Admission Requirements
Both incoming freshmen and transfer students are accepted into the Jazzschool Institute based on the following:
- A completed application form including a personal statement outlining your past accomplishments, future objectives and how and why you believe the Jazzschool Institute will help you realize them.
- An official high school transcript for incoming freshmen; official high school and college transcripts for incoming transfer students (See Transfer Students on Bachelor of Music Degree). Transcripts should be sent directly to the Jazzschool Institute. Please note: photocopies of transcripts will not be accepted.
- Two original letters of recommendation, one of which is from a professional musician and/ or music educator familiar with your work and professional objectives. Please note: photocopies will not be accepted.
- A live audition. Students living more than a 150-mile radius from the Jazzschool Institute
may substitute a DVD of their playing in lieu of a live audition. (See Audition and Placement Exam, next section).
- A placement exam (theory and ear training). (See Audition and Placement Exam, below).
Audition and Placement Exam
Audition
All freshmen and transfer students applying for admission into the Jazzschool Institute must come for a live audition prior to acceptance. Auditions are held on-site. Please email josh@jazzschoolinstitute.org or call the Jazzschool Institute at 510.845.5373 to schedule an audition appointment. Please note: pre-recorded performance samples on a DVD are accepted in lieu of a live audition for students living more than 150 miles from the Jazzschool Institute.
Students must be prepared to perform and improvise over the following material: a medium- tempo 12-bar blues; a ballad; a Latin tune and an up-tempo jazz tune of their choice. They will also be given a short selection to sight-read.
A professional rhythm section is provided.
Placement Exam
All freshman and transfer students admitted into the Jazzschool Institute must schedule an appointment to take a placement exam. The placement exam tests students’ knowledge of music theory, aural skills and keyboard proficiency and is used to determine appropriate placement on the musicianship track.
Placement auditions and exams are held throughout the academic year. For scheduling information or to schedule a consultation, e-mail the Jazzschool Institute: info@jazzschoolinstitute.org or call 510.845.5373.
Application For Admission
Click here to download the Jazzschool Institute Application as a PDF or call 510-845-5373 to have one faxed or mailed to you.
Please send all application materials along with a non-refundable $100 application fee to:
Jazzschool Institute
Office of Admission
2087 Addison Street
Berkeley, CA 94704
