Undergraduate Jazz Auditions

The audition requirements on this page are for the following degree programs:

B.M. in Jazz Studies and Performance
B.M. in Jazz Studies and Performance, Music Education Track
B.M. in Jazz Studies and Performance, Music & Entertainment Industries Track
B.M. in Jazz Studies and Performance, Sound Engineering Arts Track

Applicants to the Classical programs should see the Classical Audition Requirements page.

Auditions for all Jazz Studies Track programs are by uploaded audio or video recording. (There are no in-person auditions.)

Before uploading an audition recording you must first apply to William Paterson University, and to the Music Department. The process is described HERE.

Audition Recording Requirements

Auditions for the jazz program are conducted via uploaded audio or video recording. Instructions for uploading an audition recording are provided as part of the application process, described HERE.

The recorded performance should demonstrate ability to play within a group and as a soloist. Perform a minimum of three tunes:

1. One up-tempo tune such as "Cherokee," "Ornithology," "It Could Happen To You," "Just Friends" or a similar selection
2. One medium-tempo tune such as "All the Things You Are," "Out of Nowhere," "Have You Met Miss Jones?" or a similar selection;
3. One ballad such as "Body and Soul," "In A Sentimental Mood," "I Can't Get Started" or a similar selection.
4. One improvised chorus within the presentation of the medium tempo and up-tempo tunes should be performed entirely unaccompanied.

Please also submit a separate ear training placement recording on which you:

1. Sing a one-octave major scale.
2. Sing "Happy Birthday."
3. Play a "C" on a keyboard or other instrument and sing the pitch. Do the same with "Eb" and "A".
4. Play a "D" and an "F#" one at a time on a keyboard or other instrument then sing them one right after the other.

  *If you don't have access to an instrument, please use a virtual keyboard, which you can find online.

Special Audition Notes:

Piano, Guitar and Mallet Instruments: Performance should demonstrate ability to comp as well as to improvise over chord changes.

Drum Set: Performance should demonstrate ability to use brushes as well as sticks. Play through the head of the up- tempo tune unaccompanied, outlining rhythmic structure of the melody.

Bass: Performance should demonstrate ability to construct a walking bass line and should showcase strengths as an improviser. Acoustic bassists should demonstrate use of the bow.

Vocalists: If currently studying voice, include a vocalize at the beginning of tape. Performance should demonstrate ability to scat as well as understanding of the lyric.