Jazz Audition Requirements
All students auditioning on a jazz instrument or voice are required to prepare the following repertoire. This includes both Jazz Studies and jazz emphasis applicants. All students should bring 3 copies of their lead sheets in the correct key.
Flute, Saxophone (Alto, Tenor, and Baritone), Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass, and Piano applicants
Demonstrate the ability to improvise over the following forms
- 12 bar blues (concert F and Bb)
- "Rhythm" changes (concert Bb)
- Song from the standard literature, i.e.: "Body and Soul", "All the Things You Are", etc.
All jazz instrumentalists should be prepared to demonstrate the following technical skills
- Scales: major, minor, whole-tone, chromatic
- Playing or arpeggiating chords: Maj. 7/Dom. 7/Min. 7/halfdim./full dim./ also adding upper partials: 9th/llth/13th
- Sight-reading may be included.
- Acoustic and Electric Bass: play the melody of a standard song in addition to improvising on form.
- If your instrument requires an amplifier, please bring your own practice amplifier.
Jazz Percussion applicants
Jazz percussion applicants should be prepared to demonstrate any of the twenty-six standard rudiments with sticks and with brushes.
Prepare one snare drum solo of the student's choice (i.e. Wilcoxon, Cirone)
Perform the following on drum set:
- Shuffle feel
- Swing feel (slow, medium, fast tempos)
- Ballad feel with brushes
- Latin feel of the student's choice
Demonstrate ability to improvise a solo over the following forms
- 12-bar blues
- Song from standard literature, i.e.: "Autumn Leaves", "I'll Remember April", "All the Things You Are", etc.
- Optional: Play a transcribed solo by any of the classic jazz drummers (i.e. Roach, Blakey)
Jazz Voice applicants
Students must demonstrate interpretive ability of American standard songs, preferably of contrasting styles
- One ballad
- One medium swing
- One latin/bossa nova
Suggested vocal improvisation is over 12-bar blues.
Students are required to bring 3 copies of their lead sheets in the proper key.
The department is looking for general theory knowledge and musicianship skills in those who audition. Students should exhibit the potential to obtain a professional level of vocal jazz performance.
If you have additional questions, please contact the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at 860.768.4820.