Jazz Composition

The Jazz Interpretation Department is quite young compared to other departments of the JAMU Faculty of Music. Although it has only been operating since 2010, it is one of the best Czech departments in its field. The teaching staff is composed of leading Czech and Slovak jazz personalities. The educators include David Dorůžka, Jiří Slavík, Jiří Levíček, Juraj Bartoš, Matúš Jakabčic, Marian Ševčík, Kamil Slezák, Vít Křišťan, Jan Dalecký, Jan Jirucha, Jan Přibil, Lubomír Šrámek. Most of them are active musicians and thus able to transfer their practical experience to the students. The department is headed by Vilém Spilka, a renowned guitarist, playwright and artistic director of the JazzFest Brno international festival and programme director of the Strings of Autumn festival. 

In what professions can a graduate of the Jazz Composition programme find employment? 

  • arranger or composer, based on his or her artistic focus (work for theatres, orchestras, small ensembles);
  • artistic supervisor – artistic and organisational management of own music projects;
  • studio musician with knowledge and experience of making professional recordings;
  • teacher at art schools, conservatories and music grammar schools, universities of arts, a private teacher;
  • music publicist focusing on jazz – music-oriented contributions, annotations, articles, reviews.

Who can apply to study Jazz Composition

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 entrance examination is divided into six parts – a theoretical, practical and oral examination, a piano test, an interpretation test and a general knowledge test with focus on jazz history.

(1) theoretical examination – intonation and rhythm (aural dictation) – movement of 3 voices in chords, writing the melody in music notation, identification of chords (seven chords – major, minor, diminished and others), identification of common harmonic connections

(2) practical examination – readiness for composition, the applicant chooses two of the three areas listed below:

  1.  harmonisation of the given theme, four-part notation (without piano)
  2.  composing a counterpoint voice to the melody and harmony (without piano)
  3.  creating a short study based on various musical material assignments (selection of notes, intervals, rhythmic lengths, etc.) All without using the piano.

(3) oral examination – presentation of own compositions in front of the committee (in person on the piano or other instrument, or from a recording), interview with the applicant.

(4) piano test – demonstration of basic piano skills

(5) interpretation performance – own interpretation of presented compositions, solo or with ensemble

(6) general knowledge test with focus on jazz history

Field of study specification
Code JAZZKOM
Type Bachelor’s study programme
Degree BcA.
Length of studies 3 Years
Field of study guaranteed by Faculty Of Music
Accreditation
B0215A310019 Hbnji:B Percussion Instruments and Jazz
Accredited until 28. 07. 2030