People, Get Ready: Preparing Jazz Students for That Next Big Step

By Jay Sweet I Sep. 5, 2024

From left, jazz educators Jay Sweet, Jason Goldman and Ingrid Jensen offer valuable audition tips.
(Photo: Courtesy Jay Sweet; Courtesy Jason Goldman; Michael Jackson)

During the early years of jazz, studying the genre in a college classroom would have seemed absurd. The music was learned from elders through mentorship and trial-and-error participation at impromptu sessions and informal gatherings. While this tradition continues to some extent, most aspiring jazz musicians now look to further their studies by attending colleges and universities.

Studying jazz in a college setting offers numerous benefits that can positively impact a student’s musical development. Choosing and preparing for a college music education is one of the most important and potentially stressful decisions in a young musician’s life. As a professor of music, a private music school owner and someone involved in the audition and preparation process, I will help break down how to select and prepare for higher education opportunities in jazz.

Choosing a School

When choosing the right school, several logistical factors include finances, grades and SAT scores. Before considering where to apply, visit each school’s website or a resource like this guide in DownBeat or U.S. News & World Report’s College Rankings to get a breakdown of costs and requirements to see if you qualify. Another critical factor, particularly in choosing a jazz program, is the faculty. Many top jazz schools boast impressive professors with name recognition and status within the jazz community. However, understand that choosing a college based on a well-known musical hero might have limitations. Popular figures may only teach sporadically due to their active touring careers. You may rarely see the professor who sparked your interest.

Location is also crucial for a jazz program. Many top jazz schools are in or near cities with thriving music scenes. For example, attending a school in or near New York City gives you access to the world’s most excellent jazz musicians and opportunities to participate in jam sessions and book gigs. Cities like Boston, Philadelphia, New Orleans and Chicago also have vibrant jazz scenes. For schools not near major cities, the program must create a music scene centered around the college, often through visiting artists, master classes and extensive ensembles. If you choose a school not near a city, ensure they offer ample performance opportunities, which are critical for a jazz musician’s development.

Your learning extends beyond the classroom, so your location and environment must be carefully considered. Visit the school and surrounding area (for a few days if possible) before finalizing any decision. Take college tours, but remember that many tours are sales pitches, highlighting only the most positive aspects of the school. After the tour, walk the campus independently and talk to as many current students as possible. Join chat groups online to connect with students and alums.

Preparing for an Audition

You will likely have to audition in person or through a video to enter a competitive jazz program. If given the option, audition in person to get face time with your potential future professors, which can make a strong impression. Audition requirements are usually posted on the school’s website, but sometimes you may need to reach out for the information. Before preparing for your audition, contact the department head via a short email. Introduce yourself, mention your instrument and express your excitement about the prospect of studying at their institution. This initial contact shows initiative and helps you stand out.

Your audition will likely include scales, a prepared piece and jazz standards. There may also be sight-reading, ear-training examples and a music theory exam. Choose a piece that is within your playing level and not above it. If you choose an overly challenging piece, you may not be able to perform it consistently with confidence and precision. Choosing a selection you are not entirely in command of will make you feel uneasy, adding to your nerves during the audition.

Cross-reference audition requirements from different schools to see what can be used for multiple auditions, reducing unnecessary preparation. Once settled on your pieces, work with a private teacher. Early preparation and instruction are crucial for a successful audition.

The Audition Process

Try to schedule your audition way before the deadline. Schools often know they need to fill a roster with those who play specific instruments to fill ensembles, and therefore, professors would like to know they have that spot secured as soon as possible. Judges are looking for musicians who are fundamentally sound and display proper technique. They evaluate your potential as much as your current abilities. Judges understand that students rarely perform their best in an audition setting. Do your best to showcase a clear tone, strong articulation and solid intonation, and be sure to arrive early and warm up.

If you submit a video audition, avoid over-editing and overproducing. Your video should represent what you actually sound like. Misrepresenting yourself creates unrealistic expectations that may be detrimental when you arrive. If you have a produced studio version of your playing that you’re proud of, you can also send it with a short description, but ensure your primary audition video is authentic. Record your video in a clean, uncluttered environment. The focus should be on your performance, not your surroundings. Show your video to your instructor for evaluation before submitting it.

Further Advice from Experts

Ingrid Jensen, Dean of Jazz Arts at the Manhattan School of Music, emphasizes the importance of practice and preparation.

“Life is an audition,” she said. “Know the repertoire you have chosen to play. Listen and interact with the band. Play your instrument well. Create a good feeling in the room and acknowledge the band and panel of faculty. Make sure you can sight-read chords, melodies, rhythms and changes. The most important thing is to breathe, relax and bring your best self to the musical moments of the audition. It’s not possible to compete within art. Just be yourself. Prepare by playing a lot with live musicians. Put yourself out there and get experience before applying to any high-level program. Learn a lot of standard and contemporary jazz repertoire. Study Black American music and dig deeply into the history of jazz. Play your instrument well and be a good person.”

Jason Goldman, Chair of Jazz Studies at USC, added, “One of the most important things we look for is the level of improvisation. Being able to navigate jazz harmony using traditional jazz vocabulary is a necessity. We also look for a student’s sense of melody playing and tone on their instrument. Showcase yourself in the best possible light. Whether you play with a band or backing track is not super important for pre-screen auditions, but we recommend it, if you can play with a band. We listen to the required tunes first. Sending original songs to improvise is not as important as ensuring the required tunes sound great. Shed the required tunes a lot. Make sure you can navigate the harmony. Memorize the tunes and look professional during the audition.”

Johannah, an admissions specialist at Juilliard, noted, “The most important factor for the admissions decision is the strength of your in-person audition. Gain as much experience as possible in your study area. Consider taking a trial lesson with the faculty member you are interested in studying with.”

The Road Starts Here

Preparing for a college education in jazz involves carefully considering various factors, early preparation and making strong, authentic impressions during the audition process. By following these guidelines and seeking advice from those connected with top jazz schools, you can confidently and successfully pursue a higher education in jazz. DB