about basic scales and mods and their use. Cadenzas and their derivation. Harmonic notation of the Blues form. A basic familiarity with the jazz repertoire and its composers.

2. Intonation part:

Listening to intervals, chords and modes and their analysis. Demonstration of the ability to hear and create intervals and basic types of fifth and seventh chords in a vocal manner. Notation of the melody and rhythm of selected samples.

3. Practical part:

Blues – interpretation of the chosen theme and improvisation within the jazz idiom and harmony of the blues form. Interpretation of a randomly chosen jazz standard – playing themes from the sheet, improvisation on the given harmony, chordal accompaniment in the given composition for harmonic instruments. Interpretation of a jazz standard of your own choice. Applicant must bring musical notation of the given standard for accompanying players, who will be selected from among the jazz department teachers. The musical notation in C voice must be submitted with the application form.

4. General knowledge test with focus on jazz history.