ABRSM Jazz Exam

[pf]

Hi everybody,

I'm interested in taking the ABRSM Jazz piano exam. Went thru the website but didn't see that there are any pre requisites for the exam. But a lot of music schools indicates that to sign up for their Jazz lessons, there is to be a minimum of Classical grade 3 to 6.

Just wondering if it is a self-imposed requirement. Coz I don't think I want to waste 3 to 5 years to learn Classical before I go for the Jazz exams.

I'm learning pop piano now and have no interest in going Classical.

What do everybody else think?

 

[truelove]

hi, for the abrsm syllabus, there is no pre-requisite of classical grades but if you do look at the exam books for abrsm jazz syllabus, the structure is very much like the classical exams. you must be able to read notes and play scales. the only difference is that the scales are modal scales and the pieces used jazz voicings. so you'll need quite a strong 'note-reading' blackground to take the exams.

hope this helps

 

[Cheez]

Slight correction - the scales also includes the some of the standard classical scales. So does the arpeggios - they include the standard major and minor arpeggios as well as the blues etc.

 

[pf]

So, all the more I shouldn't waste my time doing classical right?

 

[iansoh]

Are u allowed to take ABRSM jazz piano without a classical piano certificate? If allowed, then don't need to take classical exam lor.

 

[Cheez]

As far as I know, there's no need for classical grades to do jazz. Just don't think that jazz is going to be easier than classical... :wink:

 

[Cheez]

Oh, just another thought. Hope I'm not going too off-topic...

I realised a phenomenon amongst Asians (me included) to go for the paper-chase. Certificates are so important that people are actually going their way out to buy fake ones!

Anyway, my point is this. If there's a purpose in actually sitting for the exams, then go for it. If not, simply enjoying playing jazz and learning it for the fun of it is more important that going for exams and not enjoying it.

I've completed my classical eons ago. I play jazz. It's just that I'm too old to take exams for jazz - actually more of a lack of time. But that doesn't stop me from getting the jazz ABRSM pieces and playing them, just for fun. Recently got the ABRSM jazz scale book to brush up on my modal and blues scales - not for exams, but for the fun of it. Actually, these few days I'm looking for a good collection of Antonio Carlos Jobim pieces - as complete as possible....

I'm not saying not to go for exams. The point is this - do it for enjoyment!

 

[pf]

Agreed Cheez....I'm not interested to take the exam. Quite happy to be just learning and playing for fun and for church. But my church is considering to set up a more comprehensive music course and if I have the qualification, then can teach....

Or maybe shld I say, if I had learnt jazz in a more structured manner, I might be able to teach better.

 

[Cheez]

Aha. You'll need to know that jazz and church music is not the same. Some of the technicialities and theories you can use. But playing in church is a different thing altogether. Requires an entire different skill set which I find many keyboardist did not acquire. This has been discussed before. If you do a search, you can find some interesting discussion on it.

We can discuss this off forum if you are interested!

 

[pf]

Hello people,

great to revive this old thread.

Actually, I still think that to play good jazz there is no need to go for exams. Unfortunately, we're in the Singapore society where people look at your certs before they listen to you.

Just for interest, I have poked my nose around a bit. Seems that one can't go anywhere with the ABRSM Jazz certification besides to teach the ABRSM Jazz exams.

Anybody have any idea what to do with a ABRSM Jazz cert?

 

[Cheez]

Don't fall into the trap of chasing after certs. If you are really considering moving into music full time, you may want to consider. And even then, a Grade 8 is not enough.

 

[pf]

No worries Cheez. I am not up for paper chase nor am I trying to get people to listen up. The question is just for interest.

 

[soft]

Going for such courses is good. It is always nice to learn from someone who is more experienced. It is a set syllabus and at the end of it, you benchmark yourself by taking the exams.

When it comes to creative arts, education is for the basic stuff. It is the work produced that reflect our real standard. Ouch.. usually that is the tough part.

 

[pf]

I looked at the ABRSM jazz syllabus again.

I found that they seem to be "teaching" jazz same as classical piano, since they have similar requirements i.e. to know the scales, aural tests, sight reading, etc.

Do the jazz pianists really learn in the same manner as classical pianists? Or should they?

 

[soft]

Those scales and stuff are basics.

There are some difference between Jazz and Classical. It is the sound and feel of the music. But technically, they are still based on the 12 black and white notes on the keyboard.

Just imagine primary and secondary school education. Grade 1 - 5 are considered primary. Grade 6 - 8 are considered secondary.

If we were to study music like our mainstream academic education, we could finish Grade 1 - 8 in 4 years. Everyday lesson + practise.

 

[pf]

If a jazz pianist learn jazz in the ABRSM way, will they turn out to play jazz with the hint of classical?

You know, like when a classical pianist play pop music. The pop improvisation/accompaniment tend to sound "classical".