UM School of Music, Theatre & Dance - University of Michigan

Jazz Studies Audition Information

Jazz Studies (BM)

Pre-screening Requirements

This program does not pre-screen at this time unless you are applying for the BFA in Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation degree and your classical instrument requires pre-screening. Please be sure to fill out the required portions of the Artistic Profile but you do not need to upload recordings unless you are doing a Recorded Audition.

In-Person Audition Requirements

All applicants will demonstrate their skills in mainstream jazz according to the guidelines below. Applicants with original compositions, or who are involved in creative areas that may not fall within the categories listed, are strongly encouraged to present their work at the audition.

Improvising Skills

All applicants (except drummers; see separate requirements) should prepare an F blues and B-flat rhythm changes tune of their choice. In addition, select one piece from each of the following three categories:

Category 1 (medium or up-tempo standard)

• All the Things You Are
• There Will Never Be Another You
• Autumn Leaves

Category 2 (ballad)

• Body and Soul
• Lover Man
• In a Sentimental Mood

Category 3 (modal)

• Impressions
• So What

Category 4 (optional)

• Original composition (please bring music)
• Free Improvisation
• Contemporary Styles (Folk, World Music, Pop)

Other compositions in these categories can be performed, but it is recommended that a lead sheet be provided. It is unlikely that selections from all categories will be heard, therefore applicants should prioritize according to their strengths.

Additional Instructions

• It is highly recommended that all selections be memorized, including tune melodies and chord changes.
• All applicants will be asked to perform the melodies and improvise over the progressions for each piece they select.
• Auditionees may also be asked to sight read a melodic line or chord changes

Special Instructions for Guitar, Piano, and Bass

• Guitarist should prepare a chord melody.
• Pianists and guitarists will be asked to comp changes.
• Bassists will be asked to walk the bass lines in addition to soloing and performing melodies.
• Bassists should prepare the melody to the ballad they choose and perform it arco if possible.

Accompaniment will be provided at the audition.

Drum set players will be asked to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

Drummers will be expected to play all the tunes listed in categories 1-3 including blues and rhythm changes.  Accompaniment will be provided (piano or guitar, and bass). Please be prepared to demonstrate other styles.

Applicants will also be asked to do simple hand/foot timing and coordination exercises, as well as some sight-reading. Performance of scales or melodies of jazz tunes on any mallet keyboard instrument such as vibraphone, marimba or piano is encouraged.

Drummers are welcome to perform pieces outside the areas listed above, including but not limited to multiple percussion, snare drum and electronic pieces.

Recorded Audition Requirements

Applicants uploading a recorded audition must demonstrate improvisational skills on their recorded audition.

Classical Audition

A classical audition is ONLY required for students applying for the BFA in Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation AND the BMA degree.  List both classical and jazz repertoire in your audition repertoire, as well as on your comprehensive repertoire list. The classical audition will be played for the appropriate instrumental performance faculty, following the standard audition parameters.

Degrees Available to Guitar Applicants

There are two jazz degree options for guitarists: the BFA in Jazz Studies and the in BFA Jazz and Contemplative Studies. Because we do not offer classical guitar, Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation and the BMA are not available to guitarists.

Jazz Voice Applicants

We do not offer a program of study in jazz voice. Students in other programs, such as Voice Performance, are able to perform with jazz combos and ensembles by audition.

Updated on 10/05/2018