Graduate Admissions, Auditions, Scholarships and Graduate Assistantships

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

The applicant should prepare at least three tunes of contrasting styles and tempos from the standard jazz repertoire such as Stella by Starlight, Dolphin Dance, Giant Steps, or Anthropology. The melody should be stated in a convincing jazz style followed by improvised choruses. Sight-reading, scales, and chords 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.

Amplifiers for guitar and bass will be provided at the Cincinnati auditions but not at regional sites.

Performers on instruments other than saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass or drums should contact the Director of Jazz Studies about special jazz audition procedures.

Scholarships

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

Graduate Assistantships

Several Graduate Assistantships are awarded in Jazz Studies. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of performance and/or writing ability in the jazz idiom. Teaching experience is very desirable but not required. Computer skills are also very desirable. Depending on the qualifications of the applicant, duties may include coaching jazz combos, directing a big band, teaching improvisation, arranging, or secondary jazz piano, supervision of the Jazz Music Library, supervision of the Jazz Recordings Library, supervision of the Jazz Computer and Recording Studio, office work, equipment supervision, sound reinforcement and recording, or assisting the 12 jazz faculty members.

Awards cover full tuition plus stipend. Applications for graduate assistantships will be reviewed beginning on the first audition date in January. They will be considered until appointments are made.

Jazz at CCM | Undergraduate Degrees & Curriculum | Undergraduate Admissions, Auditions & Scholarships
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