Herberger Institute for Design and the ArtsSchool of Music

Jazz Studies Audition Information 

Jazz Studies (MM)

Master of Music in Performance with an emphasis in Jazz Studies

l  Each candidate will perform a 20–30 minute audition accompanied by members of the jazz studies faculty.  

l  Candidates will also take both a jazz theory (90 minutes) and piano skills (15 minutes) diagnostic exams on the day of the audition.

This degree is offered on the following instruments:

l  Double Bass 

l  Guitar 

l  Piano 

l  Percussion 

l  Saxophone 

l  Trombone 

l  Trumpet 

l  Tuba 

l  Woodwind and string auditions are at the discretion of the jazz studies faculty.

Bring to Your Audition:

l  Your instrument 

l  3 copies of lead sheets in concert key for songs that you wish to perform 

l  Drummers: cymbals and hi-hats (if desired), sticks, brushes 

l  Guitarists and Bassists: bring your own cords

We Will Supply:

l  Amplifiers 

l  Drum set 

l  Piano 

l  Stereo system

Audition Repertoire

l  The titles suggested in this section illustrate the kind and quality of music appropriate for an audition.  

l  Applicants are free to choose a program using music from this list or music of comparable quality.  

l  Candidates for all instruments (except for drum set: see separate requirements) should prepare something similar to the following, although not all selections may be heard: 

l  Required with improvisation on all selections:

ü  Ballad, in tempo (Body and Soul, Embraceable You, In a Sentimental Mood, etc.) 

ü  Jazz Standard, moderate to up-tempo (All the Things You Are, Stella By Starlight, There Is No Greater Love, etc.) 

ü  Rhythm Changes (I Got Rhythm, Anthropology, Oleo, etc.) 

ü  Straight-Eighth tune, moderate tempo or faster (Recorda-Me, Wave, etc.) 

ü  12-Bar Blues, any tempo

l  Sight Reading: Candidates will be asked to play written lines, interpret chord symbols, and improvise from chord changes at sight from the standard jazz repertoire.

Instrument-Specific Requirements

l  Piano and Guitar (strongly encouraged for all other candidates): One of the above required pieces must be performed as an unaccompanied solo 

l  Drum Set: Candidates for drum set will be asked to sight-read big band charts and demonstrate proficiency in the following areas: brush work at a ballad and medium fast swing tempo, Afro Cuban and related grooves (such as mambo, rhumba and bolero), Brazilian bossa nova, samba, contemporary rock, and grooves in 5/4 or 7/4. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate ability to play time, delineate form and improvise over the following types of tunes: blues, rhythm changes (I Got Rhythm, Anthropology, Oleo, etc.), and modal (So What, Impressions, Little Sunflower, etc.). In addition, candidates will be asked to trade 4s, 8s and choruses. 

l  Original compositions and non-standard repertoire are optional but acceptable as part of the audition and may be performed or submitted. Please keep in mind that the jazz faculty will not be available to rehearse. Bring 3 photocopies of each selection in lead sheet form.

                                                                                                                                                Updated on08/03/2018