Auditions: Undergraduate - Jazz Bass

We encourage all applicants to audition in person if possible. Audition registration will be available after prescreen results are sent. Register for a live audition by January 15.

Prescreen Repertoire - Due Dec. 1

A prescreen is required for all applicants who list jazz bass as their primary instrument.  Please review our Prescreen Information page carefully before submission. 

  •  Blues: Choose one of the following: "Billie’s Bounce" (Parker, F), "Sonnymoon for Two" (Rollins, Bb). 150-200 bpm.  Play the melody, walk bass lines for three choruses, solo for two choruses, and play the melody out.

  • Rhythm Changes: "Oleo" (Rollins, Bb) at 190-220 bpm.  Play the melody, walk bass lines for two choruses, solo at least one chorus, and play the melody out. 

  • Scales: Play two major scales of your choosing, two octaves ascending and descending.

Live Audition Repertoire 

  • Blues: A jazz blues melody of your choosing (selection must be different from the prescreen submission).  Play the melody, walk bass lines for three choruses, solo for at least two choruses, then play the melody.

  • Medium Tempo Standard: Choose one of the following:  "Rhythm-a-ning", "Take the A Train", "There Will Never Be Another You", "I’ll Remember April", "All the Things You Are", "On Green Dolphin Street". Play the melody, walk bass lines for two choruses, solo for at least one chorus, play the melody. 

  • Ballad: "Polkadots and Moonbeams".  Play the melody, improvise for 16 bars, then play the melody for the remainder of the chorus.