AGMS JAZZ & BLUES SYLLABUS Objective Pre-requisites Basic Approach Syllabus Format Reference Material Play-a-Long midi files Jazclass Links AGMS Website

AG Jazz 1 - Objective

The new Australian Guild of Music & Speech (AGMS) Jazz & Blues Syllabus is for students following the AGMS Pianoforte and AGMS Modern Pianoforte Syllabi and consists of four Examination Grades (4 - 7).

This syllabus provides the basic understanding, knowledge and skills necessary for elementary Jazz & Blues piano playing.

After successful completion of the Jazz & Blues Grade 7 exam the student should be ready to prepare for an entry audition to any of the Tertiary Jazz (or Contemporary music) Institutions in Australia.

AG Jazz 2 - Prerequisites

Prerequisites for the Jazz & Blues Grades are : Jazz & Blues Grade 4 - Grade 3 Examination of (Modern) Pianoforte Syllabus Jazz & Blues Grade 5 - Grade 4 Examination of (Modern) Pianoforte Syllabus Jazz & Blues Grade 6 - Grade 5 Examination of (Modern) Pianoforte Syllabus Jazz & Blues Grade 7 - Grade 6 Examination of (Modern) Pianoforte Syllabus Jazz & Blues Proficiency Certificate - Grade 7 Examination of Jazz & Blues Syllabus

AG Jazz 3 - Basic Approach

The instrumental skills of the student are developed through the (Modern) Pianoforte Syllabus.
The Jazz & Blues units focus therefore entirely on understanding and developing Jazz improvisation and comping, which can be done at a relatively easy instrumental skill level.

The Jazz & Blues Keyboard Syllabus focuses on three essential aspects :

1. Jazz Theory - knowledge of scales, chords and common chord progressions.

2. Improvisation - skills of tone selection and phrasing.

3. Comping - learning basic accompaniment as a pianist in a small Jazz ensemble.

AG Jazz 4 - Syllabus Format

The three skills are developed through the following examination format :

Technical Work Scales - Jazz Theory Chords - Jazz Theory Circle of Fifths - Jazz Theory List A. Chord Progression - Jazz Theory - Improvisation - Comping List B. One Blues - Improvisation - Comping List C. One Song -Improvisation - Comping List D. One Song (own choice) -Improvisation (Grades 6 and 7 only) Sub Sections Sight reading Ear Test General Knowledge

The Syllabus includes a Music Notation Supplement which spells out exactly what need to be practised.

• For all musical questions related to the syllabus ask me.
  
  
• For Exam details contact the AGMS Head Office.

AG Jazz 5 - Reference Material.

The Jazz & Blues Keyboard Syllabus is available from the AGMS Head Office.
(Cost : Austr.$ 20.- per copy, plus postage).

The Theory and General Knowledge required for the Syllabus are covered in the four Jazclass books.

Jazclass Courses on the Blues , Jazz Improvisation and Jazz Theory will also be most useful.

Other recommended study material :

1. Jamey Aebersold Play-a-Long CDs (Vol. 2, 3, 11 and 12 especially).
   Jamey Aebersold PO Box 1244, New Albany IN 47151, USA

2. Jazz/Rock Voicings for the Contemporary Keyboard Player (for Grade 7)
   by Dan Hearle, 1972 (Studio P/R, Lebanon, Indiana 46052, USA)

3. The Ultimate Jazz Fakebook ("C" Edition) - Compiled by Herb Wong, 1988
   (Hal Leonard Corporation, PO Box 13819, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53213, USA)