The admissions requirements linked below are for admission to the Jazz Studies major. Here are some notes for students who are applying this year.
Admission to the UNT Jazz Studies Program is a three-step process:
1. Admission to UNT
2. Admission to the UNT College of Music
3. Admission to the UNT Jazz Studies Program
The process is different for undergraduates and graduates.
Scholarships and assistantships are available. Information on these is available here.
To be admitted to the undergraduate Jazz Studies degree program:
1. Apply to UNT as an undergraduate. For undergraduate admission to the University of North Texas, apply on line at www.applytexas.org, or contact the Admissions Office at www.unt.edu or at (940) 565-2681. International students apply at www.international.unt.edu.
2. Apply for admission to the College of Music. Click on the following link www.music.unt.edu/admissions (information and application forms) or contact the Music office at (940) 565-3705.
3. Admission into the undergraduate Jazz Studies major is by audition. You can do this audition on the audition days held at UNT, or by uploading an audio recording in mp3, WAV, or AIFF format or a link to a video using the College of Music admission website. For further information, see the page in this section that deals with your instrument. If your questions aren't answered there, contact the teacher of your instrument via the faculty page, or the Jazz Studies office by telephone (940-565-3743) or via email at jazz@music.unt.edu.
To be admitted to the graduate Jazz Studies degree program:
1. Apply to the University of North Texas Toulouse School of Graduate Studies at www.gradschool.unt.edu. International students apply at www.international.unt.edu. For the Jazz Studies M.M., the GRE requirement is: Take the Analytical Writing Portion of the GRE (only this part, not Verbal or Quantitative) OR pass the jazz studies in-house writing exam. If you choose to take the GRE Analytical writing exam, the results must be submitted to Toulouse before you begin your classwork. If you choose the jazz studies in-house writing exam, you must take it during new graduate student orientation, before the start of classes in August.
2. Apply to the Jazz Studies graduate program in the College of Music; see www.music.unt.edu/admissions (information and application forms).
3. Admission into the graduate Jazz Studies major is by audition. You can do this on one of the College of Music audition days, or by uploading an audio recording in mp3, WAV, or AIFF format or a link to a video on the College of Music admission website. For further information, see the page in this section that refers to your instrument. If your questions aren't answered there, contact the teacher of your instrument via the faculty page, or the Jazz Studies office by telephone (940-565-3743) or via email at jazz@unt.edu.
Auditions for Admission into the Jazz Studies Major and Jazz Scholarships
The University of North Texas College of Music audition dates for 2011 are January 29, February 5, and February 26. On these dates, prospective students may audition for admission to the College of Music and for admission into the Jazz Studies major. This page includes general information on auditions; for instrument-specific requirements, see the links on the main page in this section.
Undergraduates will need to audition both for the jazz major and for your instrumental or vocal concentration (which is also referred to as the "classical" audition). Exceptions to this are jazz bass and guitar students, whose jazz audition will also serve as the concentration audition. See this page for information on the requirements for the concentration ("classical") audition.
Graduates will need to audition for admission to the Jazz Studies degree program.
For information on auditions for placement in Jazz Studies ensembles, see the ensemble audition page.
Undergraduate (Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance/Bass Concentration)
You are encouraged to audition live at UNT. Contact Lynn Seaton to schedule an appointment, or choose one of the scheduled Saturday audition dates at the College of Music.
Undergraduate Audition for Admission and Scholarships
We request that you do your audition in two parts: a video that shows what you can do with advance preparation, and a live audition, which covers sight-reading, scales, etc., as explained below.
1. Submit a video (DVD). Your recording should be no longer than 15 or 20 minutes. It should contain five samples of your playing in various styles: 1) medium tempo standard, 2) jazz blues, 3) jazz ballad, 4) fusion, Latin or funk, and 5) up-tempo standard or rhythm changes. The medium tempo standard and jazz blues should include both a walking bass line and a solo. The others may also contain a solo. All selections should show your ability to function in a rhythm section. (For example, you could record yourself with a video camera while making an audio demo at home, school, a concert, in a studio, etc.) You can record something with a rhythm section, or record yourself playing with a Jamey Aebersold play-along recording or the equivalent. We have no expectations on the quality of the recording. In other words, it is not necessary to record in a professional studio. Make sure you can be seen and heard. In addition to the video, you may also submit a supplemental audio CD or DVD recording. For example, you could send in a CD or DVD that was released publicly of a band you play in.
Label your video with your name, "jazz bass audition", and the song titles. Send your video to:
Becky Hughes
College of Music
1155 Union Circle #311367
Denton, TX 76203-5017
2. The Live audition for acceptance to the Jazz Bass program will contain some of the following:
One octave major, harmonic minor, and melodic minor scales at least two fingerings for each scale
Ability to read basic bass line charts with written lines in several different rhythmic styles (swing, bossa nova, rock, funk, etc.)
Ability to improvise a walking bass line on a chart of a basic jazz chord progression
Ability to improvise a walking bass line on a jazz version of 12-bar blues progressions in at least the keys of G, C, F, Bb, Eb, and Ab
Ability to play all pieces in audition with a good, even time feel (unaccompanied) and a minimum of hesitations when sight-reading (ability to keep going).
If a live audition is not possible, Provisional Admission may be made with the video only. That means you will need to pass a reading audition when you arrive to be fully accepted as a jazz studies major. That will happen as part of the lab band placement auditions that occur the weekend before school starts each semester. Please notify Lynn Seaton via email that you cannot do a live audition in addition to marking that on your application.
New bass students at UNT desiring to become jazz majors may take many of the freshman jazz courses (including Bass Fundamentals and Bass Styles), with certain prerequisites, even before full acceptance into the jazz degree program. Full acceptance as a jazz studies major will occur after successful completion of MUJS 1131 Jazz Performance Fundamentals I for Bass, MUJS 1132 Jazz Performance Fundamentals II for Bass, and acceptance into a jazz lab band by live audition. Jazz lab auditions take place each semester the week prior to the start of classes. They consist of sight reading typical big band charts (reading notes, walking bass lines etc.)
Ability to play both acoustic and electric basses is not required for entrance into the bachelor's in jazz performance program but is part of the requisites for completing the degree. Placement into most lab bands does require ability to play upright and electric well. The greater the student's experience on both instruments upon entering the program, the easier the process will be. UNT is an upright oriented program with required classical and jazz bass lessons.
Even if you do a live audition for admission, submitting a video recording is still necessary for scholarship consideration.
Graduate (Master of Music in Jazz Performance/Bass Concentration)
You are encouraged to audition live at UNT. Contact Lynn Seaton to schedule an appointment, or choose one of the scheduled Saturday audition dates at the College of Music.
Graduate Audition Video for Admission and Scholarships
We request that you do your audition in two parts: a video that shows what you can do with advance preparation, and a live audition, which covers sight-reading, scales, etc., as explained below.
1. Submit a video (DVD). Your recording should be no longer than 15 or 20 minutes. It should contain five samples of your playing in various styles: 1) medium tempo standard, 2) jazz blues, 3) jazz ballad, 4) fusion, Latin or funk, and 5) up-tempo standard or rhythm changes. The medium tempo standard and jazz blues should include both a walking bass line and a solo. The others may also contain a solo. All selections should show your ability to function in a rhythm section. (For example, you could record yourself with a video camera while making an audio demo at home, school, a concert, in a studio, etc.) You can record something with a rhythm section, or record yourself playing with a Jamey Aebersold play-along recording or the equivalent. We have no expectations on the quality of the recording. In other words, it is not necessary to record in a professional studio. Make sure you can be seen and heard. In addition to the video, you may also submit a supplemental audio CD or DVD recording. For example, you could send in a CD or DVD that was released publicly of a band you play in.
Label your video with your name, "jazz bass audition", and the song titles. Send your video to:
Becky Hughes
College of Music
1155 Union Circle #311367
Denton, TX 76203-5017
2. Play a live audition for admission into the College of Music that will contain some of the following:
All of the required skills at the undergraduate level
Ability to play the melody, improvise a walking bass line, and solo on "Confirmation" from memory
Ability to improvise a walking or appropriate style bass line on a chart of complex jazz harmony (e.g. Wayne Shorter or Thelonious Monk tunes, etc.)
Ability to improvise a walking bass line on common jazz variations on a 12 bar blues progressions in all 12 keys
Ability to improvise a walking bass line on the progression to "I Got Rhythm" in at least three keys including Bb
Some jazz soloing ability at least appropriate for second year improvisation classes at UNT (basic jazz standards and blues in several keys)
Ability to play: the melody, an improvised bass line, and solo on at least ten jazz standards from memory.
Ability to play at least two contrasting pieces in the classical style is recommended. At least two years of college-level classical double bass lessons experience is highly recommended.
Attention will be paid to time feel, stylistic authenticity, technical proficiency, tone, musical background, overall musicianship, and potential for development.
Even if you do a live audition for admission, submitting a video is still necessary for scholarship consideration.
If a live audition is not possible, Provisional Admission may be made with the video only. That means you will need to pass a reading audition when you arrive to be fully accepted as a jazz studies major. That will happen as part of the lab band placement auditions that occur the weekend before school starts each semester.
If you cannot do a live admission audition, also include the following on your DVD:
1. Confirmation as described above
2. Use the bow on one or more of the upright tunes and/or include a classical piece of your choice.
3. Include as one of the required tunes something with complex jazz harmony (e.g. Wayne Shorter or Thelonious Monk tunes, etc.
Please notify Lynn Seaton via email that you cannot do a live audition in addition to marking that on your application.
Ability to play both acoustic and electric basses is not required for entrance into the master's jazz performance program but is part of placement auditions into lab bands. Placement into most lab bands does require ability to play upright and electric well. The greater the student's experience on both instruments upon entering the program, the easier the process will be. UNT is an upright oriented program.
If your ability on the acoustic bass is limited, you may be required to pass the classical upper division exam. This may occur after some classical study at UNT. It will be considered a deficiency requirement until completed. The exam consists of playing a classical concerto on the level of the Dragonnetti for the classical faculty.
Students who are preparing to apply and audition for the Jazz Studies M.M. program need to know that the GRE requirement has changed. Until now, students have been asked to take the Verbal and Quantitative GRE. Now those sections are no longer required.
This is the new GRE requirement:
Submit score from the GRE (Analytical Writing Section only) or pass the in-house writing exam administered by Jazz Studies during the required orientation for admitted students prior to the start of the Fall semester. If the applicant chooses the GRE Analytical Writing Section option, the score must be submitted prior to the start of the first semester of enrollment. If the applicant chooses the in-house exam option, admission will be considered provisional until the exam is passed.
Jazz Studies majors with a concentration in drumset must audition for admission to the College of Music in the following areas in addition to drumset:
Snare Drum: A rudimental and/or orchestral snare solo or etude; rolls, flams, and associated rudiments.
Marimba / Vibes: Scales and arpeggios: major, harmonic minor, and chromatic; an etude or jazz improvisation.
More detailed repetoire information is available from the percussion department. We prefer that you audition in person, especially for scholarship consideration. If that is not possible, a thirty minute video of your drumset, mallet, and snare playing is acceptable.
Recorded auditions: Showcase your drumset skills as a rhythmic improvisor in a variety of styles (e.g., jazz, funk, fusion, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, etc.). Video yourself with a combo, big band, or with a play-along rhythm track of your choice. Recordings must be submitted using the College of Music admission website. For audio files, upload audio in mp3, wav, or aiff format. Maximum filesize is 8MB. Up to four files can be uploaded. For video, enter a link to a video on youtube or another public video site in the space provided on the College of Music admission website.
Live audition: This audition on drumset consists of sight-reading a big band chart; playing a tune of your choice by playing the melody on the drumset and improvising at least four choruses on the tune form; playing along with various stylistic rhythm tracks.
For information on percussion auditions, see the Percussion audition page. Specific drumset questions should be directed to Ed Soph at (940) 369-7536.
Choose one of the scheduled Saturday audition dates at the College of Music. Prepare three jazz standards of varying tempos and styles, of which one should be a ballad chord solo without accompaniment. The other two choices could be a blues or medium tempo standard, up tempo standard or bebop, bossa nova, samba, fusion, funk, etc. performed with a pre-recorded track (Jamey Aebersold recordings or the equivalent). An example of possible tune choices might be: Billie's Bounce, Oleo, Round Midnight, Yesterdays, You Stepped Out of a Dream, How Deep is the Ocean?, All the Things You Are, etc. Please bring your accompaniment tracks with you to the audition.
Prospective undergraduate jazz guitar students do not need to play an audition on classical guitar.
If you are unable to attend the scheduled auditions, you may submit a recorded audition. Submit a total of approximately 15 minutes and be sure to include a chord solo and two tracks with accompaniment, which must include the melody, comping and soloing. Recordings must be submitted using the College of Music admission website. For audio files, upload audio in mp3, wav, or aiff format. Maximum filesize is 8MB. Up to four files can be uploaded. For video, enter a link to a video on youtube or another public video site in the space provided on the College of Music admission website.
To be considered for a graduate teaching fellowship you must audition in person at UNT. Live auditions are given preference in scholarship consideration, however if distance or another problem makes this impossible contact Fred Hamilton at frederick.hamilton@unt.edu.
On-campus and recorded auditions are accepted. For those who choose an on-campus audition, contact Stefan Karlsson to schedule an appointment, or choose one of the scheduled Saturday audition dates at the College of Music. Your audition should not exceed 20 minutes. Please prepare the following:
1. One solo piano selection (preferably a ballad from the standard jazz repertoire)
2. One blues in a common key (medium swing tempo)
3. One selection from the standard jazz repertoire of your choice in the style of bossa nova, samba, or funk
4. One uptempo selection of your choice (could include an original composition; quarter note=220 or above)
For the recorded audition, the recordings can show you playing with play-along tracks or with a live rhythm section. Recordings must be submitted using the College of Music admission website. For audio files, upload audio in mp3, wav, or aiff format. Maximum filesize is 8MB. Up to four files can be uploaded. For video, enter a link to a video on youtube or another public video site in the space provided on the College of Music admission website. If you are doing an on-campus audition, please bring your play-along tracks.
Classical audition
All undergraduate applicants must also pass the classical piano audition at the concentration level - http://music.unt.edu/admissions/undergraduate-repertoire - click on piano and refer to the "Piano Concentration" paragraph. If scheduled to audition on campus, each applicant will play two auditions - one classical and one jazz. If auditioning by recording, each applicant must submit both classical and jazz recordings using the College of Music admission website.
Classical lessons will take place during the freshman-junior years, and jazz lessons will take place during the sophmore - senior years.
Ensemble auditions
Each semester, a live audition will take place the week prior to classes. This is a placement audition for the various jazz lab ensembles and master-classes. For further information, see the ensemble audition page.
For more specific information regarding the jazz piano area, see the Applied Jazz Piano page.
If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Stefan Karlsson at stefan.karlsson@unt.edu.
The aesthetic for admission into the jazz composition track at UNT is built around a demonstration of competence in writing for and orchestrating for modern jazz, including a strong understanding of the modern large jazz ensemble, as well as various small group formats. It is also our belief that the strongest composers in jazz are performing instrumentalists and/or vocalists. Admitted students are expected to audition for a Lab Band or Jazz Singers when the fall semester begins. All students in the jazz composition track will be required to be enrolled in a Lab Band or Jazz Singers ensemble during every long semester during their graduate work at UNT.
The required application materials for prospective students in the Jazz Composition track of the Jazz Studies M.M. are:
1. Jazz Composition Portfolio
All representative work must be prepared in computer notation format (Finale or Sibelius, exported to PDF to avoid problems with software versions), accompanied by a recording (audio of live performance in mp3, wav, or aiff format, filesize limited to 8MB; or a link to a video on youtube or another public site) submitted in electronic format via the UNT College of Music application website or sent as an email attachment to Prof. Richard DeRosa at richard.derosa@unt.edu. If you need to submit a MIDI file of your work, please send that as an email attachment to Prof. DeRosa.
a. two compositions for modern jazz big band in two different styles
b. two compositions for rhythm section and at least three horns.
c. one composition for rhythm section and more than three horns/voice, vocal ensemble, or orchestral writing (strings, orch winds, etc.)
2. Performance audition on your respective instrument at one of the three yearly on-campus audition days or via recording submitted via the UNT College of Music application web interface (see the requirements for your instrument).
Undergraduate students

The University of North Texas College of Music jazz saxophone entrance and scholarship auditions must be performed with play-along CDs that are furnished by the student. The audition should include improvised solo examples of three jazz standards of varying tempos and styles. Undergraduate students are required to perform an improvised solo on "There Will Never Be Another You" (Warren/Gordon). Students are required to select and perform one selection from the Charlie Parker Omnibook.
Please note: Undergraduates must also play a classical audition. The following requirements for the classical audition are taken from the guidelines published here on the College of Music web site:
Maurice - Tableaux de Provence; Glazunov - Concerto; Creston - Sonata; Ibert - Concertino da Camera; Ferling - 48 Etudes (slow-fast). Follow the directions on the College of Music application to upload a high quality audio audition recording or a link to a video recording. Please note that the classical works listed are only suggested pieces; any standard work of comparable quality is acceptable. There is no memorization requirement. The instrumentalist should prepare 10-15 minutes of music.
Graduate students

Graduate students are required to perform an improvised solo on Charlie Parker's "Confirmation," and two additional selections you choose to be presented with prerecorded tracks. Styles should be selected from the following; ballad, blues, medium tempo standard, up-tempo standard, bebop, fusion or funk. Students are required to select and perform one selection from the Charlie Parker Omnibook.
Additional notes
Saxophonists who cannot perform a scholarship/entrance audition at the University of North Texas College of Music must follow the directions on the College of Music application to upload a high quality audio audition recording or a link to a video recording. Live performances and video performances are judged on an equal basis. Scholarship/entrance audition deadlines are published on the College of Music website. Undergraduate jazz saxophone majors are required to study classical and jazz saxophone in private lessons and must have appropriate equipment (mouthpiece and reed setups for each).
Undergraduate students
Undergraduates must play both a classical and a jazz audition. The following requirements for the classical audition are taken from the guidelines published here on the College of Music web site. Undergraduate students must perform one of the following selections for their classical audition:
Guilmant, Morceau Symphonique
David, Concertino (mvts. 1 and 2)
Larsson, Concertino (mvts. 1 and 2)
The live jazz audition shall consist of two parts:
Part 1 - Prepared Jazz Etude:
All applicants will demonstrate instrumental expertise and knowledge of jazz style by performing one prepared etude to be selected from the following:
Part 2 - Improvisation:
Applicants will demonstrate improvisation skill by performing one chorus of melody and two improvised choruses on three tunes selected from the following list (There Will Never Be Another You is required). All performances will be with the play-along tracks as specified.
Title and Suggested Play-Along Track
Required: There Will Never Be Another You, Aebersold Volume 15, Track 2
Two other tunes from the following:
Note: Play along tracks will be provided for the above tunes. Students may improvise on one additional tune of their choosing. Students are responsible to provide the playalong tracks (CD) for the additional tune.
Graduate students
Graduate students are required to perform an improvised solo on Charlie Parker's "Confirmation," and to prepare an additional two selections to be presented with prerecorded tracks. Styles should be selected from the following: ballad, blues, medium tempo standard, up-tempo standard, bebop, fusion or funk.
Additional material: Students who audition live may present additional material (audio CD, DVD, or VHS) which demonstrates expertise in jazz performance. These recordings may be of live or studio performances. It is suggested that recordings be edited to no more than 30 minutes total length. They may be mailed or presented to the auditioner at the live audition.
Guidelines for Recorded Auditions:
Recorded auditions must be in DVD format. Auditions submitted on other formats will not be reviewed. The taped audition will include the three parts of the live audition. Read carefully the description of the live audition requirements.
Preparing the video of Parts 1 and 2 (prepared jazz etude and improvisation).
Do not edit the individual performances but feel free to use "takes" that demonstrate your best work. Make sure that the camera is 10 to 12 feet from you and that the balance between your instrument and the play-along track is appropriate. When taping the prepared jazz etude, use a metronome set at the tempo indicated. Make sure the metronome is audible on the recording.
Labeling Instructions:
Label all recordings with the following information:
UNT Jazz Studies: Auditions Guidelines for Trumpet (Graduate)
The live audition shall consist of three parts.
Part 1 - Prepared Jazz Etude:
All applicants will demonstrate instrumental expertise and knowledge of jazz style by performing one prepared etude to be selected from the following:
Lead trumpeters will perform an additional lead trumpet part from the following:
Note: These lead trumpet parts can be found in the Basie-Nestico Lead Trumpet Book, Kendor Music, Inc.
Part 2 - Improvisation:
Applicants must demonstrate improvisation skill by performing one chorus of melody and two improvised choruses on three tunes selected from the following list
(Confirmation is required). All performances will be with the play-only tracks as specified.
Title Suggested Play-Along Track
Required:
Confirmation Aebersold Volume 6, Track 4
Two other tunes from the following:
Note: Play along tracks will be provided for the above tunes. Students may improvise on one additional tune of their choosing. Students are responsible to provide the playalong tracks (CD) for the additional tune.
Part 3 - Sightreading:
Applicants will demonstrate sight reading skill by performing one written jazz etude(s) at sight. Lead trumpeters will perform a lead trumpet part.
Additional material:
Students who audition live may present additional material (audio CD, DVD) which demonstrates expertise in jazz performance. These recordings may be of live or studio performances. It is suggested that recordings be edited to no more than 30 minutes total length. They may be mailed or presented to the auditioner at the live audition.
Labeling Instructions:
Label all recordings with the following information:
Guidelines for Recorded Auditions:
Recorded auditions must be in DVD format. Auditions submitted on other formats will not be reviewed. The recorded audition will include the three parts of the live audition. Read carefully the description of the live audition requirements.
Preparing the video of Parts 1 and 2 (prepared jazz etude and improvisation).
Do not edit the individual performances but feel free to use "takes" that demonstrate your best work. Make sure that the camera is 10 to 12 feet from you and that the balance between your instrument and the play-along track is appropriate. When taping the prepared jazz etude use a metronome set at the tempo indicated. Make sure the metronome is audible on the recording.
Preparing the video of Part 3 (Sight Reading)
This part of the video must be done in one sitting. You will need an jazz audition sightreading kit which you can request from by mail or email:
Mike Steinel
UNT Jazz Studies
Box 305040
Denton, TX 76203
Include your name, instrument and mailing address with your request.
The sightreading kit will come with instructions and a sealed envelope that contains the sight reading material. Do not open the envelope until you are ready to record your performance.
You will need: a video camera and a metronome. Start the recording and hold the envelope 3 to 4 feet from the camera as you break the seal. Continue recording and take 1 minute to study the etude. Set the metronome at the required tempo and perform the etude. Do not stop until you have completed the entire piece. Return the etude with your tape.
Labeling Instructions:
Label all recordings with the following information:
Additional material: Students who audition by recording may present additional material (DVD) which demonstrates expertise in jazz performance. These recordings may be of live or studio performances. It is suggested that recordings be edited to no more than 30 minutes total length.
UNT Jazz Studies: Audition Guidelines for Trumpet (Undergraduate)
Please note: The following guidelines describe the jazz audition. Undergraduates must also perform a classical audition; classical repertoire information.
The live audition shall consist of three parts.
Part 1 - Prepared Jazz Etude:
All applicants will demonstrate instrumental expertise and knowledge of jazz style by performing one prepared etude to be selected from the following:
Lead trumpeters will perform an additional lead trumpet part from the following:
Note: These lead trumpet parts can be found in the Basie-Nestico Lead Trumpet Book,
Kendor Music, Inc.
Part 2 - Improvisation:
Applicants will demonstrate improvisation skill by performing one chorus of melody and two improvised choruses on three tunes selected from the following list
(There Will Never Be Another You is required). All performances will be with the play-only tracks as specified.
Title Suggested Play-Along Track
Required:
There Will Never Be Another You Aebersold Volume 15, Track 2
Two other tunes from the following:
Note: Play along tracks will be provided for the above tunes. Students may improvise on one additional tune of their choosing. Students are responsible to provide the playalong tracks (CD) for the additional tune.
Part 3 - Sightreading:
Applicants will demonstrate sight reading skill by performing one written jazz etude(s) at sight. Lead trumpeters will perform a lead trumpet part.
Additional material: Students who audition live may present additional material (audio CD, DVD) which demonstrates expertise in jazz performance. These recordings may be of live or studio performances. It is suggested that recordings be edited to no more than 30 minutes total length. They may be submitted at the live audition or mailed.
Labeling Instructions: Label all recordings with the following
information:
Guidelines for Recorded Auditions:
Recorded auditions must be in DVD format. Auditions submitted on other formats will not be reviewed. The recorded audition will include the three parts of the live audition. Read carefully the description of the live audition requirements.
Preparing the video of Parts 1 and 2 (prepared jazz etude and improvisation).
Do not edit the individual performances but feel free to use "takes" that demonstrate your best work. Make sure that the camera is 10 to 12 feet from you and that the balance between your instrument and the play-along track is appropriate. When recording the prepared jazz etude, use a metronome set at the tempo indicated. Make sure the metronome is audible on the recording.
Preparing the video of Part 3 (Sightreading)
This part of the video must be done in one sitting. You will need an jazz audition
sightreading kit which you can request from by mail or email:
Mike Steinel
UNT Jazz Studies
Box 305040
Denton, TX 76203
Include your name, instrument and mailing address with your request.
The sightreading kit will come with instructions and a sealed envelope that contains the sight reading material. Do not open the envelope until you are ready to record your performance.
You will need: a video camera and a metronome. Start the recording and hold the envelope 3 to 4 feet from the camera as you break the seal. Continue recording and take 1 minute to study the etude. Set the metronome at the required tempo and perform the etude. Do not stop until you have completed the entire piece. Return the etude with your tape.
Labeling Instructions:
Label all recordings with the following information:
Additional material: Students who audition by recording may present additional material (DVD) which demonstrates expertise in jazz performance. These recordings may be of live or studio performances. It is suggested that recordings be edited to no more than 30 minutes total length.
See the Vocal Jazz at UNT page for complete information on auditions.