Drum Set

Degree Page: Composition (B.M.)

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: 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.)

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

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:Sound Recording Technology (B.M.)

Pre-screen Requirements:

1. Two (2) songs contrasting in tempo and/or style.

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

• Any blues
• Any rhythm changes
• A tune with changing feels, likeGreen Dolphin St.orNica'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"
   

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;ORthree (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. 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. 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.

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.