Jazz Performance Audition Requirements
Prescreening recordings are required of all Jazz applicants and should consist of two (2) uninterrupted, unedited performances, following the taped audition requirements as outlined below. The audition recording should be a CD or standard-size cassette and total no longer than seven (7) minutes in length. Performances with prerecorded accompaniment, including studio overdubs, are not permitted. After review of the application, supporting documents, and preliminary audition recording, qualified applicants will be asked to present an in-person audition. Please refer to Tape Guidelines for additional information.
Applicants are expected to exhibit a high degree of proficiency on the major instrument as well as an understanding of basic jazz improvisation concepts. The Jazz Studies Department welcomes applications from vocalists and players of any instrument.
Jazz Instrumental prescreening recordings: Begin by choosing one of the following pieces: Hot House (Tadd Dameron), Confirmation (Charlie Parker), Donna Lee (Charlie Parker/Miles Davis), Anthropology (Dizzy Gillespie/Charlie Parker), Groovin’ High (Dizzy Gillespie), Ornithology (Charlie Parker/Benny Harris), Moose the Mooche (Charlie Parker), or Four in One (Thelonious Monk). To demonstrate your rhythmic precision and technical facility, play the melody, unaccompanied, once through at a medium swing tempo without the aid of a metronome or click track. Drummers should communicate the rhythm and pitch contour of the melody on the drum set as strictly as possible. Pianists may play the melody in octaves or as a single line (without chordal accompaniment). For the remainder of the recording, perform one (1) additional piece of your choice with live rhythm section.
Jazz Voice prescreening recordings: Begin your recording with an unaccompanied performance of the melody of any jazz standard (not a twelve-bar blues) in a medium swing tempo. The melody should be performed without the aid of a metronome, click track, or other accompaniment. Sing one chorus of the melody only. Songs with lyrics should be sung in English; instrumental compositions may be sung using scat syllables. You may add your own melodic and rhythmic interpretation to the song. For the remainder of the recording, perform one piece of your choice with live rhythm section.
Optional (and encouraged for graduate applicants): Vocalists are also encouraged to record one of the pieces listed under the requirements for instrumentalists: Hot House (Tadd Dameron), Confirmation (Charlie Parker), Donna Lee (Charlie Parker/Miles Davis), Anthropology (Dizzy Gillespie/Charlie Parker), Groovin’ High (Dizzy Gillespie), Ornithology (Charlie Parker/Benny Harris), Moose the Mooche (Charlie Parker), or Four in One (Thelonious Monk). Scat the melody, unaccompanied, once through at a medium swing tempo without the aid of a metronome or click track.
In-person auditions at NEC are required of all Jazz applicants residing in North America.* In-person auditionees should be prepared to play from memory and improvise on at least two jazz standards contrasting in tempo, and a third selection showcasing your specialty. Pieces performed for the in-person audition should differ from those included on the preliminary audition tape. A rhythm section including piano, bass, and drums will be provided for in-person auditions held at NEC. Applicants should supply 3 lead sheets for the musicians, and may be asked to identify, to sing and play back melodic phrases, and to sight-read. Jazz Percussion applicants will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in swing, Latin, and ballad styles.
*Jazz applicants residing outside of the United States, Canada and Mexico may be considered for admission based on the submission of an audition tape. In addition to the in-person audition requirements, include a second piece of your choice, contrasting in tempo, with live rhythm section, for a total of four pieces. Applicants being considered for admission by tape audition may be asked to complete a taped ear test and to submit a second audition tape with your performance of a piece of music, which will be sent to you.