Music Composition Audition Requirements

• Applicants should submit three compositions in score form with three corresponding mp3 recordings. MIDI is acceptable, live recordings are preferable.
• All undergraduate applicants in music composition must successfully complete an audition in a performance studio (listed below) and an interview with the composition faculty. Admission to the composition studio is contingent on the prospective student’s entrance into a performance studio.

Brass Jazz Piano Percussion Strings Voice Woodwinds

Master of Music

• Upload to the admission portal a Sample of Academic Writing in the form of a music history paper or a theoretical analysis
• Upload to the admission portal three representative scores and upload to the application their corresponding recordings; while MIDI recordings are accepted live recordings are preferred.

Doctor of Arts

• Upload to the admission portal a sample of your academic writing in the form of a paper written for a music history or theory class. Applicants for the DA in composition may submit their Master of Music thesis, if completed and in something other than score form (a theory study/analysis or musicological exploration).
• Upload to the admission portal three representative scores and upload to the application their corresponding recordings; while MIDI recordings are accepted live recordings are preferred.
• Upload to the admission portal a list of compositions with corresponding instrumentation, dates of first performances, and the performing ensemble(s).

• Upload to the application/admission portal a Jazz Composition Portfolio
  • All representative work must be prepared in computer notation format (Finale or Sibelius, exported to PDF), and be accompanied by a recording (audio of live performance in mp3 format) submitted in electronic format. MIDI performance is accepted, but live performance is strongly preferred. Submit the following:
    • two pieces for modern jazz big band in two different styles, preferably one arrangement and one composition.
    • two pieces for rhythm section and at least three horns, preferably one arrangement and one composition.

**Composition portfolio recordings will be uploaded as part of our application portfolio, prior to submission. The accompanying scores will be uploaded via your admission portal.** 

Performance audition on your respective instrument

The requirements for the on-campus audition are as follows:

• All graduate student applicants will perform with a rhythm section consisting of jazz faculty.
• Applicants should be prepared to perform three contrasting jazz pieces. Applicants may be asked to sight-read and demonstrate basic piano comping skills.
• If the applicant is unable to make an on-campus audition, please submit 3 videos of you performing on your instrument or voice.
  • Include one uptempo (q=240 or faster) jazz standard.
  • Include one ballad jazz standard.
  • Include one piece of your choice.
• Additionally, demonstrate your level of piano comping skills by playing half-note chords to the A and B section of “Misty”, using the left hand in the bass register, and using your right hand to play 4 note voicings.

See Jazz Studies audition requirements

• Upload to the application/admission portal a Jazz Composition Portfolio
  • All representative work must be prepared in computer notation format (Finale or Sibelius, exported to PDF), accompanied by a recording (audio of live performance in mp3 format) submitted in electronic format. MIDI performance is accepted, but live performance is strongly preferred. Submit the following:
    • three pieces for modern jazz big band in two different styles (preferably one arrangement and two compositions)
    • two pieces for rhythm section and at least three horns (preferably one arrangement and one composition)
    • at least one (preferably two) compositions for rhythm section and more than three horns/voice, vocal ensemble, or orchestral writing (strings, orch winds, etc.)
    • upload to the admission portal a list of completed works.
      • Compile a complete list of all arrangements and compositions you have written that have been performed live or recorded, noting the instrumentation, the presence of a commission, or a professional recording.

**Composition portfolio recordings will be uploaded as part of our application portfolio, prior to submission. The accompanying scores will be uploaded via your admission portal.**

Performance audition on your respective instrument

The requirements for the on-campus audition are as follows:

• All graduate student applicants will perform with a rhythm section consisting of jazz faculty. Applicants should be prepared to perform three contrasting jazz pieces.
• Applicants may be asked to sight-read and demonstrate basic piano comping skills.
• If the applicant is unable to make an on-campus audition, please submit 3 videos of you performing on your instrument or voice.
  • Include one uptempo (q=240 or faster) jazz standard.
  • Include one ballad jazz standard.
  • Include one piece of your choice.
• Additionally, demonstrate your level of piano comping skills by playing half-note chords to the A and B section of “Misty”, using the left hand in the bass register, and using your right hand to play 4 note voicings.

See Jazz Studies audition requirements