Double Bass

Degree Page: Composition (B.M.)

Additional Application Requirements:

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

Double Bass Audition Requirements:

15 minutes of your best playing, which may include, but is not limited to:

1. One (1) three-octave scale of your choice - major, minor, or any mode you choose; OR three (3) two-octave scales of your choice - major, minor or any mode you choose.
2. Two (2) contrasting orchestral excerpts demonstrating technical and expressive skills. The current popular "canon" features excerpts from Mozart (symphonies No. 35, 39, and 40), Beethoven (symphonies 5, 7, and 9), and Brahms (symphonies 1 and 2), as well as works by Tchaikovsky, Strauss, Mahler, and Shostakovich.
3. Three (3) works of contrasting style demonstrating technical and expressive skills. One (1) selection should be from a major work, such as a movement from a concerto, sonata, suite, or comparable piece.
    

Other music to be considered may include unaccompanied J.S. Bach, jazz standards from the Great American Song Book, concert pieces, an etude, popular music transcription, or other piece of your choosing. We encourage you to select a piece by an underrepresented and/or living composer.  

OR

Electric Bass Audition Requirements: 

15 minutes of your best playing, which may include, but is not limited to:

1. One (1) two-octave scale of your choice - major, minor, or any mode you choose; OR three (3) one-octave scales of your choice - major, minor or any mode you choose.
2. Two (2) contrasting "solos" demonstrating technical and expressive skills. For example, a short piece like "Portrait of Tracy" by Jaco Pastorius or a movement of classical music from J.S. Bach's Suites for Solo Cello transcribed/ arranged for the bass.
3. Three (3) basslines of contrasting style demonstrating technical and expressive skills. One (1) selection should be a popular bassline from a jazz standard such as "A Night in Tunisia" by Dizzy Gillespie, "So What" by Miles Davis, or "Chameleon" by Herbie Hancock, etc. The other two (2) basslines may be from more contemporary/hip hop/pop/rock/metal selections such as "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder, "I Know You Know" by Esperanza Spalding, "Deantown" by Vulfpeck, "Them Changes" by Thundercat, "Hysteria" by Muse, etc.
    

Please do not hesitate to reach out directly to our bass professor, Tristen Jarvis, for any questions or clarifications on audition repertoire.

NOTE: All those auditioning are expected to perform without accompaniment.

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: Jazz Studies (B.M.)

Audition Requirements:

1. Choose one (1) song from each of the following categories:
   1. One (1) 12-bar blues, in the key and tempo of your choice, with a melody/head of your choice.
   2. One (1) jazz standard.
   3. One (1) ballad.
2. Sing the melody of one (1) of your prepared pieces. This is so we can hear your sense of pitch and tonality, not for vocal quality, style, or time feel.

For song ideas, please see the recommended repertoire below. Another good source for songs is JazzStandards.com. If you have prepared a transcription of an improvised solo (either published or self-transcribed), you are encouraged to perform that as well.

Plan the rundown (arrangements) for your tunes so that the total amount of music is no more than 10 minutes.

Interview Requirements:

1. Speak with a member of our Jazz Studies faculty and ask any specific questions you may have about the Jazz Studies degree program. Approximately 10 minutes.

Additional Thoughts:

Try to relax. These things can make us tense. An audition is just a chance for you to meet us and for us to learn about you and your musicianship. We’re excited to hear you!

Degree Page: Music (B.A.)

Double Bass Audition Requirements:

15 minutes of your best playing, which may include, but is not limited to:

1. One (1) three-octave scale of your choice - major, minor, or any mode you choose; OR three (3) two-octave scales of your choice - major, minor or any mode you choose.
2. Two (2) contrasting orchestral excerpts demonstrating technical and expressive skills. The current popular "canon" features excerpts from Mozart (symphonies No. 35, 39, and 40), Beethoven (symphonies 5, 7, and 9), and Brahms (symphonies 1 and 2), as well as works by Tchaikovsky, Strauss, Mahler, and Shostakovich.
3. Three (3) works of contrasting style demonstrating technical and expressive skills. One (1) selection should be from a major work, such as a movement from a concerto, sonata, suite, or comparable piece.
    

Other music to be considered may include unaccompanied J.S. Bach, jazz standards from the Great American Song Book, concert pieces, an etude, popular music transcription, or other piece of your choosing. We encourage you to select a piece by an underrepresented and/or living composer.  

OR

Electric Bass Audition Requirements:

15 minutes of your best playing, which may include, but is not limited to:

1. One (1) two-octave scale of your choice - major, minor, or any mode you choose; OR three (3) one-octave scales of your choice - major, minor or any mode you choose.
2. Two (2) contrasting "solos" demonstrating technical and expressive skills. For example, a short piece like "Portrait of Tracy" by Jaco Pastorius or a movement of classical music from J.S. Bach's Suites for Solo Cello transcribed/ arranged for the bass.
3. Three (3) basslines of contrasting style demonstrating technical and expressive skills. One (1) selection should be a popular bassline from a jazz standard such as "A Night in Tunisia" by Dizzy Gillespie, "So What" by Miles Davis, or "Chameleon" by Herbie Hancock, etc. The other two (2) basslines may be from more contemporary/hip hop/pop/rock/metal selections such as "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder, "I Know You Know" by Esperanza Spalding, "Deantown" by Vulfpeck, "Them Changes" by Thundercat, "Hysteria" by Muse, etc.
    

Please do not hesitate to reach out directly to our bass professor, Tristen Jarvis, for any questions or clarifications on audition repertoire.

NOTE: All those auditioning are expected to perform without accompaniment.

Degree Page: Music Education (B.M.)

Double Bass Audition Requirements:

15 minutes of your best playing, which may include, but is not limited to:

1. One (1) three-octave scale of your choice - major, minor, or any mode you choose; OR three (3) two-octave scales of your choice - major, minor or any mode you choose.
2. Two (2) contrasting orchestral excerpts demonstrating technical and expressive skills. The current popular "canon" features excerpts from Mozart (symphonies No. 35, 39, and 40), Beethoven (symphonies 5, 7, and 9), and Brahms (symphonies 1 and 2), as well as works by Tchaikovsky, Strauss, Mahler, and Shostakovich.
3. Three (3) works of contrasting style demonstrating technical and expressive skills. One (1) selection should be from a major work, such as a movement from a concerto, sonata, suite, or comparable piece.
    

Other music to be considered may include unaccompanied J.S. Bach, jazz standards from the Great American Song Book, concert pieces, an etude, popular music transcription, or other piece of your choosing. We encourage you to select a piece by an underrepresented and/or living composer.  

OR

Electric Bass Audition Requirements:

15 minutes of your best playing, which may include, but is not limited to:

1. One (1) two-octave scale of your choice - major, minor, or any mode you choose; OR three (3) one-octave scales of your choice - major, minor or any mode you choose.
2. Two (2) contrasting "solos" demonstrating technical and expressive skills. For example, a short piece like "Portrait of Tracy" by Jaco Pastorius or a movement of classical music from J.S. Bach's Suites for Solo Cello transcribed/ arranged for the bass.
3. Three (3) basslines of contrasting style demonstrating technical and expressive skills. One (1) selection should be a popular bassline from a jazz standard such as "A Night in Tunisia" by Dizzy Gillespie, "So What" by Miles Davis, or "Chameleon" by Herbie Hancock, etc. The other two (2) basslines may be from more contemporary/hip hop/pop/rock/metal selections such as "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder, "I Know You Know" by Esperanza Spalding, "Deantown" by Vulfpeck, "Them Changes" by Thundercat, "Hysteria" by Muse, etc.
    

Please do not hesitate to reach out directly to our bass professor, Tristen Jarvis, for any questions or clarifications on audition repertoire.


NOTE: All those auditioning are expected to perform without accompaniment.

Degree Page: Music Education and Performance (B.M.)

Double Bass Audition Requirements:

15 minutes of your best playing, which may include, but is not limited to:

1. One (1) three-octave scale of your choice - major, minor, or any mode you choose; OR three (3) two-octave scales of your choice - major, minor or any mode you choose.
2. Two (2) contrasting orchestral excerpts demonstrating technical and expressive skills. The current popular "canon" features excerpts from Mozart (symphonies No. 35, 39, and 40), Beethoven (symphonies 5, 7, and 9), and Brahms (symphonies 1 and 2), as well as works by Tchaikovsky, Strauss, Mahler, and Shostakovich.
3. Three (3) works of contrasting style demonstrating technical and expressive skills. One (1) selection should be from a major work, such as a movement from a concerto, sonata, suite, or comparable piece.
    

Other music to be considered may include unaccompanied J.S. Bach, jazz standards from the Great American Song Book, concert pieces, an etude, popular music transcription, or other piece of your choosing. We encourage you to select a piece by an underrepresented and/or living composer.  
 

OR

Electric Bass Audition Requirements:

15 minutes of your best playing, which may include, but is not limited to:

1. One (1) two-octave scale of your choice - major, minor, or any mode you choose; OR three (3) one-octave scales of your choice - major, minor or any mode you choose.
2. Two (2) contrasting "solos" demonstrating technical and expressive skills. For example, a short piece like "Portrait of Tracy" by Jaco Pastorius or a movement of classical music from J.S. Bach's Suites for Solo Cello transcribed/ arranged for the bass.
3. Three (3) basslines of contrasting style demonstrating technical and expressive skills. One (1) selection should be a popular bassline from a jazz standard such as "A Night in Tunisia" by Dizzy Gillespie, "So What" by Miles Davis, or "Chameleon" by Herbie Hancock, etc. The other two (2) basslines may be from more contemporary/hip hop/pop/rock/metal selections such as "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder, "I Know You Know" by Esperanza Spalding, "Deantown" by Vulfpeck, "Them Changes" by Thundercat, "Hysteria" by Muse, etc.
    

Please do not hesitate to reach out directly to our bass professor, Tristen Jarvis, for any questions or clarifications on audition repertoire.

NOTE: All those auditioning are expected to perform without accompaniment.

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

Double Bass Audition Requirements:

15 minutes of your best playing, which may include, but is not limited to:

1. One (1) three-octave scale of your choice - major, minor, or any mode you choose; OR three (3) two-octave scales of your choice - major, minor or any mode you choose.
2. Two (2) contrasting orchestral excerpts demonstrating technical and expressive skills. The current popular "canon" features excerpts from Mozart (symphonies No. 35, 39, and 40), Beethoven (symphonies 5, 7, and 9), and Brahms (symphonies 1 and 2), as well as works by Tchaikovsky, Strauss, Mahler, and Shostakovich.
3. Three (3) works of contrasting style demonstrating technical and expressive skills. One (1) selection should be from a major work, such as a movement from a concerto, sonata, suite, or comparable piece.
    

Other music to be considered may include unaccompanied J.S. Bach, jazz standards from the Great American Song Book, concert pieces, an etude, popular music transcription, or other piece of your choosing. We encourage you to select a piece by an underrepresented and/or living composer.  

OR

Electric Bass Audition Requirements:

15 minutes of your best playing, which may include, but is not limited to:

1. One (1) two-octave scale of your choice - major, minor, or any mode you choose; OR three (3) one-octave scales of your choice - major, minor or any mode you choose.
2. Two (2) contrasting "solos" demonstrating technical and expressive skills. For example, a short piece like "Portrait of Tracy" by Jaco Pastorius or a movement of classical music from J.S. Bach's Suites for Solo Cello transcribed/ arranged for the bass.
3. Three (3) basslines of contrasting style demonstrating technical and expressive skills. One (1) selection should be a popular bassline from a jazz standard such as "A Night in Tunisia" by Dizzy Gillespie, "So What" by Miles Davis, or "Chameleon" by Herbie Hancock, etc. The other two (2) basslines may be from more contemporary/hip hop/pop/rock/metal selections such as "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder, "I Know You Know" by Esperanza Spalding, "Deantown" by Vulfpeck, "Them Changes" by Thundercat, "Hysteria" by Muse, etc.
    

Please do not hesitate to reach out directly to our bass professor, Tristen Jarvis, for any questions or clarifications on audition repertoire.


NOTE: All those auditioning are expected to perform without accompaniment.

Degree Page: Performance (B.M.)

Audition Requirements:

15 minutes of your best playing, which may include, but is not limited to:

1. One (1) three-octave scale of your choice - major, minor, or any mode you choose; OR three (3) two-octave scales of your choice - major, minor or any mode you choose.
2. Two (2) contrasting orchestral excerpts demonstrating technical and expressive skills. The current popular "canon" features excerpts from Mozart (symphonies No. 35, 39, and 40), Beethoven (symphonies 5, 7, and 9), and Brahms (symphonies 1 and 2), as well as works by Tchaikovsky, Strauss, Mahler, and Shostakovich.
3. Three (3) works of contrasting style demonstrating technical and expressive skills. One (1) selection should be from a major work, such as a movement from a concerto, sonata, suite, or comparable piece.
    

Other music to be considered may include unaccompanied J.S. Bach, jazz standards from the Great American Song Book, concert pieces, an etude, popular music transcription, or other piece of your choosing. We encourage you to select a piece by an underrepresented and/or living composer.  

OR

Electric Bass Audition Requirements:

15 minutes of your best playing, which may include, but is not limited to:

1. One (1) two-octave scale of your choice - major, minor, or any mode you choose; OR three (3) one-octave scales of your choice - major, minor or any mode you choose.
2. Two (2) contrasting "solos" demonstrating technical and expressive skills. For example, a short piece like "Portrait of Tracy" by Jaco Pastorius or a movement of classical music from J.S. Bach's Suites for Solo Cello transcribed/ arranged for the bass.
3. Three (3) basslines of contrasting style demonstrating technical and expressive skills. One (1) selection should be a popular bassline from a jazz standard such as "A Night in Tunisia" by Dizzy Gillespie, "So What" by Miles Davis, or "Chameleon" by Herbie Hancock, etc. The other two (2) basslines may be from more contemporary/hip hop/pop/rock/metal selections such as "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder, "I Know You Know" by Esperanza Spalding, "Deantown" by Vulfpeck, "Them Changes" by Thundercat, "Hysteria" by Muse, etc.
    

Please do not hesitate to reach out directly to our bass professor, Tristen Jarvis, for any questions or clarifications on audition repertoire.

NOTE: All those auditioning are expected to perform without accompaniment.

Degree Page: Sound Recording Technology (B.M.)

Pre-screen Requirements:

1. 10-15 minutes of your best playing. We are happy to hear whatever you have prepared and whatever you feel most excited about playing, even if it is not on a standard college audition list.
    

Audition Requirements:

15 minutes of your best playing, which may include, but is not limited to:

1. One (1) three-octave scale of your choice - major, minor, or any mode you choose; OR three (3) two-octave scales of your choice - major, minor or any mode you choose.
2. Two (2) contrasting orchestral excerpts demonstrating technical and expressive skills. The current popular "canon" features excerpts from Mozart (symphonies No. 35, 39, and 40), Beethoven (symphonies 5, 7, and 9), and Brahms (symphonies 1 and 2), as well as works by Tchaikovsky, Strauss, Mahler, and Shostakovich.
3. Three (3) works of contrasting style demonstrating technical and expressive skills. One (1) selection should be from a major work, such as a movement from a concerto, sonata, suite, or comparable piece.
    

Other music to be considered may include unaccompanied J.S. Bach, jazz standards from the Great American Song Book, concert pieces, an etude, popular music transcription, or other piece of your choosing. We encourage you to select a piece by an underrepresented and/or living composer. 

OR

Electric Bass Audition Requirements:

15 minutes of your best playing, which may include, but is not limited to:

1. One (1) two-octave scale of your choice - major, minor, or any mode you choose; OR three (3) one-octave scales of your choice - major, minor or any mode you choose.
2. Two (2) contrasting "solos" demonstrating technical and expressive skills. For example, a short piece like "Portrait of Tracy" by Jaco Pastorius or a movement of classical music from J.S. Bach's Suites for Solo Cello transcribed/ arranged for the bass.
3. Three (3) basslines of contrasting style demonstrating technical and expressive skills. One (1) selection should be a popular bassline from a jazz standard such as "A Night in Tunisia" by Dizzy Gillespie, "So What" by Miles Davis, or "Chameleon" by Herbie Hancock, etc. The other two (2) basslines may be from more contemporary/hip hop/pop/rock/metal selections such as "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder, "I Know You Know" by Esperanza Spalding, "Deantown" by Vulfpeck, "Them Changes" by Thundercat, "Hysteria" by Muse, etc.
    

Please do not hesitate to reach out directly to our bass professor, Tristen Jarvis, for any questions or clarifications on audition repertoire.


NOTE: All those auditioning are expected to perform without accompaniment.

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.

Degree Page: Sound Recording Technology (B.M.)

Pre-screen Requirements:

1. Two jazz standards that contrast in style or tempo. See below for recommended repertoire.

Audition Requirements:

1. Choose one (1) song from each of the following categories:
   1. One (1) 12-bar blues, in the key and tempo of your choice, with a melody/head of your choice.
   2. One (1) jazz standard.
   3. One (1) ballad.
2. Sing the melody of one (1) of your prepared pieces. This is so we can hear your sense of pitch and tonality, not for vocal quality, style, or time feel.

For song ideas, please see the recommended repertoire below. Another good source for songs is JazzStandards.com. If you have prepared a transcription of an improvised solo (either published or self-transcribed), you are encouraged to perform that as well.

Plan the rundown (arrangements) for your tunes so that the total amount of music is no more than 10 minutes.

Interview Requirements:

1. Speak with a member of our Jazz Studies faculty and ask any specific questions you may have about the Jazz Studies degree program. Approximately 10 minutes.
2. Meet with members of the SRT faculty, practice critical listening skills, and discuss your background in audio engineering thus far. Approximately 20 minutes.

Additional Thoughts:

Try to relax. These things can make us tense. An audition is just a chance for you to meet us and for us to learn about you and your musicianship. We’re excited to hear you!

Program Page: Music Minor

Audition Requirements:

1. One (1) three-octave scale of your choice - major, minor, or any mode you choose.
2. One (1) work such as a movement from a concerto, sonata, stand alone piece, unaccompanied Bach, etude, or other piece of your choosing. We encourage you to select a piece by an underrepresented and/or living composer.

OR

Electric Bass Audition Requirements:

15 minutes of your best playing, which may include, but is not limited to:

1. One (1) two-octave scale of your choice - major, minor, or any mode you choose; OR three (3) one-octave scales of your choice - major, minor or any mode you choose.
2. Two (2) contrasting "solos" demonstrating technical and expressive skills. For example, a short piece like "Portrait of Tracy" by Jaco Pastorius or a movement of classical music from J.S. Bach's Suites for Solo Cello transcribed/ arranged for the bass.
3. Three (3) basslines of contrasting style demonstrating technical and expressive skills. One (1) selection should be a popular bassline from a jazz standard such as "A Night in Tunisia" by Dizzy Gillespie, "So What" by Miles Davis, or "Chameleon" by Herbie Hancock, etc. The other two (2) basslines may be from more contemporary/hip hop/pop/rock/metal selections such as "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder, "I Know You Know" by Esperanza Spalding, "Deantown" by Vulfpeck, "Them Changes" by Thundercat, "Hysteria" by Muse, etc.
    

Please do not hesitate to reach out directly to our bass professor, Tristen Jarvis, for any questions or clarifications on audition repertoire.
 

NOTE: Auditions for the Music Minor take place once a student is enrolled at Ithaca College. Please reach out to mtd@ithaca.edu to inquire about an audition date.

NOTE: All those auditioning are expected to perform without accompaniment.