Jazz Auditions
Travelling to Audition
We encourage you to attend a live audition if it is safe to do so. Please refer to the latest Covid-19 travel guidelines from the UK government if you intend to travel from overseas.
If you wish to submit a recorded audition, please note the following:
- Please ensure that you select ‘RECORDED’ in the audition venue field of the application form.
- Instructions about how to upload your video will be sent to you after the application closing date.
- The deadline for all uploaded audition videos is Friday 28 October 2022.
Submitting a recorded audition will not impact on the result of your application. However, attending in person means that you will gain the full benefit of a visit to the school.
Audition Process
Thank you for showing an interest in studying at Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Below you will find all the information on how to apply.
We want to assure you that we understand that everyone will experience the audition process differently. We want you to play well on the day of your audition and we are keen that you enjoy the experience. We recognise that everyone who walks through the doors of our school is a unique individual – and that is just how we will treat you! The School strives to nurture an inclusive and diverse community.
The Guildhall Jazz Department acknowledges the rich cultural heritage of this art form. We are pleased to recognise the prolific contribution to the jazz canon made by musicians of Afro-American, Caribbean and South African heritage. The Guildhall Jazz Department strives to comprehensively reflect the diversity of jazz in its programming and curriculum of study.
Please find our audition requirements below.
Live Auditions
Audition requirements are the same for all jazz programmes (BMus, Guildhall Artist Masters and Artist Diploma), but the expected standard of performance/submissions is higher for our postgraduate courses.
1. Repertoire
One tune from list A and one from list B. Play/sing the head then improvise a solo. Rhythm section candidates will also be expected to comp. Download the leadsheets.
A) Great American Songbook:
- East of the Sun
- Just Friends
- I'll Remember April
- Oh, Lady Be Good
B) Jazz Standard
- Recorda Me
- Lester Leaps In
- Blue Monk
- Confirmation
2. Notation plus commentary
Submit some notation and a short commentary. This could be:
- A score or lead sheet of a piece you have composed, together with some notes about the piece (maybe describing the harmony, how you developed your melodic/rhythmic ideas etc.)
- Notation of your transcription (see 3 below) together with a short analysis of it.
- A page of preparation for soloing on one of the repertoire pieces – perhaps outlining guide tones, short phrases from solos you have heard on this piece etc.
These are only suggestions – we would like to see how you use music notation and the language you use to describe it. Hand-written music or computer notation are both acceptable.
Please submit these as PDFs at least one week before your audition to jazz@gsmd.ac.uk, quoting your application reference number.
3. Transcription
Performance of an excerpt (minimum 32 bars) of a solo you have transcribed. You should perform this along with the original recording – please bring this on a device with a 3.5mm output jack.
4. Interview
A short discussion with the panel about you and about music.
Recorded Auditions
Audition requirements are the same for all jazz programmes (BMus, Guildhall Artist Masters and Artist Diploma), but the expected standard of performance/submissions is higher for our postgraduate courses.
1. Repertoire
A video recording of you performing one tune from list A and one from list B (as above).
Lead sheets and backing tracks are provided by the department in two keys to suit vocal ranges. The supplied backing tracks must be used. Download the leadsheets and backing tracks.
2. Notation plus commentary
Submit some notation and a short commentary. This could be:
- A score or lead sheet of a piece you have composed, together with some notes about the piece (maybe describing the harmony, how you developed your melodic/rhythmic ideas etc.)
- Notation of your transcription (see 3 below) together with a short analysis of it.
- A page of preparation for soloing on one of the repertoire pieces – perhaps outlining guide tones, short phrases from solos you have heard on this piece etc.
These are only suggestions – we would like to see how you use music notation and the language you use to describe it. Hand-written music or computer notation are both acceptable.
Please submit these as PDFs by no later than 9am on Monday 5 December to jazz@gsmd.ac.uk, quoting your application reference number.
3. Transcription
Submit a video performance of an excerpt (minimum 32 bars) of a solo you have transcribed. You should perform this to the original recording.
Audition Requirements: Composition and Arranging*
Live (in-person) and online auditions
If you are applying as a principal study composer/arranger (as opposed to an instrumentalist/vocalist) you should submit a portfolio of three contrasting works. These should all contain passages for improvisation and be scored for ensembles which include a rhythm section.
Recordings (MP3) and scores (PDF) are required; computer demos are acceptable if a live recording is not possible.
If you are attending in person your audition will include a short discussion with the panel about you and about music.
For live auditions, please send the MP3s and PDFs to jazz@gsmd.ac.uk, quoting your application reference number, at least one week prior to your interview.
For recorded auditions please submit your materials as described above. Please include a page or two describing the pieces you have submitted and some information about yourself. We are particularly interested to know what instruments you play.