Jazz Audition Requirements

The audition requirements listed below are for the following options ONLY:

BACHELOR OF ARTS - Music Education
BACHELOR OF ARTS - Music Industry Studies
BACHELOR OF ARTS - Music Therapy
BACHELOR OF MUSIC - Composition
BACHELOR OF MUSIC - Commercial & Media Writing

BA Jazz Audition Requirements:

All BA Jazz students must submit a pre-screen performance as part of our music application process. Once you apply to CSUN, you will receive the music department audition application. The pre-screen deadline for Fall 2025 admission is JANUARY 15th 2025, (except for graduate students and international students, who are encouraged to apply as soon as possible).

1. All applicants: Major scales in all 12 keys, minimum of 2 octaves per scale. For drummers, please play these on a mallet instrument or piano.

2. All applicants: One of the following jazz standards. Demonstrate your ability to play a melody with good time feel, function in a traditional manner on your instrument, and improvise for two choruses. Do not exceed 5 minutes on this recorded tune. For Pianists and Guitarists: Accompany the melody with chordal support on your instrument.

All The Things You Are
There Will Never Be Another You
Billie's Bounce
Sonny Moon for Two
Blue Bossa

3. For Drummers: Record 8 measures of the following styles: swing, rock, funk, and Latin groove of your choice.

4. Optional for all applicants: One additional piece of your choice that demonstrates your musical interests. Do not exceed 5 minutes on this recorded piece.

Links to Backing Tracks for preparation of your pre-screen recording

Note: These links will also be available on your music audition application.