Remember that you’ll need to schedule your audition with the faculty member that’s listed on the specific instrument you choose. You’ll also need to decide whether to have a live audition or submit a video as your audition.
General Things to Prepare
Part of how to prepare for a jazz audition is understanding that some requirements are unique to each instrument. But there are some general things to practice and prepare that can be shared.
- Practice your improvisational skills.
In the world of jazz, being able to improvise is a must. It’s long been an element in jazz that has continued to evolve as jazz styles have progressed.
- Practice the melody for a traditional jazz song:
While jazz is known for its musical flexibility, it’s important that you can follow, learn, and understand the main rhythm in songs. This will help show your ability to learn other pieces.
- Practice sight-reading:
A treasured skill among musicians, is to be able to read and play a song from the get-go. This doesn’t mean playing it perfectly first try. It just means being able to somewhat understand and play what you’re reading without having practiced the song before.
- Practice scales:
You will likely be asked to play some scales to show you understand your range of notes. This will show that you have control and are able to play these notes.
For Drums
- Practice solos:
This is meant to show off your specific skills and talents. Choose a solo that best reflects these.
- Practice a variety of styles:
For example: swing, big band, fusion, rock, and Latin. Show that you have flexibility and range. - Practice other standard drumming skills:
Show you can play with brushes as well as sticks. Show you can trade fours. Show you can interpret a big band chart or lead sheet.
Final thoughts
It’s important to do your best, but not to over-stress yourself for these auditions. If you prepare, you'll be fine. Apply to the Music Program today!
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians.
Berklee College of Music: Careers in Composition
BYU School of Music: Charts - Interpretation.
The Jazz Foundation: History of Jazz.
PBS Learning Media: Why Don’t Classical Musicians Improvise?.
The Evolution of Improvisation in Early Jazz Piano Pedagogy
5 Reasons Why Sight Reading Music Makes You a Better Jazz Musician..
Developing Musicality: Applying Scales vs. Applying Language.
This Is Probably the Most Useful Scale in Jazz Improvisation..
Von Baron Music: How to Trade Fours in Jazz Drumming Made Easy.