Admissions Auditions

The admissions requirements linked below are for admission to the Jazz Studies major.

The new College of Music application enables applicants to upload videos as part of the application. If your instrument requires a pre-screening video (not all instruments do) or you are auditioning by video, you will be able to use this feature.

Application deadline.

The pages linked below refer to our bachelor's and master's programs.

For information on admission at the doctoral level, please see the page on the local concentration in Jazz Studies within the DMA in Performance.

Admission to the Graduate Artist Certificate in Music Performance program is an option for jazz performers with exceptional qualifications. For more information, see http://music.unt.edu/admissions/graduate-degree-specific.

Trumpet Auditions for Graduate Admission

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:

  • Bird Blues (Page 42-43, Jazz Conception by Jim Snidero, Advance Music) Half = 83
  • Somewhere (Pages 44-45, Jazz Conception by Jim Snidero, Advance Music) Half =90
  • Passage (Pages 46-47, Jazz Conception by Jim Snidero, Advance Music) Quarter = 110

Lead trumpeters will perform an additional lead trumpet part from the following:

  • Switch in Time (Nestico) - Letter "B to C", and Letter "G" through the end. Quarter=168
  • Magic Flea (Nestico) - Letter "I" to through the end. Half=144
  • Fun Time (Nestico) - Letter "B to E", and letter "F" through the end. Quarter=126

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:

  • Yardbird Suite Aebersold Volume 6, Track 3
  • Dewey Square Aebersold Volume 6, Track 5
  • Moose the Mooche Aebersold Volume 51, Track 4
  • Stella By Starlight Aebersold Volume 15, Track 3
  • What Is This Thing Called Love Aebersold Volume 15, Track 5

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 submit additional recordings that demonstrate expertise in jazz performance by including links to the videos in the College of Music online application. These recordings may be of live or studio performances. Guidelines for Recorded Auditions: Follow the directions on the College of Music application to submit a high quality recorded video audition. The recorded audition must include the first two parts of the live audition. Sightreading is not required for recorded auditions. 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. Additional material: Students who audition by recording may submit additional recordings that demonstrate expertise in jazz performance by uploading videos in the College of Music online application. These recordings may be of live or studio performances.

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