School of music

In a prospective drums concentration audition, students must play three memorized works chosen from one or more genres (pop, rock, classical, jazz, country, urban, hip-hop, gospel, Latin) that exemplify their technical ability and artistic expression. A committee of faculty will observe and engage the student in follow-up discussion.

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

• The following skills will also be explored in the audition:

• 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 

• 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/Keyboard
• Audio PA/Mixer with inputs for smart phone or keyboard or other player (no CDs)
• Microphone
• Amplifier for bass, guitar, and keyboard
• Drum kit (5-piece), marimba
• Music stand

Online Submission Requirements:

If an in-person audition is not possible, students may upload videos to YouTube and submit unlisted links to Director John Buteyn ([email protected]). Please slate each video with your name and intended degree concentration. In addition to the three requested pieces, also include:

• A brief statement regarding your music reading and sight-reading abilities.
• A short "styles tour" demonstrating four measures of swing, shuffle, rock, funk, Latin beats, and jazz ballad with brushes (please omit any style already demonstrated in your song submissions).