Program Requirements

Master of Music: Jazz Studies (All Instruments)

Prescreening required; must be video format. If the applicant is unable to record prescreening with live musicians, please feel free to use the backing tracks linked below OR utilize backing tracks of your choice.    

If possible, prescreening repertoire should be separated into different video files. It is also acceptable to upload a single video file that contains all required prescreening repertoire. Please see the Graduate Application for more information. 

Fall 2025 Audition Dates:

February 12-14

For Prescreening and Final Audition:

  • Trumpet, saxophone, and trombone players will perform with piano (or guitar), bass, and drums.

  • Guitarists will perform with piano, bass, and drums.

  • Pianists will perform with bass and drums.

  • Bassists will perform with piano (or guitar) and drums.

  • Drummers will perform with piano (or guitar) and bass.

Choose one song from each of the categories and be prepared to perform the song’s melody. Rhythm section instruments should demonstrate the ability to accompany a soloist.

All songs are listed in concert key:

Up-Tempo

Blues

  • Charlie Parker, Chi Chi, Ab Major, approx. quarter note = 190
  • John Coltrane, Mr. Day, Gb Major, approx. quarter note = 220
  • Charlie Parker, Cheryl, C Major, approx. quarter note = 180

Ballads

Waltz

Drummers only

In addition to the selections listed above, drummers should prepare the following grooves:

  • Afro-Cuban 6/8 groove

  • Shuffle groove with backbeat

  • Swing groove with brushes (slow, medium, and fast)

  • Swing groove with sticks (slow, medium, and fast)