Jazz and Commercial Music Composition

June 4, 2019

Undergraduate Audition Requirements

Undergraduate Applicants to the Jazz and Commercial Music Composition program must submit a portfolio of original compositions to the Music Department office no later than on audition day. These scores and/or tracks should display writing for a variety of styles and/or genres, for ensembles of any size. Original works are preferred, but arrangements will be considered (see below). In addition, all applicants must complete the online Audition Form. A performance audition is strongly encouraged for placement in appropriate ensemble. The performance has no bearing on the acceptance into the composition program.

Scores and Submissions

Typical score submissions include, lead sheets, works for small and large jazz formats, works for film and game music, and other commercial genres. Candidates with a background in classical composition are encouraged to submit one example of original non-jazz works.

Please choose one, or a combination of the options below to upload along with your application – must include a total of three (3) submissions:

  1. Three (3) representative samples of music scores that you have composed in PDF format, including audio and/or audiovisual material (in .mov, .wmv. .wav, or .mp3 format). Audio MIDI realizations are acceptable, while real audio is preferred.
  2. Three (3) representative samples of tracks produced exclusively by you, showing dramatic range, and ability to use instrumental samples in a current DAW (Logic, Digital Performer, Cubase, ProTools, etc).
    • For each track, please include a detailed explanation of the production process, including overall concept, DAW/software used, and the mixing process.

Arrangements of existing compositions and/or songs (vocal or instrumental) will be considered only if notated scores and audio files of arrangements are included.

Audition Day meeting: All composition applicants may request to be scheduled for a 20-minute meeting with the Composition faculty on audition day to discuss the composition program and provide an opportunity to ask questions. For more information contact Zaccai Curtis.