Find your major and learn the specifics about Jazz Arts prescreening and auditions by degree level.
In response to the global events of 2020, and our subsequent inability to hold live in-person auditions, Manhattan School of Music will only hold recorded and virtual auditions in 2021.
Prescreening requirements have not been affected by this change. Applicants to all areas with a prescreening requirement will be asked to include prescreening materials in their application, which is due December 1, 2020. Prescreening decisions will be released on December 18, 2020.
NOTE: Jazz Arts DMA applications will not be considered for the 2021 application year.
Scroll down the page to find what you need to know about auditions and prescreening.
917-493-4436 admissions@msmnyc.edu
Jazz bass applicants are required to submit a video recording for either acoustic or electric bass to be considered for an invitation to a live audition. Applicants wishing to be considered for both acoustic and electric should submit two applications and submit separate recordings for each.
For the 2021 application cycle, applicants may record with a play-along track (for example using iReal Pro), muting their instrument in the track. Recording with a live rhythm section is also acceptable if it is safe to do so. Recordings must include the repertoire listed below and be uploaded directly to the application.
Professional or studio recordings are not required, but the sound quality should be as good as possible. Original compositions may be included as an optional submission, but they may not replace other requirements. Recordings of live performances are acceptable only if they are edited to feature the applicant.
Prescreening Repertoire
Applicants will submit the required repertoire listed below as separate video recordings by February 1, 2021. Each selection or movement may be uploaded as a separate video. Professional or studio recordings are not required, but the sound quality should be as good as possible. Applicants should record with either a live rhythm section, a play-along track, or an application such as iReal Pro. There is no sightreading requirement for the 2021 application cycle.
Note: Jazz Arts Doctoral (DMA) applications will not be considered for the 2021 application year.
Undergraduate (BM):
Graduate (MM):
Composition Review Requirements Jazz composition applicants must submit a portfolio of scores and edited recordings of at least four compositions for large ensembles. At least one of these selections should be for studio orchestra or an ensemble of less than 10 members. At least one of the four pieces must include a vocal part or a vocal ensemble. Live recordings are preferred, but if they are not available, MIDI-realized recordings are acceptable.
A single 10- to 12-minute edited audio file containing recordings of the works included in the portfolio should be uploaded to the application. The recordings should include only the written (composed) portions of the work: if improvised sections are included in the recording, they should feature composed background information. PDF files for each of the scores represented should also be uploaded to the application. You may submit other scores as well.
Performance Review Requirements Jazz composition applicants must also upload a video of their playing to their application including the following:
For the 2021 application cycle, applicants may record with a play-along track (for example using iReal Pro), muting their instrument in the track. Recording with a live rhythm section is also acceptable if it is safe to do so. Recordings must be uploaded directly to the application.
Applicants to Jazz Composition will complete a written entrance examination on various theoretical and practical matters pertaining to musical composition. The exam will be available remotely beginning January 22, 2021 and will be due February 1, 2021. The exam includes a composition assignment and applicants are encouraged to use a piano or other chordal instrument to complete the assignment. Applicants should plan to set aside a continuous period of three hours to complete the exam.
Applicants will also be scheduled for a 15-minute interview via Zoom with the faculty. Applicants should be prepared to present their composition assignment from the written exam as well as a selection of their compositions. The faculty will have access to materials submitted during prescreening, but additional works may be presented in the interview via Zoom file transfer.
There is no performance component of the final interview.
Note: Jazz Arts Doctoral (DMA) applicants will not be considered for the 2021 application year.
All jazz drumset applicants are required to submit a video recording for prescreening purposes to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
Prescreening Repertoire:
All jazz guitar applicants are required to submit a video recording for prescreening purposes to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
All jazz piano applicants are required to submit a video recording to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
Prescreening repertoire:
All Jazz Saxophone, Clarinet, and Flute applicants are required to submit a video recording in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
All Jazz Trombone applicants are required to submit a video recording for prescreening in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
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All Jazz Trumpet and Horn applicants are required to submit a video recording in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
All Jazz Vibraphone applicants are required to submit a video recording for in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
The recording must include:
All Violin applicants are required to submit a video recording for prescreening in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
All Jazz Voice applicants are required to submit a video recording in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
Note: Jazz Arts Doctoral (DMA) applications are not being accepted for the 2021 application year.
Graduate (MM)
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