IMPORTANT: Acceptance to the BM in Jazz studies is determined by live or recorded audition along with application to City College. To enter the BM program you must be admitted to both City College and the Jazz Program itself. You should apply to the university before your audition date.
BM Fall Acceptance Deadline: February 1st
BM Spring Acceptance Deadline: September 15th
Video Audition deadlines:
March 15 for Fall Admission
October 15 for Spring Admission
Video Submissions Only
A separate application is required to be accepted to the university, CUNY. Deadlines are September 15 for Spring admission and February 1 for Fall admission. Click here to apply to CUNY.
Please paste unlisted YouTube links into the BM Audition Appication (for link, click “Auditions” and “Deadlines.” When completed click “submit.”
NOTE: Send BM Audition Application (that includes the audition video links) to jazz program; send general CUNY application with transcripts, TOEFL, etc. to admissions
BM Audition Requirements for Instrumentalists
Students should prepare one song from each these four categories. A bassist and pianist will be provided for your accompaniment. Horn players should play the melody and improvise on the form of the tune. Guitarists, pianists and bassists should play the melody, improvise on the form, and comp for another instrument. Drummers should trade 4’s, 8’s, or take a solo over the form of the tune.
Repertoire:
- 12-Bar Blues: Straight No Chaser, C Jam Blues, Billie’s Bounce, Blue Monk
- Standard: All the Things You Are, Autumn Leaves, Bye-Bye Blackbird, Green Dolphin Street, Softly As In a Morning Sunrise
- Ballad: Body & Soul, My Funny Valentine, Lover Man, Old Folks, Soul Eyes
- Jazz Standard: Song for My Father, Confirmation, Oleo, Ladybird, Dolphin Dance, St. Thomas, Anthropology
Please record your audition video with a pianist, guitarist, band or play along track. A capella recordings will not be accepted.
BM Audition Requirements for Vocalists
Please submit 3 videos — one from each of the following categories:
1. Swing: Perform two choruses of a standard swing tune, demonstrating improvisation with scat syllables or lyrics in the second chorus.
Examples of a jazz standard swing tune: Autumn Leaves, Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise, Alone Together, A Beautiful Friendship, Just Friends, Lullaby of Birdland, I’ve Got the World on a String
2. Ballad: Perform 1-1/2 choruses of a standard ballad. After completing one chorus, go back to the bridge or second half and sing the tune with alterations (improvisation).
Examples of a jazz standard ballad: My Foolish Heart, Body and Soul, My Funny Valentine, In a Sentimental Mood, Angel Eyes.
3. Brazilian: Perform 2 choruses of a Brazilian tune. May be sung in either English or Portuguese.
Please record your audition videos with a pianist, guitarist, band or play along track. A capella recordings will not be accepted.
Last Updated: 03/08/2026 17:13