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Jazz

Admission & Auditions

Department of Music audition requirements for jazz instruments are as follows.

Winds: Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone

Perform at least one prepared piece (melody and improvisation) of your choice from the recommended repertoire below, as well as improvise on a blues in the concert key of B-flat, F, or C. In addition, you will be asked to perform major scales and sight-read a short jazz excerpt.

Recommended Repertoire:

  • Sonny Rollins - "Tenor Madness"
  • Sonny Rollins - "Pent-Up House"
  • Thelonius Monk - "Blue Monk"
  • Duke Ellington - "Satin Doll"
  • Duke Ellington - "Take the A Train"
  • Herbie Hancock - "Maiden Voyage"
  • George Gershwin - "Summertime"

 

Jazz Piano

Be able to play (melody and improvisation) two prepared pieces of contrasting style and improvise on a blues progression in the concert key of B-flat, F, or C. In addition, you will be asked to perform major and minor scales, arpeggios, and to sight-read grand staff and chord charts.

Recommended Repertoire:

  • John Coltrane - "Impressions"
  • Charlie Parker - "Now's the Time"
  • Sonny Rollins - "Tenor Madness"
  • Sonny Rollins - "Pent-Up House"
  • Thelonius Monk - "Blue Monk"
  • Duke Ellington - "Satin Doll"
  • Duke Ellington - "Take the A Train"
  • Herbie Hancock - "Maiden Voyage"
  • George Gershwin - "Summertime"

 

Jazz Bass

Jazz Bass applicants are required to demonstrate skills in a variety of styles including walking bass, latin/bossa nova, funk, and rock. Reading standard music notation is mandatory.

Repertoire:

  • Walking bass over standard blues changes in F, C, and G major.
  • Play melody to Billies Bounce (Parker) or Tenor Madness (Rollins).
  • Play bossa nova bassline over Blue Bossa (Dorham)
  • Play selection of auditioners choice.

 

Jazz Guitar

Applicants must be prepared to perform the following:

  • Play (with correct melody, chord changes and improvisation) at least one prepared piece (of your choice, from the recommended repertoire)
  • Improvise on a jazz blues progression in the concert key of B-flat, F, or C
  • Play selected major and minor scales in two octaves
  • Sight-read intermediate level music.

Recommended Repertoire:

  • John Coltrane - "Impressions"
  • Charlie Parker - "Now's the Time"
  • Sonny Rollins - "Tenor Madness"
  • Sonny Rollins - "Pent-Up House"
  • Thelonius Monk - "Blue Monk"
  • Duke Ellington - "Satin Doll"
  • Duke Ellington - "Take the A Train"
  • Herbie Hancock - "Maiden Voyage"
  • George Gershwin - "Summertime"

 

Drum Set

Jazz drum set applicants will demonstrate a variety of styles applicable to the jazz idiom including:

  • Medium Swing quarter = 110-130; Bossa Nova quarter = 130-150; Funk/Rock quarter = 90-110
  • Optional: Ballad (w/ brushes) quarter = 65-80; Up-tempo Swing quarter = 220-250

Perform at least one prepared piece showcasing knowledge of the jazz idiom, including playing over a form, comping, and improvisation. Play-a-long recordings are encouraged including but not limited to the repertoire listed below. The audition will also include sight-reading within the context of a big band chart.

Recommended Repertoire:

  • John Riley - Selections from The Art of Bop Drumming
  • Tom Morgan - The Jazz Drummer's Reading Workbook
  • Steve Houghton and Tom Warrington - Essential Styles, Vol. 1 & 2
  • Steve Houghton - The Drum Set Soloist