Bachelor of Music (Jazz and Improvisation)

Audition requirements

All applicants will be required to complete the requirements below:

All performed works must include an improvised solo. You must improvise over and with the chosen repertoire, not simply perform the chosen works as scored.

The maximum duration of the performance component is 10 minutes.

Applicants should:

• perform one work from the setlist and include an improvised solo; and
• perform one of the following options:
  • your own original composition demonstrating your composition skills (melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic language) as well as your skills as an improvising performer; or
  • a work from any world music tradition or popular song demonstrating your skill as an improvising performer; or
  • another contrasting piece from the setlist and include an improvised solo.

Personal Artistic Statement

This should be submitted in video format (approx. 90-second duration) ideally addressing the following questions:

• Tell us about yourself?
• What are your musical interests?
• Why do you want to study Jazz and Improvisation at the Conservatorium?
• How do you envisage your artistic practice after graduation?

Audition guidelines

Accompaniment options:

• A good quality band to accompany you
• One accompanist such as a guitar player, piano player, or bass player (instead of a full band)
• Piano and guitar players will ideally audition with drums and bass
• If you cannot find a good quality band/accompanist, a well-prepared play along will suffice

The Conservatorium can suggest accompanists if you require one, please refer to the list of suggested accompanists below.

There is no requirement to engage an accompanist from the suggested list.

Accompanists on the suggested list are not university employees and any arrangement for payment is solely between the applicant and accompanist.

What to demonstrate:

• All auditionees must demonstrate their ability to improvise
• All auditionees must demonstrate their ability to keep arrangements simple and to a minimum
• Guitarists and piano players should demonstrate their ability to comp (accompany the melody or solo)
• Bass players should demonstrate their ability to play walking bass lines as well as general ensemble playing
• Drummers need to demonstrate their ability to play time feels, as well as their listening skills by demonstrating how they interact within the ensemble
• Fully notated pieces are not appropriate audition pieces for the Jazz and Improvisation major

Preparing your video-recorded audition

It is not an expectation that you access or purchase additional recording equipment beyond a basic smartphone, iPad, or laptop/desktop device. For smartphones, many recent models already have very good microphones built-in.

Callback auditions

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a 15-minute online callback audition and discussion.

Callback auditions may involve the following:

• An aural test to determine aural skill level (e.g - recognition of intervals, chord qualities, modes, etc.)
• Theoretical questions to determine knowledge of music theory (e.g., list notes in chords, list notes in modes, list chords in II-V-I progressions, etc.)
• Execution of scales, modes, and arpeggios (in various keys)
• Sight-reading to demonstrate current ability (e.g., lead sheet, melodic excerpt, rhythmic excerpt, chord symbols & chord voicings, etc.)
• A discussion with the panel, answering a variety of generic questions

Please note: the aural, theoretical, and sight-reading components are intended to determine current experience and knowledge of the auditionee. They are not necessarily indicative of expected knowledge prior to entry in the Jazz & Improvisation major. The purpose of this testing is merely to assist the panel in garnering a complete picture of each auditionee and their potential fit to join the Jazz & Improvisation cohort.

Shortlisted applicants will be notified approximately a week before the callback audition period begins. Further information will be provided in the callback audition notification.

How will I be assessed?

Applicants’ performance auditions will be assessed for:

• demonstrated creativity and improvisation skills
• composition skills (melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic language)
• skills as an improvising performer.

All applicants will be ranked based on the above criteria, up to the capacity of places within the course.