Audition & Program Requirements

Master 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 2023 Audition Dates:

February 8-10

 

Fall 2023 Audition Formats

Applicants will have the option to audition on campus or virtually. On-campus auditions are strongly encouraged. Those auditioning in person should prepare the repertoire found below.  
 
For those unable to audition on campus, a two-part virtual audition option is available (note: applicants must pass the prescreening round in order to move ahead with the virtual audition round): 

  1. Submit a recorded audition via the Portfolio section of your Graduate Application. After submitting your Graduate Application and receiving your prescreening results, you will receive an email that includes a link to the specific recorded audition repertoire requirements and video duration specifications. The recorded audition deadline is February 1. Repertoire requirements will be pulled from the audition requirements found on this page.
  2. Complete a 10-minute Zoom meeting with faculty. Information on the meeting format will be available via the aforementioned email. The meeting may include playing. Applicants will receive their Zoom link 3-5 days before the meeting.
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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. Rhythm section instruments should demonstrate the ability to accompany a soloist.

All songs are listed in concert key:

Up-Tempo

Blues

  • Charlie Parker, Chi Chi, Ab Major, approx. quarter note = 190
  • John Coltrane, Mr. Day, Gb Major, approx. quarter note = 220
  • Charlie Parker, Cheryl, C Major, approx. quarter note = 180

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

Bachelor of Music: Jazz Studies