|
Master of Arts in Jazz Performance Audition Requirements The candidate will perform one selection from each of the four following categories: 1. Bebop - Select and perform a bebop head from memory in a medium-fast to fast tempo. Examples of bebop heads are “Donna Lee,” “Scrapple from the Apple,” or “Anthropology.”
- All candidates will play a minimum of two improvised choruses on the chord progression.
- Pianists and guitarists will accompany a soloist, or “comp,” for two choruses.
- Bassists will demonstrate a “foundational” walking bass line outlining the chord progression.
- Drummers will “trade 8s” or “4s” in addition to improvising complete choruses.
2. Ballad - Select and perform a ballad from memory. Examples of ballads are “Body and Soul,” “Darn that Dream,” or “‘Round Midnight.”
- The melody should not be played literally, but rather should be interpreted and embellished. Guitarists will play a chord melody arrangement of the head.
- All candidates, except drummers, will play one complete improvised chorus on the chord progression.
- Drummers will play with brushes.
3. Nonfunctional Harmony - Select and perform, from memory, a jazz composition that employs nonfunctional harmonic idioms. Examples of nonfunctional harmonic compositions are “Very Early” (Bill Evans), “Windows” (Chick Corea), “Dolphin Dance” (Herbie Hancock), and “Yes and No” (Wayne Shorter).
- All candidates will play a minimum of two improvised choruses on the chord progression.
- Pianists, guitarists, bassists, and drummers will accompany a soloist, or “comp,” for two choruses.
4. Transcription - Perform a reading of a transcribed solo (memorization not required) as played by one of the recognized masters of the candidate’s instrument. For example, a candidate for trumpet might play a transcription of a Clifford Brown solo, or a candidate for guitar might play a transcription of a Wes Montgomery solo.
|
|
