For all admission-related information regarding our B.M. in Jazz Studies degree and M.M. in Jazz Studies degree, click on the link below that will take you to our School of Music and Dance website.
https://musicanddance.uoregon.edu/admissions
Other links:
Scholarships
Graduate Teaching Positions
Frequently Asked Questions About Jazz Auditions and Admissions:
Undergraduate Applicants:
Q: What are the jazz auditions like?
A: Auditions are app. 10-15 minutes in length. We’ll hear you play major and minor scales, sight-read, and improvise over three or four songs of your choice (preferably in varied styles) with other musicians. Our goal is to get a feel for your technical ability and overall musicianship.
Q: What do I need to bring to my audition?
A: Bring 3 copies of lead sheets in concert key for songs you wish to perform as well as your instrument(s). We’ll supply amplifiers, a drumset, and a piano. A stereo system will also be available for you use. Drummers should bring cymbals and sticks. Guitarists and bassists should bring cords.
Q: Who is admitted into the jazz major?
A: Based upon your audition(s) and what we can learn from your application, we try to admit students that will think will succeed and thrive in our jazz studies program. Freshman gaining admission into our degree program generally already have significant experience as jazz performers and/or composers and arrangers.
Q: When will I be notified that I have been admitted to the degree program?
A: Assuming that you have been accepted into the University at large, you will be likely be notified a few weeks after your audition.
Q: Can I be admitted to the School of Music & Dance and B.M. in Jazz Studies degree on the basis of my jazz audition alone?
A: Yes, but only as a Jazz Studies degree major. If you wish to pursue any degree other than the B. M. in Jazz Studies you must also indicate which degree on your application, and some of those degrees may require a separate audition. (Note: if you want to be considered for both a jazz scholarship and a classical scholarship, you must
Q: If I am not admitted to the jazz major as an incoming freshman can I be admitted at a later date?
A: Yes. Many of our undergraduate jazz studies majors have been admitted after having attended the U.O. for one or two years. Students already enrolled at the UO can audition for admission into the degree at the beginning and end of each academic year, as well as at one of the official SOMD audition days in February. Contact Paul Krueger if you have questions.
Q: How can I receive consideration for scholarships?
A: Any applicant completing a jazz audition will be considered for a music scholarship. You can find information on non-music scholarships here: https://financialaid.uoregon.edu/scholarships
Q: When will I hear if I have been awarded a scholarship?
A: Scholarship offers are typically sent out in April, following the last of our scheduled auditions.
Graduate Applicants:
Q: What do I need to bring to the live audition?
A: Bring 3 copies of lead sheets in concert key for three or fours songs you wish to perform as well as your instrument(s). We will supply amplifiers, a drumset, and a piano. A stereo system will also be available for you use. Drummers should bring cymbals and sticks. Guitarists and bassists should bring cords.
Q: Are there any specific repertoire requirements for the live audition?
A: All applicants are required to perform “Dolphin Dance,” by Herbie Hancock. The other pieces are up to you, we just recommend having varied styles represented. All of the repertoire should be performed from memory, and should include the melody along with a few improvised choruses.
Q: When will I know if I have been admitted to the jazz major?
A: You should receive a notification letter within a few weeks of your live audition, if you have submitted all materials necessary to complete your admission file.
Q: If I am not admitted to the graduate program in jazz studies at the time of my audition can I be admitted at a later date?
A: Yes. You can always re-audition the following year for admission.
A: GE offers are made in the middle of March, but can only be extended to applicants whose graduate files are complete and who have auditioned and been accepted into their major program.