Jazz Composition

Prescreening:

• Submit two scores and corresponding recordings of original compositions or arrangements. While recordings of live performances are preferable, MIDI and computer-generated recordings are also acceptable.
• In addition, submit a video of yourself singing/playing and improvising on a standard, original or jazz composition. We prefer that this submission include one or more musicians playing with you live. If that is not possible, play-along accompaniment is allowed. We welcome additional materials, including recordings of original music, and music you have produced.

Final Auditions:

• Submit one or two additional scores (this will total 3 or 4 scores including those submitted with prescreening) in PDF format, with accompanying audio recordings if possible. While original compositions are preferred, one arrangement or recomposition may be included. 
• Bring one copy of each score
• All applicants invited for live auditions should be prepared to perform from memory and improvise on a standard, original or jazz composition different from the one included in prescreening.

Recorded Auditions (video only):

Applicants who choose to submit final recorded auditions must still submit prescreening requirements as part of the online application. Applicants who pass the prescreening round will be invited to submit a final recorded audition. We will not review recordings submitted without a completed application.

Repertoire and portfolio requirements for the final recorded audition:

• Submit one or two additional scores (this will total 3 or 4 scores including those submitted with prescreening) in PDF format, with accompanying audio recordings if possible. While original compositions are preferred, one arrangement or recomposition may be included. 
• In addition, applicants to the Jazz Composition major should submit a video of themselves playing and improvising on a standard, original or jazz composition different from the one included in the prescreening. As with the prescreening, we prefer that this submission include one or more musicians playing with you live. If that is not possible, play-along accompaniment is allowed.

General Notes:

• A live rhythm section should be used, if at all possible.
• NEC encourages applicants to submit diverse repertoire, including works composed by women, people from historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, and/or musicians from one’s own cultural background.