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Commercial Music Performance Audition Requirements

Commercial Music Vocalists should be prepared to perform:

  • Perform two standard commercial music/contemporary compositions in at least two contrasting styles and tempos. No more than one original composition will be allowed. Vocalists may choose to bring an accompanist or sing to a pre-recorded track.
  • Students will be asked to sing a major scale along with some of its modes including Dorian (re to re).
  • Sight-reading (this will not determine admission and is only used for ensemble and course placement).

Commercial Music Instrumentalists should be prepared to perform:

  • Perform two standard commercial music/contemporary compositions in at least two contrasting styles and tempos. No more than one original composition will be allowed.
  • Major scales in all keys, ascending and descending, in eighth notes at metronome marking quarter note = 80.
  • Minor scales in the key of c, g, d, b, and a.
  • Arpeggios on major and minor triads.
  • Arpeggios on major and minor seventh and dominant seventh chords.
  • Sight-reading, standard notation (no tablature - this will not determine admission and is only used for ensemble and course placement).
  • All rhythm section musicians will also be expected to accompany from a chord chart or lead sheet.

Commercial Music drummers should be prepared to perform:

  • Medium swing (quarter note = 150), slow swing (quarter note = 90), fast swing (quarter note = 240+), bossa nova, samba, Afro Cuban 12/8, ballad with brushes, jazz waltz, swing with brushes, straight 8th note rock, hip hop (triplet based rock beat).