JAZZ COURSE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Candidates

The panel will expect you to demonstrate normal performing skills. Please follow the given form. There will be no time to rehearse or discuss any special arrangements in this section. No music will be provided or should be used. The accompanying Rhythm Section (and front-line player where appropriate) will know these tunes and the expected form. SECTION ONE: PRACTICAL The panel will ask for the students choice of one or two (not more) of the following tunes to demonstrate normal performing skills. Please follow the given form. There will be no time to rehearse or discuss any special arrangements in this section. No music will be provided or should be used. The accompanying Rhythm Section (and front-line player where appropriate) will know these tunes and the expected form. Please note: Singing candidates use the same repertoire list as front-line players and the expectations on improvisation are the same as with instrumentalists. Singers are expected to provide concert parts in a key that is comfortable for them.

a) STANDARD TUNES prepare one or two pieces from this list. Form will be: Candidate plays the melody on the first chorus, take two choruses solo on the chord sequence and then plays the melody to finish. PIANO or GUITAR: Additional chorus of comping behind a soloist before last theme. BASS: One chorus solo only DRUMS: Play behind a front line soloist for one chorus and the piano for one chorus plus an additional chorus of fours. Take the A Train (C) I Mean You (F) Airegin (Ab) Beautiful Love (D minor)

b) BALLAD prepare one or two pieces from this list. Form: a free interpretation of the melody played Rubato or in time, and a one-chorus improvisation on the chords. DRUMMERS will be assessed on their playing behind the panels choice of one of the ballads played by the regular students or they may play vibes but see NOTES. Angels Eyes (C minor) I should care (C) Come Sunday (Bb) Chelsea Bridge (Db) c) ORGANISED PERFORMANCE This item allows the candidate to show in a practical way his or her own composing, arranging or organising skills and how capable he or she is in rehearsing a group to produce a performance of a piece in a limited amount of time. The candidate will be allowed time up to a maximum of 10 minutes to prepare and present - with appropriate instructions and announcements - an original composition or arrangement of a jazz standard. This should be for a single front-line player - the candidate if he plays a front-line instrument- plus rhythm section. The parts can be written or the piece may be disseminated verbally - in which case a lead sheet with melody and chords must be provided. Piano bass & drum candidates will be provided with a student front-line player on Trumpet or Tenor Sax or Soprano Sax. Parts must be provided in Bb. NB: The duration of the finished piece should be between 3 and 5 minutes and is expected to be more than a simple theme-solos-theme arrangement.

d) SIGHT READING Items chosen by the panel. Rhythm section players may be asked to play a short section of a written arrangement, a jazz melody and chord progression and rhythmic patterns. e) ADDITIONAL PLAYING Candidates may be asked to play any or all of the following: Blues solo, tempo and key requested by the panel Rhythm changes in Bb, F or G as requested by the panel Free improvisation with the accompanying students With a groove set up by drums or bass A modal tune such as So What NOTES TO THE PRACTICAL SECTION Front line play with student rhythm section (piano/bass/drums) Rhythm section players are given students to complete the rhythm section plus a single front line player who may play any common jazz instrument. There will be no opportunity to rehearse with the students, apart from within Section C. Definite versions for Items a) and b) can be found in The New Real Book Volume One (Chuch Sher). Singers can specify different key requirements to the rhythm section provided at the audition. Singers are not permitted to bring their own accompanist. Singers should either refer to The Real Book to obtain the lyrics when choosing a piece from each list or transcribe them from a recording. SECTION TWO: INTERVIEW WITH THE PANEL During this interview the candidate will be asked questions and given the opportunity to discuss his or her performance. There will also be questions about what the students is expecting to get from the course if accepted. GENERAL NOTES To aid the smooth running of auditions the candidate is, wherever possible, expected to enter the audition room with all instruments ready and warmed up. A warm-up room is situated nearby. A drum kit and amplifiers for bass and guitar will be provided, Drummers should, wherever possible, bring their own cymbals. Any other instruments required, such as vibes or electric keyboards etc., must be supplied by the candidate or requested at least 7 days in advance. The candidates own instruments and amplifiers and any gadgetry must be set up as much as possible before the audition starts. A steward is available to help. Before the audition starts the candidate should present the relevant music for Section C to the steward in a folder clearly marked with the candidate's name and list of contents. This should include a copy of the score or lead sheet for the panel; the melodic part and parts for the rhythm section. The melodic part from rhythm section candidates should be supplied in Concert and Bb.

Additional Requirement for Undergraduates (BMus candidates) On the day of the audition, undergraduate candidates will have to complete the Academy written paper (see the website or prospectus for details).