Program Requirements

Bachelor of Music: Jazz Studies (All Instruments)

Prescreening required; must be video format If the applicant is unable to record prescreening with live musicians, please feel free to use the backing tracks of your choice.

If possible, prescreening repertoire should be separated into different video files. It is also acceptable to upload a single video file that contains all required prescreening repertoire. Please see the Bienen School Supplement for more information. 

Fall 2026 Audition Dates: 

Early Decision: TBD | Regular Decision: TBD

For Prescreening and Final Audition:

  • Trumpet, saxophone, and trombone players will perform with piano (or guitar), bass, and drums.

  • Guitarists will perform with piano, bass, and drums.

  • Pianists will perform with bass and drums.

  • Bassists will perform with piano (or guitar) and drums.

  • Drummers will perform with piano (or guitar) and bass.

Choose one song from each of the categories and be prepared to perform the song’s melody and improvise a solo on the chord changes of the song. Rhythm section instruments should demonstrate the ability to accompany a soloist.

All songs are listed in concert key:

Rhythm Changes

  • Duke Ellington, Perdido, Bb Major, approx. quarter note = 224
  • Charlie Parker, Anthropology, Bb Major, approx. quarter note = 180
  • Sonny Rollins, Oleo, Bb Major, approx. quarter note = 220

Blues

  • Charlie Parker, Blues for Alice, F Major, approx. quarter note = 170
  • Thelonious Monk, Blue Monk, Bb Major, approx. quarter note = 120
  • Sonny Rollins, Sonnymoon for Two, Bb Major, approx. quarter note = 178

Ballads

  • George Gershwin/Ira Gershwin, Embraceable You, F Major
  • Jimmy Van Heusen/Johnny Burke Polka Dots and Moonbeams, F Major
  • Vernon Duke/Ira Gershwin, I Can’t Get Started, C Major

Waltz

  • Johnny Mandel/Johnny Mercer, Emily, C Major, approx. quarter note = 120
  • Fats Waller, Jitterbug Waltz, Eb Major, approx. quarter note = 160
  • Frank Churchill/Larry Morey, Someday My Prince Will Come, Bb Major, approx. quarter note = 146

Drummers only

In addition to the selections listed above, drummers should prepare the following grooves:

  • Afro-Cuban 6/8 groove

  • Shuffle groove with backbeat

  • Swing groove with brushes (slow, medium, and fast)

  • Swing groove with sticks (slow, medium, and fast)