Jazz Composition Department

Music Preparation Proficiency

The Music Preparation Proficiency is designed to ensure that all JCMP majors can create
professional quality scores and parts. You must pass this proficiency before you graduate.
You will take the proficiency as part of the work you will do during the course AR-331 Big Band
Arranging and Score Analysis.

You must pass the proficiency if:
1. You are JCMP major who declared the major effective Spring 2008 or later.
2. You became a JCMP major earlier than Spring 2008 but have switched to the new
curriculum (with AR-203, Music Preparation 1, not being a required course).

You dont have to take the proficiency if:
1. You are not a JCMP major.
2. You are following the current JCMP concentrate curriculum, having declared the
major before Spring 2008, and/or have taken AR-203 (formerly CW-204) Music
Preparation 1, and received a grade of B or higher.

If you have any questions about whether or not you need to take the proficiency, please see
Ken Pullig, Chair of Jazz Composition.

Heres how the proficiency works:

You will submit two copies of your AR-331 final project two complete sets of both
score and parts.
Your final project will receive a grade as usual in AR-311 (based on the quality of your
music and technique), and separately, your score and parts will be evaluated for
proficiency in music preparation.
Scores should be on 11 X 17 paper and bound. The parts should be on 91/2 X 121/2
heavy stock parts paper and taped. You may prepare the music either by hand or by using
a computer notation program. Elements of layout and notation should reflect guidelines
as established in the two books: Music Notation by Mark McGrain and Music Notation
Preparing Scores and Parts by Matthew Nicholl and Richard Grudzinski. (Also refer to
the Score and Part Preparation Elements for Proficiency Evaluation list.)
Your score and parts will be evaluated and you will receive a written evaluation of your
work. There are two possible outcomes:

1. Your notation demonstrates proficiency and you pass. We then notify the registrar
that you have completed this requirement.

2. Your notaion is not sufficient, and needs revision. We will return your score/parts,
with clear instructions for what you need to do to attain the appropriate level to pass
the proficiency. To pass, you must then revise, and resubmit the materials for
reevaluation.