Drum Set Audition Requirements

Select the degree you are interested in to review the audition requirements and additional degree information.
Pre-Screen Requirements

All Drum Set applicants are required to submit materials before being invited to audition. These requirements are different from the full audition requirements listed below, though the same repertoire may be used for both if applicants would like to do so.

Pre-screen requirements for B.M. COMPOSITION, B.M. JAzz studies, AND MUSIC MINOR:

  1. A video recording with a small group or play-along tracks of three (3) tunes of contrasting styles, at least one (1) of which should be a straight 8th note or "modern jazz" feel (not rock/funk).
    • Each tune could feature the drummer playing time behind a soloist for one (1) - three (3) choruses, as well as a demonstration of the drummer's solo vocabulary, either trading a chorus or a solo.

Pre-screen requirements for B.A. MUSIC, B.M. MUSIC IN COMBINATION WITH AN OUTSIDE FIELD, AND B.M. SOUND RECODING TECHNOLOGY:

  1. A video recording with a small group or play-along tracks of three (3) tunes of contrasting styles, at least one (1) of which should be a straight 8th note/modern jazz or pop/rock/funk feel.
    • Each tune could feature the drummer playing time behind a soloist for one (1) - three (3) choruses, as well as a demonstration of the drummer's solo vocabulary, either trading a chorus or a solo.

Notes for All Applicants:

Tunes could include any of the following, but are not limited to:

  • Any blues
  • Any rhythm changes
  • A tune with changing feels, like Green Dolphin St. or Nica's Dream
  • Original music

If using play-along tracks, some possible sources are:

  • John Riley's "Art of Bop Drumming" and "Beyond Bop Drumming"
  • Steve Davis' "The Ultimate Play Along for Jazz Drummers"

Drum Set Audition Requirements

Drum Set is only available for B.M. Composition, B.M. Jazz Studies, B.A. Music, B.M. Music in Combination with an Outside Field, B.M. Sound Recording Technology, and Music Minor

Degree Page: B.M. Composition

Additional Application Requirements:

  1. Two (2) scores of original works (with sound files, if possible). 

Audition Requirements:

  1. Applicants will perform with a rhythm section. Please bring lead sheets for three (3) selections of varying styles (can be the same as your pre-screen material or different). Original compositions for small jazz group are welcomed.

Interview Requirements:

  1. Speak with a member of our Composition faculty and ask any specific questions you may have about the Composition degree program.

Degree Page: B.M. Jazz Studies

For more information see the B.M. Jazz Studies Audition Requirements page.

Degree Page: B.A. Music

Audition Requirements:

  1. Applicants will perform with a rhythm section. Please bring lead sheets for three (3) selections of varying styles (can be the same as your pre-screen material or different).

Degree Page: B.M. Music in Combination with an Outside Field

Audition Requirements:

  1. Applicants will perform with a rhythm section. Please bring lead sheets for three (3) selections of varying styles (can be the same as your pre-screen material or different).

Degree Page: B.M. Sound Recording Technology

Audition Requirements:

  1. Applicants will perform with a rhythm section. Please bring lead sheets for three (3) selections of varying styles (can be the same as your pre-screen material or different).

Interview Requirements:

  1. Meet with members of the SRT faculty, practice critical listening skills, and discuss your background in audio engineering thus far. Approximately 20 minutes.

Program Page: Music Minor

Audition Requirements:

  1. Demonstrate proficiency in various styles and tempos, including:
    • Rock/funk
    • Slow, medium, and fast swing
    • 3/4 swing
    • Shuffle
    • Bossa nova
    • Samba
    • Brush technique

A bass player will be provided for the demonstration of all styles. Applicants are encouraged to bring in charts (lead sheets) to perform with the bass player.