New exams and publications for jazz learners
Following the successful introduction of jazz piano and ensemble exams in 1998, the syllabus has been expanded to include the following instruments: clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet and trombone.
A complete range of supporting publications is available to assist teachers and students, including the innovative AB Real Book, which offers a wealth of material for all jazz players.
An impressive line-up of jazz musicians, all involved in the development of the syllabus, played at the launch: Chris Batchelor (trumpet), Dennis Rollins (trombone), Martin Hathaway (alto saxophone), Alan Barnes (clarinet) and Nikki Iles (piano).
The launch of the new syllabus is now being followed by a programme of workshops across the United Kingdom to introduce teachers to the new jazz materials and exams.
“The new Associated Board jazz exams and materials have already won many plaudits. We believe they provide a coherent, progressive and enjoyable way in to jazz and we hope they will revolutionise and re-energise aspects of instrumental teaching. The publications and exams will provide a structure for jazz educators but will also provide a foundation for those instrumental teachers who have little or no experience in the idiom."
Dr Charles Beale, Lead Jazz Consultant, The Associated Board
“Through its carefully structured framework and accessible exploration of the jazz tradition, this syllabus offers rich opportunities for players to express themselves and to gain the freedom, confidence, skills and understanding to develop their own personal direction in jazz performance.”
Nigel Scaife, Syllabus Principal, The Associated Board
“Playing jazz is about enjoyment and personal satisfaction as well as about communication and the expression of ideas. Measuring yourself against international benchmarks can be daunting, but we do all we can to make the experience a pleasurable one.”
Philip Mundey, Director of Examinations, The Associated Board
More about the jazz syllabus
Consultants, collaborators and composers involved in the jazz syllabus project have included: Michael Garrick, Eddie Harvey, Richard Michael, Julian Joseph, Nikki Iles, Bill Kinghorn, Pete Churchill, Chris Batchelor, Dennis Rollins, Martin Hathaway and Tim Garland.
The jazz syllabus is for musicians from all backgrounds and is founded on the belief that jazz is for everyone. We have sought to be true to the spirit of jazz, to respect its aural tradition, and to keep the elements of spontaneity and enjoyment alive in all sections of the exam.
Improvisation is at the very heart of the syllabus and the syllabus is designed so that it is possible for musicians who play by ear to take exams without reading stave notation.
About us
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music is the world leader in the provision of music exams and assessments. Each year more than 600,000 candidates in over 90 countries take Associated Board exams.
ABRSM (Publishing) Ltd produces exam-related publications and an extensive catalogue of keyboard and instrumental albums and music books.
Further information
For more information contact Giles Morris, Head of Corporate Marketing