Audition for Guitar
Students interested in entering the Bachelor of Music degree pathways are invited to audition in person or virtually with Professor Jake Hanlon.
Studying Guitar at X focuses on the 3 T’s: Tone, Time and Taste. Students will learn the instrument thoroughly and be prepared to tackle the musical world with strong reading, writing and accompaniment skills.
Applicants who audition before March 1st are more likely to qualify for entrance scholarships.
Applicants are strongly encouraged (when possible) to audition in person.
Requirements:
Prepare 2 pieces from the options below and be able to play the Melody, play the chord changes in a jazz style and improvise/prepare a solo. You are required to bring your own backing tracks or provide a link to one. If you prefer to audition over a different jazz standard, please contact Professor Hanlon to make sure that it is appropriate.
Autumn Leaves
Blue Bossa
Someday my Prince Will Come
There Will Never be Another You
Beautiful Love
Rhythm Changes (Anthropology, oleo etc.)
Blues (Tenor Madness, Billy’s Bounce etc.)
Black Orpheus
Lady Bird
Tune Up
St Thomas
Students will be asked to sight read a small passage of notated music and/or chord changes.
Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of basic guitar knowledge
- Major Scales, Minor scales, Pentatonic Scales
- Arpeggios of the triads of the Major Scale
- Root position drop 2 or 3 voicings
- Pitch location on each string
Students may be asked to isolate specifics in their audition materials such as chord voicings and demonstrate further “How many ways can you play that Fmaj7 chord?”
Suggestions:
You are welcome to perform a 3rd selection of your choosing. Show us what it is that you can do now, a folk song, a classical piece, Hendrix, it’s up to you. I want to see what makes you excited to play the guitar outside of a prescribed audition. This is optional but recommended.
Applicants are welcome to audition on more contemporary music selections if they would like to. Some suggestions might include (Contusion Stevie Wonder, Little Wing, Jimi Hendrix, Slow Dancing in a Burning Room John Mayer, Hideaway, Freddie King/Eric Clapton, Riviera of Paradice Stevie Ray Vaughn). The Guitar studio focuses on a jazz guitar curriculum as it has the most established pedagogical approach to all American forms of guitar music
Applicants are welcome to contact me for a preparatory lesson on campus. I am happy to meet you and give you an idea of what studying with me at X would be like. Please contact me to book this 30min lesson.
Don’t stress about auditions, be yourself, relax and don’t be afraid to ask questions before, during or after the audition. You’re auditioning me too.
