Admission to the Music Department

Guitar, Jazz - specific audition requirements

Scales

• All major, minor, and blues scales, two octaves (at least 2 fingerings)
• Major and minor arpeggios, two octaves (at least 2 fingerings)
• Chord voicings for major 7th, minor 7th, and dominant 7th chords (at least two root-position voicings for each - one rooted on the 6th string and one rooted on the 5th string)

 

Sightreading

• Expect a short excerpt from a "lead sheet" for which the applicant should demonstrate the ability to play the melody and the chord parts independently.

 

Two Contrasting Prepared Pieces

1. Selections should be from the American songbook or jazz standard repertoire (good examples found in the list below)

• American songbook: All the Things You Are, The Days of Wine and Roses, Night and Day, There Will Never Be Another You, etc.
• Jazz standards: Four; Solar; Straight, no Chaser; Lady Bird; Blue Bossa; etc.

2. Applicants for the B.M. Performance degree must perform one of the above selections as a solo/chord melody arrangement. The B.M. Performance applicant should demonstrate the ability to improvise and "comp" in a traditional jazz style over the repertoire chosen for the audition.

 

NOTE: The jazz applicant may request a live accompanist (music must be sent 2 weks in advance). If the applicant brings a prerecorded (CD) accompaniment, a boombox will be provided.

 

 

To schedule an audition, or for more information, please contact:

Audition Coordinator
Moravian College Music Department
1200 Main Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Music Office (610) 861-1650
FAX (610) 861-1657
music@moravian.edu