Students interested in jazz studies should perform all of the audition requirements listed under their specific instrument as well as the requirements found on this page.
For Single-Line Melody Instruments (brass, woodwinds, high strings):
- Choose two jazz standards in contrasting styles and tempos. For each
- Play the head of the tune
- Improvise at least two choruses, depending on the length of the tune
- Solos should not be pre-rehearsed
- Backing tracks are acceptable
- Optional, but preferred: Play a transcription of a head and one chorus of a tune by a renowned jazz musician
For Keyboards, Guitar and Bass:
- Choose two jazz standards in contrasting styles and tempos.
- For one, play the head and improvise two choruses of the tune
- For the other, comp behind the head and two choruses of the tune (bass players can walk a chorus if appropriate)
- Backing tracks are acceptable
- Optional, but preferred: Play a transcription of a solo (at least one chorus) by a renowned jazz musician
For Drums and Percussion:
- Demonstrate ballad, medium, and fast swing time with brushes and sticks. Other grooves as well, including but not limited to: bossa nova, funk, and Afro-Cuban.
- Optional, but preferred: Play a transcription of a drum solo by a renowned jazz musician
For Voice:
- Choose two jazz standards in contrasting styles and tempos. For each
- Sing the head of the tune
- Improvise at least one chorus, depending on the length of the tune
- Solos should not be pre-rehearsed
- Backing tracks are acceptable
To schedule a meeting or private lesson with a faculty member, please contact us at auditions@gettysburg.edu or 717-337-6100. For all other inquiries regarding the music program and audition requirements, please contact Dr. Amanda Heim at aheim@gettysburg.edu or 717-337-6146.