Did you know that the inclusion of jazz pieces is not limited to our Jazz Woodwind repertoire lists? If you’re passionate about jazz and want to try a piece in the genre for your exam, this post will help you locate some standout jazz repertoire across our syllabuses. We’re talking Duke Ellington, Scott Joplin, as well as modern compositions from the likes of drummer Stevie Smith. Read on to be inspired by some jazz standards and some new music too….
Railroad Blues by Ben Crosland (Piano, Grade 2)
The left hand of Railroad Blues follows a walking bassline that leads the piece. If you imagine Railroad Blues sped up and played using the stride piano technique, where the left hand alternates between intervals, you can almost hear Mess Around by Ray Charles which also uses this technique. Railroad Blues is therefore a great place to start for budding jazz piano students who want to broaden their technique in this genre.
Take Five by Desmond, arr. Huws Jones (Violin, Grade 4)
You’re taking Grade 4 violin, so why not accelerate yourself to the next level by trying Take Five? This jazz standard was composed by Paul Desmond and originally recorded in 1959 by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. It has an instantly recognisable, catchy melody and, rhythmically, is slightly different, being in 5/4, matching its title!
Another jazz standard, composed by the one and only Duke Ellington, Sophisticated Lady, originally from 1932, has been arranged by Rae for jazz clarinet. It is a ballad from early in Ellington’s career, that was inspired by his schoolteachers who toured around Europe. Candidates can practice playing lengthy legato passages and transitioning to often unexpected keys. Remember, candidates taking a Grade 5 Classical Clarinet exam can also include one piece from the corresponding Jazz Clarinet repertoire list in their exam. Click here to find out more about selecting Clarinet repertoire here.
As Time Goes By by Hupfeld, arr. Ledbury (French Horn, Grade 5)
A jazz standard featured in an early twentieth-century feature film is As Time Goes By by Hupfeld, which is arranged by Ledbury for the Grade 5 French Horn exam. The song featured in the 1942 film Casablanca and is a nostalgic ballad which suits the French Horn in this arrangement, giving candidates the opportunity to work on phrasing and dynamic contouring.
Wanting a jazz challenge for your unaccompanied piece for Drum Kit Grade 5? Then look no further than King Louis composed by American drummer Stevie Smith. Smith grew up playing jazz, although he has also been the drummer for rock bands including Journey and Vital Information. This piece will test your focus with its fast pace and frequent bass drum action. You can listen to the track on our YouTube channel
Limelight by Charlie Chaplin, arr. Beckmann (Cello, Grade 7)
Did you expect to play Charlie Chaplin for Cello Grade 7? I imagine not, but it’s possible in our new Strings syllabus which was refreshed last year. This soundtrack by Chaplin, and arranged for cello by Thomas Beckmann, is simply divine. Delve into the luscious tones of your cello in the soundtrack to the 1952 film Limelight through a sustained bowing technique and frequent portamentos.
The Cascades by Scott Joplin (Piano, Grade 8)
Think you can master ragtime? For Grade 8 Piano try out Scott Joplin’s The Cascades in which you’ll play stride piano and utilise all the classical piano techniques you’ve learnt along the way. Joplin was known as the ‘King of Ragtime’ and this piece echoes some of his other famous compositions including The Entertainer and Maple Leaf Rag.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about these jazz pieces across our syllabuses and feel inspired to try one for yourself or share with your students. If you want to learn more about our Jazz Woodwind syllabus, check out our other recent post: Exploring the Trinity College London Jazz Woodwind syllabus: accessible, inspiring and built for today’s musicians.
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