Music Department Admissions - Graduate Jazz

Requirements for Admission to the Graduate Program in Jazz Studies

1. A bachelor's degree in music from an accredited college or university.
2. An undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75.
3. Two written recommendations.
4. Placement examinations must be completed in music theory, eartraining and music history.
5. For graduate study in Jazz Performance
   • An audition tape or cd following these requirements:
     The recorded performance should demonstrate ability to play within a group and strengths as a soloist. Perform a minimum of three tunes:
     • One up-tempo tune such as "Cherokee," "Ornithology," "It Could Happen To You," "Just Friends" or a similar selection;
     • One ballad such as "Body and Soul," "In A Sentimental Mood," "I Can't Get Started" or a similar selection;
     • One medium tempo such as "All the Things You Are," "Out of Nowhere," "Have You Met Miss Jones?" or a similar selection.
     • One chorus within the presentation of the medium tempo and up-tempo tunes should be performed entirely unaccompanied.

Special Audition Notes

• Piano, guitar, and mallet instruments: Performance should demonstrate ability to comp as well as to solo. One of the required selections must be performed unaccompa-nied.
• Drum set: Performance should demonstrate ability to use brushes as well as sticks. Play through the head of the up-tune unaccom-panied, outlining rhythmic structure of the melody.
• Bass: Performance should demonstrate ability to construct a walking bass line and should showcase strengths as an impro-viser. Acoustic bassists should demonstrate use of the bow.
• Vocalists: If currently studying voice, include sample of vocalization at the beginning of tape. Performance should demonstrate ability to scat as well as understanding of the lyric.

For graduate study in Jazz Composition and Arranging

• Submit a portfolio of compositions and/or arrangements that show a variety of styles and instrumentation (big band, chamber, vocal, orch, etc). Jazz repertoire is essential but other styles are encouraged as well. If possible, recordings of the work should be submitted. MIDI recordings are acceptable as well. Please exclude any extended improvisation sections.

Jazz Studies Graduate Degree Requirements

1. Completion of the 36-credit degree course requirements.
2. A one-hour recital.
3. Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive examination, which carries no course credit and is required of all students.
4. A final project.