MM Jazz Performance

Please note: Jazz studies require a pre-screen audition video from all incoming applicants. You will upload your video directly onto our jmcomicÂþ»­N Music audition platform that will be emailed to you after you complete your jmcomicÂþ»­ application. Do not start your music audition without your jmcomicÂþ»­N ID#. Allow time to complete your jmcomicÂþ»­ application and be emailed the link.

GRADUATE STUDENTS do have an extended deadline, however, you are strongly encouraged to submit materials by the regular deadline.

  • Spring 2026 admission: PRESCREEN is due by 11:59 PM (PST) Sunday SEP 21st.
  • Fall 2026 admission: PRESCREEN is due by 11:59 PM (PST) Friday JAN 9th.

Results of the pre-screen round will be messaged via Acceptd to students by January 31. At that time, those who passed the pre-screen round will be able to schedule their on-campus audition on our Audition Days.

  • Spring 2026 admission: FINAL ROUND AUDITION: Saturday OCT 25th, 2025
  • Fall 2026 admission: FINAL ROUND AUDITIONS: Saturdays FEB 7, 21 or 28th, 2026

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SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS (to upload with your Music Application)

    • Resume - (school experience, private teachers, ensemble experience, repertoire/tune list, relevant work experience, awards, etc.)
    • Artistic statement – What is your musical background and influence? What are your goals as a musician and why is jmcomicÂþ»­N the right place for you to work toward them?
    • Two letters of recommendation

    PRE-SCREENING REQUIREMENTS

    Saxophone

    Perform one tune from each of the following categories with a backing track or live ensemble. Arrangements encouraged – use of odd time signatures and contrasting styles is welcomed. Demonstrate a minimum of one doubling instrument on a selection of your choice.

    • a: Bebop: melody once and solo for three choruses.
      • Cheryl, Confirmation, Anthropology, Ornithology, Donna Lee
    • b: Post-bop: melody once and solo for three choruses.
      • Dolphin Dance, One Finger Snap, Bolivia, Moment’s Notice, Inner Urge
    • c: Ballad: melody once, solo for two choruses.
      • Ruby my Dear, Monk’s Mood, Pannonica, Ask me Now, Reflections
    • d: Original composition or arrangement that demonstrates your interests: Do not exceed 6 minutes.

    Trumpet

    Perform one tune from each of the following categories with a backing track or live ensemble. Play the melody once and solo for three choruses. Arrangements encouraged – use of odd time signatures and contrasting styles is welcomed.

    • a: Bebop: melody once and solo for three choruses.
      • Cheryl, Confirmation, Anthropology, Ornithology, Donna Lee
    • b: Post-bop: melody once and solo for three choruses.
      • Dolphin Dance, One Finger Snap, Bolivia, Moment’s Notice, Inner Urge
    • c: Ballad: option to play on flugel horn. melody once, solo for two choruses.
      • Ruby my Dear, Monk’s Mood, Pannonica, Ask me Now, ReflectionsÌý
    • d: Original composition or arrangement that demonstrates your interests: Do not exceed 6 minutes.
    • e: Demonstrate range and technical skill via one of the following etudes. (to be linked)

    Trombone

    Perform one tune from each of the following categories with a backing track or live ensemble. Arrangements encouraged – use of odd time signatures and contrasting styles is welcomed.

    • a: Bebop: melody once and solo for three choruses.
      • Cheryl, Confirmation, Anthropology, Ornithology, Donna Lee
    • b: Post-bop: melody once and solo for three choruses.
      • Dolphin Dance, One Finger Snap, Bolivia, Moment’s Notice, Inner Urge
    • c: Ballad: melody once, solo for two choruses.
      • Ruby my Dear, Monk’s Mood, Pannonica, Ask me Now, Reflections
    • d: Original composition or arrangement that demonstrates your interests: Do not exceed 6 minutes.

    Other winds and/or strings (not bass)

    Perform one tune from each of the following categories with a backing track or live ensemble. Arrangements encouraged – use of odd time signatures and contrasting styles is welcomed.

    • a: Bebop: melody once and solo for three choruses.
      • Cheryl, Confirmation, Anthropology, Ornithology, Donna Lee
    • b: Post-bop: melody once and solo for three choruses.
      • Dolphin Dance, One Finger Snap, Bolivia, Moment’s Notice, Inner Urge
    • c: Ballad: melody once, solo for two choruses.
      • Ruby my Dear, Monk’s Mood, Pannonica, Ask me Now, Reflections
    • d: Original composition or arrangement that demonstrates your interests: Do not exceed 6 minutes.

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    Piano

    Perform one tune from each of the following categories with a backing track or live ensemble. Arrangements encouraged – use of odd time signatures and contrasting styles is welcomed.

    • a: Bebop: melody once, comp for one chorus, solo for two choruses.Ìý
      • Cheryl, Confirmation, Anthropology, Ornithology, Donna Lee
    • b: Post-bop: melody once, solo for two choruses, comp for one chorus.
      • Dolphin Dance, One Finger Snap, Bolivia, Moment’s Notice, Inner Urge
    • c: Ballad: play unaccompanied for at least the melody and one chorus of soloing.
      • Ruby my Dear, Monk’s Mood, Pannonica, Ask me Now, Reflections
    • d: Original composition or arrangement that demonstrates your interests: Do not exceed 6 minutes.

    Guitar

    Perform one tune from each of the following categories with a backing track or live ensemble. Arrangements encouraged – use of odd time signatures and contrasting styles is welcomed.

    • a: Bebop: melody once, comp for one chorus, solo for two choruses.Ìý
      • Cheryl, Confirmation, Anthropology, Ornithology, Donna Lee
    • b: Post-bop: melody once, solo for two choruses, comp for one chorus.
      • Dolphin Dance, One Finger Snap, Bolivia, Moment’s Notice, Inner Urge
    • c: Ballad: play unaccompanied for at least the melody and one chorus of soloing.
      • Ruby my Dear, Monk’s Mood, Pannonica, Ask me Now, Reflections
    • d: Original composition or arrangement that demonstrates your interests: Do not exceed 6 minutes.

    Vibes

    Perform one tune from each of the following categories with a backing track or live ensemble. Arrangements encouraged – use of odd time signatures and contrasting styles is welcomed.

    • a: Bebop: melody once, comp for one chorus, solo for two choruses.Ìý
      • Cheryl, Confirmation, Anthropology, Ornithology, Donna Lee
    • b: Post-bop: melody once, solo for two choruses, comp for one chorus.
      • Dolphin Dance, One Finger Snap, Bolivia, Moment’s Notice, Inner Urge
    • c: Ballad: play unaccompanied for at least the melody and one chorus of soloing.
      • Ruby my Dear, Monk’s Mood, Pannonica, Ask me Now, Reflections
    • d: Original composition or arrangement that demonstrates your interests: Do not exceed 6 minutes.

    Bass

    Perform one tune from each of the following categories with a backing track or live ensemble. Arrangements encouraged – use of odd time signatures and contrasting styles is welcomed.

    • a: Bebop: melody once, solo for two choruses, walk for one chorus.
      • ÌýCheryl, Confirmation, Anthropology, Ornithology, Donna Lee
    • b: Post-bop: support melody one time through, walk for one chorus, solo for two choruses.
      • Dolphin Dance, One Finger Snap, Bolivia, Moment’s Notice, Inner Urge
    • c: Ballad: play melody once arco, walk for one chorus, solo for one chorus.
      • Ruby my Dear, Monk’s Mood, Pannonica, Ask me Now, Reflections
    • d: Original composition or arrangement that demonstrates your interests: Do not exceed 6 minutes.
    • e: a Paul Chambers transcription of your choice. Minimum 32 measures, and do not exceed 5 minutes.

    Drums

    Perform one tune from each of the following categories with a backing track or live ensemble. Play behind the melody once, behind a soloist for a chorus, and solo for two choruses (you can play over the form alone or trade). Arrangements encouraged – use of odd time signatures and contrasting styles is welcomed. Demonstrate brushes on at least one selection.

    • a: Bebop:
      • Cheryl, Confirmation, Anthropology, Ornithology, Donna Lee
    • b: Post-bop:
      • Dolphin Dance, One Finger Snap, Bolivia, Moment’s Notice, Inner Urge
    • c: Latin jazz:
      • Con Alma, Spain, Armando’s Rhumba, Recordame, A Night in Tunisia
    • d: Original composition or arrangement that demonstrates your interests: Do not exceed 6 minutes.
    • e: Advanced Snare Drum Etude (concert or rudimental) of your choice.

    Voice

    Perform one tune from each of the following categories with a backing track or live ensemble. Arrangements encouraged – use of odd time signatures and contrasting styles is welcomed.

    • a: Bebop: Sing the melody a cappella once, solo for two choruses (your choice if supported by rhythm section).
      • Au Privave, Cheryl, Confirmation, Donna Lee
    • b: Standard: Sing the melody once, solo for two choruses.
      • ÌýJust Squeeze Me, Lullaby of Birdland, I Can’t Give You Anything but Love, On Green Dolphin Street
    • c: Ballad: Sing melody once, solo for one and a half choruses, take the bridge out.
      • Chelsea Bridge, Prelude to a Kiss, Midnight Sun, You Don’t Know What Love Is
    • d. Original composition or arrangement that demonstrates your interests: Do not exceed 6 minutes.

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