Contemporary Improvisation Audition Requirements
A preliminary audition CD or cassette tape is required of all Contemporary Improvisation applicants. The CD or tape should contain two complete, unedited, uninterrupted performances totaling 8 minutes or less. Your first piece must be a recomposition of an existing melody – a preconceived interpretation and/or arrangement that shows your original musical vision and expresses your personal musical style. You should take a leadership role in the piece and be the primary soloist, arranger, and musical director. Your second piece can be an original composition, another interpretation of an existing melody, or a structured improvisation. The CD or tape must be clearly labeled with your name and instrument; the recording date and place; titles, composers, and arrangers of the selections; and names of all the performers and their instruments.
In-person auditions at NEC are required of all CI applicants residing in North America.* Applicants selected for a live audition will be asked to play two different unaccompanied pieces (not the pieces on the preliminary CD or tape): an original composition or improvisation, and a recomposition, interpretation, or arrangement of an existing melody. The audition process also includes an ear test (including interval and chord identification and long-term melodic and rhythmic retention) and an interview.
*CI applicants residing outside of the United States, Canada and Mexico may be considered for admission based on the submission of a recorded audition on CD, cassette tape, DVD, or VHS videotape. In choosing pieces to play, please follow the live audition instructions. Applicants being considered for admission by recorded audition will be asked to complete a recorded and/or telephone ear test, and will be interviewed by telephone.