Undergraduate Admissions, Auditions and Scholarships

Contact the CCM Admissions Office for information on application, auditions, scholarships, and financial aid. A Cincinnati audition is highly recommended, but an audio tape/CD or a regional audition is permitted. Students auditioning at a regional audition should provide their own rhythm section accompanists, or a 'play-along' recording and their own playback equipment.

Vocalists and those who perform on instruments other than saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass or drums should contact the CCM Admissions Office about special jazz audition procedures before completing the application.

BM applicants should prepare at least two tunes of contrasting styles and tempos from the standard jazz repertoire such as Autumn Leaves, Satin Doll, All the Things You Are, Blue Bossa, Meditation, I Can't Get Started, Now's the Time. The melody should be stated in a convincing jazz style followed by improvised choruses. The audition should also include a short 'classical' solo (optional for guitarists and drummers). Sight reading, major and minor scales, and arpeggios may be requested.

Drummers should be prepared, in lieu of the above, to perform varying time feels, including slow to very fast swing, bossa nova, samba, ballad with brushes and funk; to 'trade fours' and to sight read big band parts. A drum set will be provided for CCM auditions but not at regional auditions. Drummers should bring their own drum sticks and brushes (cymbals are optional) but must play the drum set provided. Drummers will also be asked to demonstrate a basic knowledge of reading treble and bass clef.

Vocal jazz applicants should prepare at least three contrasting selections from the standard jazz repertoire. The BM vocal jazz applicant will be asked to demonstrate basic piano skills, a basic knowledge of music theory, and the ability to sight-sing. At least one scat singing selection is recommended.

Students applying for a B.M. in Music Education with an Additional Specialization in Jazz or for a Double Major in Jazz Studies and Music Education will be scheduled for an interview with the Music Education faculty in addition to their jazz audition.

Scholarships

All applicants to CCM are automatically considered for a scholarship based primarily on ability as demonstrated at the audition/interview. Applicants for financial aid based on need must apply to the University Student Financial Aid Office. Contact the CCM Admissions Office for additional information about talent-based scholarships, academic-based scholarships and need-based aid. Please note carefully the deadlines for all scholarship and financial aid applications.

Jazz at CCM | Undergraduate Degrees & Curriculum | Undergraduate Admissions, Auditions & Scholarships
| Graduate Degrees & Curriculum | Graduate Admissions, Auditions, Scholarships & Graduate Assistantships
| Faculty | Visiting Jazz Artists | Course Descriptions