AUDITIONS AT THE SA COLLEGE OF MUSIC

INFORMATION 2016: JAZZ STUDIES

CANDIDATES TO BRING SOMETHING TO WRITE WITH!

All applicants will be required to write a theory test on the morning of the audition; candidates who do not meet a suitable standard for first-year theory will be required to register for the one-year Foundation programme before progressing to either the degree or the diploma.

Auditions by recording will be permitted in special circumstances and must be presented in DVD or CDformat, formatted for South Africa or for AppleMac computers. Please note that applicants who audition by recording

a)may be required to audition in person before a final decision can be made.

b)will be required to write the theory test at the start of the academic year if he/she is accepted for music. Should the theory not meet a suitable standard for first-year theory, the applicant will be required to register for the one-year Foundation programme before progressing to either the degree or the diploma.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS must audition by the end of October at the very latest in order to obtain VISAsetc that you will need.

Only students who audition in person at the SACM will be considered for entrance merit scholarships and other scholarship awards.

All candidates (except vocalists) will be sent a choice of prescribed pieces to be performed at the audition, along with mp3 accompaniment tracks (e-mail and specify your instrument). You MUST play “Now’s the Time”, and can choose either “Blues for Alice” or “Song for my Father”. You are required to do jazz improvisation with the backtracks, as indicated on the music, except for the drummers and bass players (bassists may do improv if they are able to). The performance should comprise a characteristic interpretation of the melody and at least one chorus of improvisation.

In summary, you will do 4 items in all at the audition: 2 of your own choice,

and 2 of the prescribed pieces with the backtracks.

All candidates need to demonstrate familiarity with, and interest in, the jazz style(see “Recommended Jazz standards” overleaf). Sight-reading will be given, as well as a couple of basic jazz theory questions concerning chords.In addition:

Instrumentalists should be able to:

  • Play an instrument up to a reasonable level of proficiency, having mastered the basic technique. All Major and Relative minor scales, in time with good intonation at 120 beats per minute, divided into quavers.
  • Play at least 2 tunes from the standard jazz repertoire in the correct style, in addition to the prescribed piece.
  • Read music at a grade 5 level, at the correct tempo.
  • Cope with basic music theory, e.g. identify major & minor triads, rhythmic groupings.

Vocalists should be able to:

  • Show evidence of sound vocal technique and experience in the jazz style.
  • Sing at least 3 tunes from the jazz standard repertoire in the correct style.
  • Identify intervals aurally.
  • Read music at an intermediate level, at least slowly.
  • Cope with basic music theory, e.g. identify major & minor triads, rhythmic groupings.
  • A document giving guidelines to jazz singers is available from the SACM website.


Drummers should be able to:

Present three pieces of differing styles typically found in jazz. These can be played solo, with accompaniment, or with recorded backing. Chart reading ability should be evident in at least one piece. Improvisational ability should be evident in at least one piece. Specifically, you should be able to:

  • Play the drumset at a reasonable level of proficiency, having mastered the basic technique.
  • Show evidence of familiarity with and comfort in the jazz style.
  • Play the various rhythm patterns common to the jazz style with a good time sense.
  • Identify rhythms aurally.
  • Read music at an intermediate level, at least slowly.
  • Cope with basic music theory, e.g. identify major & minor triads, rhythmic groupings.

Brass applicantsare required to perform two contrasting “legit” works of about one page each, minimum grade six. One must be a movement of a performance work (concerto, sonata, etc.); the other can be an etude from such books as Arbans, Concone, Rochut, Kopprasch, Blazhevitch, Alphonse.

For the jazz requirement, you need to perform one jazz piece of your own choice and two with the pre-recorded tracks:

- play “Now’s the Time” with the backtrack provided, and

- choose between “Blues for Alice” and “Song for my Father”, also with the backtracks.

You will need to demonstrate characteristic interpretation of the melody and include at least one chorus of improvisation in each item played with the backtracks.

Composition applicants should submit a portfolio consisting of at least 2 pieces of music in the jazz style composed and/or arranged by the applicant. The portfolio must show evidence of ability to write in full notation as well as rhythm style (chord symbols, slashes etc.), and understanding of the harmonic idiom.

If you require accompaniment, you must bring music from a recognised and appropriate source (in the correct key esp. vocalists). Sound systems are available at the auditions.

Auditions are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY; as soon as you have applied to UCT and have a student number, contact 021 6502631 or with details of your instrument and the course for which you are applying (e.g. BMus opera, PDM). Auditions are scheduled for the following days:

Monday 15th June –Music theory test 09h00, auditions from 10h00

Friday 25th September –Music theory test 09h00, auditions from 10h00

Thursday 26thNovember – Music theory test 09h00, auditions from 10h00

Friday 4th December - Music theory test 09h00, auditions from 10h00

You are strongly advised to audition as early as possible, particularly if you are applying for university accommodation and/or financial aid.

Application forms and info:

Humanities undergrad handbook (music about page 222:

SUGGESTED JAZZ TUNES FOR AUDITIONS:

The Jamey Aebersold play-along volumes are a good resource for these. They contain the written music and corresponding backing tracks for practice.

Autumn Leaves

All Blues

Blue Bossa

Doxy

Footprints

Take the “A” Train

Body and Soul
Stella by Starlight
All the Things You Are
Softly As In A Morning Sunrise
Maiden Voyage
Song for My Father
There Is No Greater Love
On Green Dolphin Street
Solar
Tenor Madness (or any blues tune at a moderate tempo).

Improvised solo transcriptions are acceptable, as well asjazz etudes by established composers.