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 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)