THE BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN JAZZ STUDIES REQUIRES A CLASSICAL AUDITION AS WELL AS A JAZZ AUDITION/INTERVIEW.
Applicants are required to sight-read both musical notation and chord changes. Jazz applicants should be prepared to play common jazz scale forms and improvise in a number of jazz and contemporary styles. In addition, applicants may choose additional music that best reflects their technical ability, overall musicianship, and musical interests. The applicant should demonstrate their versatility and creativity.
Other supporting materials in the jazz audition could include, but is not limited to, examples of compositions and arrangements, and demonstration of other jazz-related abilities such as "lead-playing," and doubling.
THE MASTER OF MUSIC IN JAZZ PEDAGOGY REQUIRES A JAZZ AUDITION/INTERVIEW ONLY.
The audition for the guitar studio is an overall evaluation. Most applicants are not equally strong in all areas; in some cases, a deficiency in one area may be mitigated by excelling in another.
1) Sight reading
Fluency in basic sight reading skills is required, and is possibly the most important element of the audition. With hard work, an acceptable level of sight reading ability can be achieved in a matter of a few months. Recommended Preparation: Leavitt, Wm., A Modern Method for Guitar, Berklee Series, Vol 1. Milwaukee: Hal Leonard Publications. pp.4-59.
2) Scales
Movable Major scale patterns, any key. Useful fingerings may be found in Berklee, Vol.1 (pp. 60, 70, 80, 90, 100); the “3 notes per string” system; or the Segovia scales.
3) Chord vocabulary
Be able to play chords to a tune, in tempo, from a lead sheet or jazz fakebook; Two fingerings (i.e., “shapes”) for: major 7th, dominant 7th, minor 7th, and diminished 7th chords. Knowledge of chord symbols (e.g., “Dm7, G7,” etc) is required.
4) Improvisation
Improvisation on a blues or jazz standard of your choice. For this, play-along CDs, such as the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Aids series, are available from Volkwein's Music (Pgh: 1-800-553-8742; 412-788-5900) or locally at Kleeb's Music in the Morgantown Mall Annex (304-296-2589). Recommended: “Nothin’ But Blues” or “Blues in All Keys”.
5) Solo pieces
Two pieces for solo guitar, in contrasting style. Pieces from the classical repertoire or jazz standards are preferred. NOT acceptable: any piece which is not complete in itself, or not meant for guitar alone, such as an accompaniment for voice or any other instrument; part of an arrangement for a band; or supported by another instrument (e.g., bass, piano, or another guitar).