Audition Information - MSU College of Music - Michigan State University

Jazz Studies Audition Information

Jazz Bass (BM)

Please note:  The jazz audition requirements below are not suggestions.  These are specific requirements.  Please prepare all works as defined.

All material must be memorized

Performance

Students should be prepared to perform all five songs below. The faculty will select two of the five songs. Play the melody to all compositions, walk and improvise.

• Oleo – Bb
• Billie’s Bounce – F
• Take the ‘A’ Train – C
• In A Sentimental Mood – F
• Ornithology – G

Sight Reading

• Students will be given one minute to look over the material and at that time a tempo will be given.

Technical Studies

• Hanon #1 in C; Metronome: quarter note = 160
• Performed from memory

Jazz Drums (BM)

Please note:  The jazz audition requirements below are not suggestions.  These are specific requirements.  Please prepare all works as defined.

All material must be memorized

Performance

Students should be prepared to perform all five songs below. The faculty will select two of the five songs. Play the melody to all compositions, comp and improvise.

• Oleo – Bb
• Billie’s Bounce – F
• Take the ‘A’ Train – C
• In A Sentimental Mood – F
• Ornithology – G

Sight Reading

• Students will be given one minute to look over the material and at that time a tempo will be given.

Technical Studies

• Charlie Wilcoxon All-American Drummer 150 Rudimental Solos 10300202 – Solo No. 62; Metronome: half note = 60
• Performed from memory

Jazz Saxophone (BM)

Please note:  The jazz audition requirements below are not suggestions.  These are specific requirements.  Please prepare all works as defined.

All material must be memorized

Performance

Students should be prepared to perform all five songs below. The faculty will select two of the five songs. Play the melody to all compositions and improvise.

• Oleo – Bb
• Billie’s Bounce – F
• Take the ‘A’ Train – C
• In A Sentimental Mood – F
• Ornithology – G

Sight Reading

• Students will be given one minute to look over the material and at that time a tempo will be given.

Technical Studies

• H. Klosé 25 Daily Exercises for Saxophone: No. 1; quarter note = 88, in cut-time
• Performed from memory

Jazz Trombone (BM)

Please note:  The jazz audition requirements below are not suggestions.  These are specific requirements.  Please prepare all works as defined.

All materials must be memorized

Performance

Students should be prepared to perform all five songs below. The faculty will select two of the five songs.  Play the melody to all compositions and improvise.

• Oleo – Bb
• Billie’s Bounce – F
• Take the ‘A’ Train – C
• In A Sentimental Mood – F
• Ornithology – G

Sight Reading

• Students will be given one minute to look over the material and at that time a tempo will be given.

Technical Studies

• Tyrell Famous Studies No. 1; Metronome: quarter note = 80 
• Performed from memory

Jazz Trumpet (BM)

Please note:  The jazz audition requirements below are not suggestions.  These are specific requirements.  Please prepare all works as defined.

All material must be memorized

Performance

Students should be prepared to perform all five songs below. The faculty will select two of the five songs.  Play the melody to all compositions and improvise.

• Oleo – Bb
• Billie’s Bounce – F
• Take the ‘A’ Train – C
• In A Sentimental Mood – F
• Ornithology – G

Sight Reading

• Students will be given one minute to look over the material and at that time a tempo will be given.

Technical Studies

• EF Goldman No. 1; Metronome: quarter note = 80
• Performed from memory.

Jazz Piano (BM)

Please note:  The jazz audition requirements below are not suggestions.  These are specific requirements.  Please prepare all works as defined.

All material must be memorized

Performance

Students should be prepared to perform all five songs below. The faculty will select two of the five songs.  Play the melody to all compositions, comp and improvise.

• Oleo – Bb
• Billie’s Bounce – F
• Take the ‘A’ Train – C
• In A Sentimental Mood – F
• Ornithology – G

Sight Reading

• Students will be given one minute to look over the material and at that time a tempo will be given.

Technical Studies

• Bach Invention No. 1 - C Major; Metronome: quarter note = 112
• Performed from memory.

Jazz Guitar (BM)

Please note:  The jazz audition requirements below are not suggestions.  These are specific requirements.  Please prepare all works as defined.

All material must be memorized

Performance

Students should be prepared to perform all five songs below. The faculty will select two of the five songs. Play the melody to all compositions, comp and improvise.

• Oleo – Bb
• Billie’s Bounce – F
• Take the ‘A’ Train – C
• In A Sentimental Mood – F
• Ornithology – G

Sight Reading

• Students will be given one minute to look over the material and at that time a tempo will be given.

Technical Studies

• Hanon #1 in C; Metronome: quarter note =80
• Performed from memory.

Updated on 10/03/2018