Thank you for your interest in jazz saxophone at the Frost School of Music. You can find out quite a bit of useful information on jazz study at Frost by visiting the web site: www.music.miami.edu

Here are some answers to FAQ's about jazz saxophone at UM:

Click here for audition requirements for jazz saxophone

Audition procedures for jazz saxophone:

Preliminary auditions will be required for the 08-09 audition season (see audition requirements link above). 

NOTE: Although not mandatory, an audition on campus is strongly preferred over video taped auditions, including the regional audition dates provided by the Frost School.  The Frost School has reserved several days during the semester for on campus auditions and information sessions.  In addition to listed requirements, an on campus audition will contain a harmony and ear training assessment and a personal interview. 

On Campus Auditions:

We are in the process of reorganizing our on campus audition regimen. Please check back or go to the FSOM web site for the latest info (www.music.miami.edu) Refer to link above for complete audition requirements for jazz saxophone.  Although not required, most competitive applicants play their selections from memory.

Regional Auditions:

Regional auditions are video taped for later review by the jazz faculty.  Bring your own accompaniment for the jazz selections (live or prerecorded) and a play back unit.  The Jamey Aebersold accompaniment recordings are acceptable.  Sight-reading, scales, and a brief interview will be included.  Refer to link above for complete audition requirements for jazz saxophone.

Video Recorded Auditions:

Please submit a good quality video recording (digital format preferred).  Refer to the audition requirements link above.

Evaluation of auditions:

Applications will be judged on interpretation of the melody and improvisational skills (melodic and rhythmic development, harmonic accuracy, etc) as well as the scope of the applicants repertoire.  Scales and non-jazz pieces are evaluated on the basis of accuracy and overall musicality (phrasing, articulation, tone and intonation, etc.).  Supplemental audition materials/recordings are welcome and encouraged, but may not be substituted for the listed audition requirements.  Feel free to bring supplemental recordings to your audition.

Facts about the jazz saxophone studio:

The jazz saxophone program at Frost consists of about 15 undergraduate and graduate jazz performance majors/principals. In addition to myself, I have a graduate teaching assistant.  I teach about 10 students each semester, which allows me time to teach an improv class, ear training class, and coach a saxophone quartet in addition to private lessons. All jazz saxophone students have an opportunity to study with me for 4-6 semesters.  Regular master classes are presented for the entire saxophone studio and faculty attends all juries and recitals. Graduate teaching assistants in the jazz department are extraordinarily, most are DMA students and all have extensive teaching and real world experience.  They are among the strongest found at any institution.  My assistant in 08-09 is Matt Vashlishan: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=86686460

Acceptance ratio:

Admission on jazz saxophone is quite competitive in all programs/majors.  Both performance and "non-performance" majors (music industry, music technology, etc.) are required to maintain a high level of skill on their instrument.

3-4 undergraduate jazz saxophone majors/principals are accepted each year along with 1-3 graduate jazz saxophonists.  Although it varies slightly from year to year, roughly one in four undergraduate saxophone students who complete their application and audition are accepted.

Applicant's Private Study/Preparation:

Most jazz saxophone applicants (including "non performance" majors) have had rigorous private study.  Many are also proficient on flute/clarinet/and/or piano.

Grades:

In addition to the instrumental audition, grades, class rank, and SAT scores play a significant role in admission.  However, it is possible for extremely gifted performers with below average grades and/or test scores to be accepted.  All students must maintain satisfactory academic standing to stay in school.  On the flip side, high grades/test scores can transmit into generous academic scholarships.

Other saxophones:

It is helpful, but not required, to own and play more than one member of the saxophone family.

Campus Visit:

I strongly encourage a visit to our campus to observe classes, hear a concert or two, meet professors, and especially talk with current students.  This the best way to get a feel for the Frost School of Music, and we welcome visitors.  Contact both myself or the school of music admissions office for details.


Gary Keller

Adjunct Associate Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies

Frost School of Music, University of Miami

email: gary@garykeller.net