Listed below are the audition procedures as well as the various
audition requirements/repertoire for each degree level.
Prescreening Procedures
- All jazz composition applicants are required to submit a performance
CD (no minidisks) with the application for prescreening purposes
in order to receive an invitation to a live composition audition
in New York City. This is to assess a student's performance ability
on their particular instrument. It is not required that the format
be a professional or studio recording, but the sound quality must
be as good as possible.
- Repertoire for the prescreening recording must demonstrate the
ability to improvise and play with a rhythm section, using a live
band or play-along recording.
- Required piece (must be first on the recording):
the 12-Bar Blues piece Billie's Bounce in medium tempo
(minimum of four improvised choruses).
- Two additional pieces in contrasting styles, tempos and keys.
Audition Procedures
Undergraduate level: Applicants will
be required to interview with the jazz composition faculty. At that
time they will present their compositions and recordings. (Please
note that all scores and recordings must be submitted to the Office
of Admission by the February 1st deadline.) Applicants are
also required to take a basic theory exam before their scheduled
audition interview. This twenty-minute exam will test the applicant's
knowledge of music theory fundamentals. There is no performance
component to the audition interview process for jazz composers.
Graduate level: Jazz Composition
applicants must complete a two-part examination/audition, which
takes place over a two-day period. Students unable to be available
for both parts cannot be evaluated for admission. There is
no performance component to the audition interview process for jazz
composers.
- Part I: Entrance Examination
Applicants are required to take a 3-hour written
entrance examination. The test will examine various theoretical
and practical matters pertaining to the knowledge of musical composition
and will also include a compositional assignment.
- Part II: Audition/Interview
The following day, applicants will be required to interview with
the jazz composition faculty. At that time they will present their
compositions and recordings. (Please note that all scores
and recordings must be submitted to the Office of Admission by
February 1st.)
Audition Requirements
Undergraduate level: Present at least four pieces
including three small ensemble (3-10 instruments) pieces and one
large ensemble (10 or more instruments) piece. One of the four must
be a composition including a vocal part or a vocal ensemble. A MIDI-realized
work is optional. Additionally, applicants must submit an 8-10 minute
edited recording which includes only the written (composed) portions
of their work. Improvised sections are not
to be included in this recording. This recording should be accompanied
by scores in triplicate of the works on the recording, and edited
to reflect the recording. Other scores may be submitted as well.
Graduate level: Present at least four large ensemble pieces.
At least one of the four can be for studio orchestra or a chamber-sized
ensemble. One of the four must be a composition including a vocal
part or a vocal ensemble. A MIDI-realized work can be optional.
Additionally, applicants must submit a 10-12 minute edited recording
which includes only the written (composed) portions of their work.
Improvised sections are not to be included
in this recording. This recording should be accompanied by scores
in triplicate of the works on the recording, and edited to reflect
the recording. Other scores may be submitted as well.
