Program Requirements

Bachelor of Music: Jazz Studies (All Instruments)

Prescreening required; must be video recording. If the applicant is unable to record prescreening with live musicians, please use the backing tracks linked below.  

Fall 2024 Audition Dates: 

Early Decision: TBD ||| Regular Decision: TBD

Fall 2024 Audition Formats:

All applicants whose program requires an audition are asked to audition on campus. Virtual auditions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should wait to receive their prescreening results before contacting the Office of Music Admission about virtual audition options.

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

Ballads

Waltz

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)

Other Degrees

Master of Music: Jazz Studies