Enrolment for a jazz instrument and vocal music performance exam
Information about how to apply for jazz performance exam
Registration
Level A
Registration for the level performances takes place in Taito Channel no later than 8 weeks before the artistic level performance. Check the study guide for the requirements for level performances.
Levels B, C and D, and secondary instrument examinations
Level performances are automatically scheduled for the semesters to which they belong according to the curriculum. The student will be notified of the exact time of the level performance by e-mail. Possible level performance dates can be seen on this site under “Level performance schedule and locations”.
Check the study guide for the requirements for level performances and secondary instrument examinations:
- Levels B, C and D descriptions
- Secondary instrument examinations (click on the separate blue link that will open a Word document)
Communication
Level A
- The description, promotional photo and stage map must be submitted in Taito Channel with the application.
- Prepare a reflective process description of the preparation of the master’s degree concert (2-3 pages). The text is prepared together with the supervising teacher, who accepts the content and marks the task as completed.
- The process description is submitted to the master’s degree concert committee one week beforehand. The committee may use the text as background information in their assessment of the concert.
Levels B, C and D, and secondary instrument examinations
- Repertoires for level performances are delivered to the teacher for approval no later than two weeks before the date of the examination.
- The repertoire, approved by the teacher, is delivered to the jazz department lecturer responsible for the degrees before the examination day. This way, the repertoire gets delivered to the committee on time.
- Responsible lecturer in 2024–2025: Jussi Lehtonen
Level performance schedule and locations
Level A
Students give Level A performances during the 5th academic term in the following master’s degree structures:
- Jazz music (instrument or voice) orientation option
- Nordic Master in Jazz Music (NOMAZZ)
- Jazz music (composition)
As a rule, level A performances are organised at Black Box. Producers contact the student directly after they have submitted the application in Taito Channel. The producers will confirm the exact date and time of the level A performance.
Levels B, C and D and secondary instrument examinations
- Level C performance takes place during the spring term of the first year of bachelor’s studies
- Level B performance takes place during the spring term of the third year of bachelor’s studies
- Secondary instrument examination takes places during the spring term of the third year of bachelor’s studies at the latest
Assessment committees
Feedback on level performances
The committee will provide oral feedback after the level performance. This feedback may be recorded for personal use.
Stage tech at level A performances at the Helsinki Music Centre
Important considerations regarding stage tech:
- Master’s degree concert performers have access to a sound designer and lighting designer who handle the stage technology. Sometimes, a music technology student may also be available to help.
- In addition to the sound and lighting designers, send the stage map and set-up information to the producer so that, in case of illness, the information is available.
If you want to add song-specific preferences regarding audio and lighting, follow these instructions:
– Prepare a set list for your concert in advance for the sound and light designers to keep track of during the concert. The set list should include:
- The pieces in the right order
- A short description of each song and its tempo
- Whether the performer moves somewhere else (e.g. the soloist moves from centre stage to the piano)
- Does the piece include a backing track or a significant solo
- Lighting requests (e.g. whether you want active or calm lights, or a specific colour)
- When will the band be introduced? Other speeches?
Due to limited resources and time
- You cannot use your own wireless microphones or other wireless devices. Equipment at Black Box:
- 4 wireless microphones
- 6 grouped monitor speakers
- Any background tapes or soundscapes must be handled by the performers themselves on laptops, mobile phones, etc.
Recordings
Level performances are video recorded using the fixed system in the halls without a separate request, and, if necessary, they can also be recorded on a multitrack. The recordings are available for personal use. If you publish a promo tape on social media, etc., make sure you are aware of copyright laws. Commercial use is agreed upon with the manager of the stage and studio services. Video recordings will be sent as Filesender download links to the level performance student’s email.
Level A performances outside the Helsinki Music Centre
If you want to give your concert outside the Helsinki Music Centre, negotiate the details in advance with the head of department before submitting the Taito Channel application. Note! Applications must be submitted 8 weeks before the level performance. Also keep the teacher who guides your level A performance informed.
The student is responsible for concert arrangements outside the Helsinki Music Centre. When you register in the Taito Channel, please, state the PROPOSED PERFORMANCE TIME in the facility request section. The producer will compile the materials for communication. It is possible to borrow the technology team’s small portable PA system, music stands and music stand lights (to be agreed on well in advance with Marko Myöhänen: siba.avhelp@uniarts.fi).
If your performance is cancelled
As soon as possible, notify your teacher and send an email to siba.helpilmo@uniarts.fi about the cancellation. This way, also the committee will be notified of the cancellation. Please note that you may only postpone or cancel your level performance for reasons other than illness six weeks before the performance date.
Book a new time for the venue from the producer services at siba.helpilmo@uniarts.fi.
If the content and ensemble of your level performance is unchanged and the cancellation has been made in accordance with the first condition, you may use the previous registration and do not need to submit a new form. Otherwise, please, submit a new registration in the Taito Channel.
Further information on arranging a level performance
You can contact siba.helpilmo@uniarts.fi with questions related to organising the level performance.
In addition, students can book practice hours independently in the reservation system in accordance with their existing rights.