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 at Frost by visiting the web site: www.music.miami.edu.  Also please take a moment to visit our widely acclaimed UM Jazz YouTube channel for over 70 videos of current and recent students

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 2010-2011 audition season (see audition requirements link above). 

NOTE: An audition on campus is strongly preferred over video taped auditions, including the regional audition dates provided by the Frost School.  All things being equal, students who audition in person on campus may be given preference for admission and scholarship aid.  The Frost School has reserved several days during the spring semester for on campus auditions and information sessions, but other arrangements may be made in some circumstances.  We are are relatively small program, and individual attention starts with the admissions process.  We wish to know as much about each applicant as possible, so please feel free to submit supplemental recordings, compositions, links to my space pages, etc.  If you will not be visiting campus for your audition, please contact me so that we may discuss how to make a competitive audition recording.

On Campus Auditions:

Please 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, your audition will be more competitive if you play your tunes from memory.

Regional Auditions:

If you cannot make it to Miami, 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 playback unit.  The Jamey Aebersold accompaniment recordings are acceptable.  Sight-reading, scales, and a brief interview will be included.  Refer to link above for for jazz saxophone audition requirements. 

Video Recorded Auditions:

Please submit a good quality digital video recording (DVD).  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 and coach a saxophone quartet in addition to private lessons. All jazz saxophone students have the opportunity to study with me for 4-6 semesters. I present regular master classes for the entire saxophone studio, and myself and other faculty attend 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 for 2011-2014 is Mark Small.

Acceptance ratio:

Admission on jazz saxophone is 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.

Target enrollment is 3-4 undergraduate jazz saxophone majors/principals each year, along with 2-3 graduate jazz saxophonists. 

Applicant's Private Study/Preparation:

Most jazz saxophone applicants (including "non performance" majors) have had private study.  Many have a head start on flute/clarinet/and/or piano, although this is not a prerequisite for admission.

Applicant's Grades:

In addition to the instrumental audition, grades, class rank, and SAT scores play a significant role in admission.  However, it is possible for strong 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.  Contact either myself or the Frost School of Music admissions office for details.


Gary Keller

Adjunct Associate Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies

Frost School of Music, University of Miami

e-mail: gkeller@miami.edu