JAZZ PERFORMANCE
Application Process – New Students
The following application process is for new students who are applying to the BYU School of Music Commercial Music Program, jazz performance track. If you are already a BYU music major and would like to transfer into commercial music, please continue down to the section entitled “Application Process – Current Music Majors”.
New students wishing to apply to the jazz performance track of the Commercial Music Program must do 4 things:
- Apply to BYU. Follow all requirements for General Admission HERE
- Apply to the School of Music. Fill out the School of Music application HERE including any required letter(s) of recommendation
- Audition with your instrument (see the “Audition” section below)
- Submit a portfolio (link provided in the “upload instructions”). Submissions are due December 1st.
Audition
All students applying to the School of Music (including transfer students and current BYU students) must complete a live or recorded audition. You must follow the audition requirements for your chosen instrument and prepare the necessary repertoire listed online HERE (and select the appropriate tab for your instrument). Live auditions are typically held on the last Saturday in January. Pay close attention to other listed deadlines that may be associated with your instrument.
Contemporary singers intending to major in Commercial Music have one additional audition option: the contemporary voice studio. Students are cautioned that contemporary voice studio openings are extremely limited. Click on the contemporary voice tab above for more information.
Jazz Performance Track Portfolio:
*Be sure to read all the way to the bottom for any instrument-specific instructions.
1. Record two contrasting jazz selections from two of these styles: medium swing, bebop, ballad, Latin (bossa, samba, etc.), funk, and jazz waltz. Record yourself playing the melody and improvising over the form of the tune with a live rhythm section or with a backing track (Aebersold, iReal, YouTube, etc.).
*Guitarists and pianists should include at least one chorus of their comping for another soloist in their recordings. Guitarists and pianists may also choose one of their selections to be solo playing.
*Bassists, in addition to playing the melody and improvising over the form, should demonstrate playing basslines in the styles of their 2 pieces as well.
*Drums: record two contrasting selections from the above styles that demonstrate appropriate feel and groove for the styles, as well as soloing over the form. These can be recorded with live musicians where possible (playing with a combo or big band), or on your own. You may do a transcription of a drum solo for one of your selections.
2. Submit a recorded example of your best original work or production – works can be original songs, arrangements and/or various recorded productions of media compositions. This example will be evaluated by the following criteria:
- Composition / Writing
- Arranging
- Sonic Quality
- Technical Knowledge (i.e. use of DAWs or other recording and production software)
Upload Instructions:
Create a word document or PDF with the following information:
1. Your name
2. Email Address
3. Instrument
4. Any relevant information you wish to include about your audition pieces/recordings, as well as software skills, audio technical knowledge, any additional musical and technical background and experience that would make you desirable as a Commercial Music – Jazz Performance Track candidate.
Electronic submission: Compress all relevant files into a “.zip” file labeled with your name, i.e. JohnSmithJazz.zip.
- Upload your .zip file containing your PDF and your three performance examples here.
- DO NOT send us a shared link to Google Drive, Drop Box, YouTube or any other cloud-based storage for your main portfolio. (You may include hyperlinks in your documentation for supplemental works if desired)
- Your total .zip file size should be less than 300 MB.
If you have any questions or issues, email Dr. Woodbury at bwoodbury@byu.edu
Application Process – Current Music Majors
Current BYU School of Music majors that are interested in transferring into the commercial music program should speak with the division coordinator, Aaron Merrill at aaron_merrill@byu.edu.
