Auditions for New Jazz Students: you will take part in a membership audition. Once you have been accepted into MYSO, you will be placed in one of the four levels of learning offered at MYSO Jazz Studies.
- Scales: demonstrate your knowledge of scales. Play three scales, two octaves if possible, and arpeggiate the root chord of each scale. Also identify and name the 4th and 5th chord of each scale.
- Solo: choose a solo that best demonstrates your abilities. The solo can be of any style, not necessarily a jazz piece.
- If you have any questions about the jazz audition requirements, please email Jazz Studies Director Chris Mell at ChrisMell@myso.org.
Auditions for Returning Jazz Students
[Students continuing from the Bebop and Beyond Level will not need to audition. For all other returning members, auditions to establish which combo you be placed in will happen the first week of classes in September.]
- Wind and Sting instruments: play a tune from the “Tune of the Month” that we worked on this past season. You are required to play the melody, identify the changes, play the scales that go with the changes, and improvise over the form.
- Piano and Guitar: play a tune from the “Tune of the Month” that we worked on this past season. Play the melody, identify the changes, play the scales that go with the changes, and improvise over the form. Also, if you are able, you can “comp” around the melody.
- Bass: play a tune from the “Tune of the Month” that we worked on this past season. Play the melody, identify the changes, play the scales that go with the changes, and improvise over the form. Also, play a walking bass line over the changes.
- Drum students: play your choice from the “Tune of the Month” that we worked on this past season. Play the melody while keeping time along with marking the form and take a solo over the form. Also, demonstrate various styles on the drum set (jazz time, Latin jazz feels, funk).
Return to instructions for submitting your video audition link.