Looking through the new jazz syllabus i noticed saxophonists get the choice of being able to play some of their pieces on any member of the sax family, Baritone, Tenor, Alto or Soprano. However what about trombonists and trumpet players? It would be nice if they had the choice to say play some of their pieces on say valve trombone or flugel horn or cornet.
Also the syllabus does'nt state anything about the use of mutes that could be clarified too.
The guitar has been neglected from the syllabus, this has had an important role in the development of jazz, how about including this?

I have been interested in this point for a number of years now. I teach violin and play jazz myself, hence have branched out into teaching jazz and improvisation to my pupils as well as basic technique etc. A lot of my pupils would love to be able to take jazz Grade exams but so far this is only possible for pianists and now wind and brass instruments. While I'm not necessarily of the view that exams are necessary or even desirable, a recognised jazz syllabus would certainly please a lot of the parents as well as giving the pupils something specific to work towards.

I have contacted both the AB and the Guildhall about this and was told by the AB that although they have looked into a jazz violin syllabus, the whole process of creating it is long and arduous, and violin is way down the list. I asked for a possible date and was told there just isn't one. I think the problems are also financial: there are obviously costs in sending people off abroad etc to meet with other jazz educators and reasearching and publishing a whole new syllabus. A saxophone syllabus can't just be tweaked and turned into a violin syllabus: each one has to be instrument-specific and has to recognise its relevant traditions.

So meanwhile I just keep looking for different backing tracks (there are some great ones around) and teach jazz as well as I can, using as many methods as possible, encourage the pupils to attend jazz workshops where possible, and now that I'm working in schools as well, add improvisation and jazz to their ensemble work.

Hopefully before I'm too old and grey there'll be violin jazz exams too...

I too use the AB exams for my guitar students and agree with Kornflake in that the board should look into a jazz guitar sylabus.

I frequently use Jazz and blues styles for improvisation training for my classical guitar students. One of my students studies piano with another teacher and has passed grade 2 in both classical and jazz piano. She has recently passed grade 5 guitar and has a wonderful feel for jazz and would love to have the opportunity to be able to enter a Jazz guitar exam.

Doe anyone know if they will one day introduce Jazz guitar exams?

We live in hope

Des. P.S I enter my electric guitar students for the L.C.M exams.

I like the look of the LCM Guitar syllabus as an examining Board they have gone to a lot of effort to bring on board a contemporary approach for modern instruments. However i don't think as yet LCM have a jazz guitar syllabus.

You are absolutely correct , but my students do get a feel for improvisation and chord work and get to use the much needed pentatonics,and the further up the grades they start experiencing modes as well.. I use the improvising lead guitar books with my classical guitar students as well, the backing tracks do make their scale work far more enjoable. I do feel though that my only complaint would be that they could include a few solo pieces in the grade work. Rock school at trinity do though.