Classical Music Auditions: Two Contrasting Pieces

World Music Auditions: Two Contrasting Pieces

Jazz Auditions: Two Contrasting Pieces or Styles (Slow – Fast or Straight 8ths – Swing etc.) • Play heads, changes, and improvise as appropriate.

Bass players should also demonstrate the ability to play time in a number of styles and tempos and walk on chord changes

For jazz drum set auditions, students are expected to perform “two contrasting styles” (i.e., demonstrate “swing feel” and/or “even eighths feel” and/or “Latin rhythms” and/or other jazz-related rhythms) at various tempos provided by the adjudicator. The intent is to determine the breadth of knowledge of jazz rhythms, and the technical ability to perform some of them unaccompanied. Recorded accompaniments or metronomes are not allowed for jazz drummers because the student is required to demonstrate consistency in tempo and “rhythmic feel” without relying on an external source.