Audition Requirements For Percussion and Drums (Popular Music)

Prospective percussion/drum concentration students must play a memorized audition consisting of three works chosen from one or more genres (pop, rock, classical, jazz, country, urban, hip-hop, gospel, Latin) that exemplify your technical ability on your instrument, and your artistic expression.

These pieces may be performed with a collaborative musician or recorded tracks. 

Recording and Production Concentration

• Pieces should include a slow tempo (approx. 70 bpm), up tempo selection (120 bpm or faster), and one additional selection 

Songwriting and Performance Concentration

• Pieces should include a slow tempo (approx. 70 bpm), up tempo selection (120 bpm or faster), and one additional selection
• One selection should be an original song/composition

Technical Skills to be Explored

• Trading fours
• Filling
• Brush technique
• Swing, shuffle, rock, funk, Latin grooves
• Scale knowledge (marimba or on a keyboard)
• Chord voicings/spellings (comping and other patterns)
• Sight-reading
• Aural abilities and knowledge of notation or tablature 

Criteria for Evaluation

• Technique
• Tempo and Rhythm
• Improvisation and creativity both within the beat pattern and outside the groove
• Expression and Dynamics 

Equipment Available for Popular Music Major Auditions (upon request)

• Piano
• Microphone
• Audio PA/Mixer with inputs for smart phone or keyboard or other player (no CDs)
• Amplifier for bass and guitar
• Drum Kit
• Music Stands