How to Apply

Summer Jazz Academy will take place July 16th to July 30th, 2023. Applications will be accepted beginning March 1, 2023.

Welcome to the audition page for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Summer Jazz Academy! The audition process for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Summer Jazz Academy is competitive and applicants are ranked in comparison with others who audition on the same instrument.

The process is created to show your strengths; because the program believes in a holistic approach to education, our audition process is developed to assess your overall abilities as a musician and your potential for success. Please select the pieces for your audition for which you are the most familiar and comfortable. While we need a good representation of your playing, the quality of the video is less important than the quality of your playing.

All applicants must submit video recordings here through Acceptd. Applications will be accepted beginning March 1, 2023.

Each video file should be its own digital file. Do not upload all audition selections and excerpts in one file. Selections should be between three and four minutes in length and selections should include the accompaniment as listed.

Application Process and Required Items

1. Application for Admission

2. A $55 non-refundable application fee, payable through the online portal by credit card.

3. Audition materials should be submitted through the online portal. Requirements can be found below. Acceptable video file formats include MPEG, MPG, MP4, OGG, MOV, AVI, WMV, M4V, VOB, FLV. *For assistance uploading content to your application, please visit Acceptd’s helpdesk webpage.

CATEGORIES
Up-tempo Swing

1. Moose the Mooche – Charlie Parker (B-flat Major)
2. Anthropology – Charlie Parker (B-flat Major)
3. Confirmation – Charlie Parker (F Major)

Blues

1. Mr. P.C. – John Coltrane (c minor)
2. Straight No Chaser – Thelonious Monk (B-flat Major)
3. Billie’s Bounce – Charlie Parker (F Major)

Ballad 

1. Body and Soul – Johnny Green (D-flat Major)
2. Stardust – Hoagy Carmichael (D-flat Major)
3. The Very Thought of You – Ray Noble (E-flat Major)

Medium Swing

1. Perdido – Juan Tizol (B-flat Major)
2. In a Mellotone – Duke Ellington (A-flat Major)
3. There Will Never Be Another You – Harry Warren (E-flat Major)

TRUMPETS 

Video files #1-2: One selection from two of the four categories provided above.

Video file #3: Provide the following:

1. Chromatic scale, low F# to high highest note and back;

2. Bb and A major scales; and

3. B Harmonic minor scale, two octaves; E Harmonic minor scale, one octave

Video file #6: *Optional* Perdido - (arr: Wilson) Trumpet 1 Letter I to Letter J

TROMBONES 

Video files #1-2: One selection from two of the four categories provided above.

Video file #3: Provide the following:

1. Chromatic scale from lowest possible note to highest possible note;

2. Bb and G Major scales, two octaves; and

3. A and E Harmonic minor scales, two octaves

SAXOPHONES

Video files #1-2: One selection from two of the four categories provided above.

Video file #3: Provide the following:

1. D and F Major scales, two octaves;

2. D Harmonic minor, two octaves; G Harmonic minor, one octave; and

3. Chromatic scale full range 

Video file #4: *Clarinet Optional* Perdido (arr. Wilson) Reed 3 letter O to Letter R

PIANO

Video files #1-2: One selection from two of the four categories provided above.

*One of the pieces required must be performed as an unaccompanied solo.

Video file #3: Provide the following:

1. C and Bb Major, 2 hands, 4 octaves up and down;

2. A and G Minor scales (Dorian or natural minor), 2 hands, 4 octaves;

3. Chromatic scale, 4 octaves; and

4. Blues scales in F, C or Bb

ACOUSTIC BASS ONLY (NO ELECTRIC)

Video files #1-2: One selection from two of the four categories provided above.

*Bassist should demonstrate and ability to walk bass lines through the progressions of all selections.

Video file #3: Provide the following:

1. Eb and Ab Major scale, two octaves; and

2. D minor and G minor scale, two octaves

GUITAR

Video files #1-2: One selection from two of the four categories provided above.

*One of the pieces required must be performed as an unaccompanied solo.

Video file #3: Provide the following:

1. Eb and Ab Major scale, two octaves; and

2. D minor and G minor scale, two octaves

DRUMS

Video files #1-2: One selection from two of the four categories provided above.

*In addition to one selection from each category, drummers should perform the following unaccompanied material and solo requirements. Accompanied selections should not exceed three to four minutes in length. Accompanists should include piano or guitar and bass.

Video file #3: Unaccompanied Material — Please state the type of example that you are demonstrating on the recording for clarity. Each example should be approximately thirty seconds to one minute in length.

1. Perform a swing groove at a slow, medium and fast tempo using sticks.

2. Perform a swing groove at a slow, medium and fast tempo using brushes.

3. Perform the shuffle rhythm, first with no accent, then with an accent or backbeat on 2 and 4.

4. Perform a 12-bar blues at a medium to fast tempo trading (alternating) choruses between the straight time and soloing for 6 choruses.

5. Perform the following grooves: New Orleans, 6/8 Afro Cuban, and Bossa Nova.

Admission Decisions 

Admission is not guaranteed, and applicants are given an admission decision as quickly as possible. To accept the offer of admission, the enrollment agreement, and non-refundable deposit must be returned to Jazz at Lincoln Center c/o Summer Youth Programs within two weeks of the acceptance notification.