Tips on Auditioning for a Jazz Conservatory

[@sebastiansalazar122]

0:11 He said hello in the pitches that continue the melody 😂

[@crazybunkum]

Playing without music is where we all want to get to, also learning music by ear, whether or not this is too high a bar for music college audition. I don’t know what the requirements are but I think asking for a well known blues head and a couple of choruses of improv from memory would be a reasonable request of anyone trying to make it in the industry.

[@hifreq-therapy1058]

Not really. The bar is ridiculously high, at least here in Europe. You actually have to play like a semi-professional to make it into music school.

[@crazybunkum]

HiFreq-Therapy That’s what I thought - but the comments here suggested to me that some people thought memorizing was a big deal. I’m interested in any more information you have although I’m far too old to consider auditioning 😀

[@hifreq-therapy1058]

@@crazybunkum Hi, I can give you some insight into auditioning for the university teaching program here in Germany. I am preparing to audition in June next year for (Jazz) guitar as major and singing as minor. Actually the professors let you play your audition pieces to them in advance, if you seek them out. I, for example, am preparing Misty by Eroll Garner, but with modern jazz, bebop-influenced improv. Actually, being able to play over changes in bebop-fashion is the requirement of most serious jazz conservatory in Europe. As second tune I have to prepare a non-jazz related song, for which I choose the Tommy-Emmanuel Version of Classical Gas (Don't confuse with the original, this one is guitaristically and musically advanced.) For Singing you have to sing one song accompanied by yourself, one acapella and perform a poem. You take a theory test, as well (which is actually the easiest part). A bit harder is the aural test, where you have to identify triads, inversions, intervals, scales and functional harmony in context of a reference tone (usually the 1 of the corresponding scale). Last but not least you have to transcribe simple melodies (with reference tone of course) and complex rhythms by ear. Even if you pass all test, the available places are distributed statistically amongst the best of each instrument. I hope this wasn't too in-depth, but my fingers hurt, so I have to give them a rest.^^

[@hifreq-therapy1058]

Most schools also require you to play the piano quite confidently.

[@crazybunkum]

HiFreq-Therapy Thanks for all that - really appreciated. Good luck with your auditions next year. What’s the jazz music scene like in Germany? Just discovered Dave Baker’s books on Bebop on Scribd which are good to get you started, me anyway.

[@charlesblagrove8977]

I love how yall decided to post this video after college started.😑

[@clarkmccormack8618]

Good advice from a true sax player. Myself i literally play every instrument in the book and have been since turning 5 except for sax which i didn't start until 07. Reading music is something i've stayed away from as my belief being it's not really knowing the song and a lot of sheet music when performed that way has a lot of mistakes in the chord structures and melody with many folks who simply solo in the wrong part of the song. Everything i perform begins with listening and learning from the composer who created the song and usually i'll listen one maybe twice and can remember it note for note. I'm also into creating my own backing instrumentals which has always been a real challenge but very rewarding along the satisfaction seeing others smile enjoying themselves. In my estimation learning the song by listening just makes for a much better player and an audience can always tell if one does it from the heart. People like Charlie Parker for example poured out their feeling and emotions in every song they did which is why he was great. Keep up the good work and you're a great professor and musician! ....Clark

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

The professor talks sense. Blues songs are not classical pieces that go on for 12 sheets of music or more. Most blues songs are built around 12 bars of progressions, and that's it.

[@BriansThing]

I shared with my students! Thanks so much for posting this 🎷🎷🎷

[@user-ky5ik1tl8p]

I'm right now studying "au privave" for my jazz school audition, so watching this video hit different!

[@katherineryanmusic]

Love this! A great reminder for everyone - diligently listening is key.

[@jacobbritton7359]

Gary Bartz is the man!

[@serseriherif9530]

Hey I have a question, does age influence your chances of being admitted even if you 'play well enough'? I'm asking as someone who has almost finished his uni career and would like to pursue music

[@tommyhodgman4102]

I knew a jazz guitarist who was about 26 when he started his undergrad degree in music ed / jazz studies at the University of Michigan, which has a well respected jazz program. So as far I am concerned, I don’t think age plays a role in your chances of getting in but I don’t know for sure

[@maxadams9368]

I would assume not because from what I can tell, most auditions are blind auditions where the person conducting the audition has their back turned to the student. So I would assume age plays no part

[@serseriherif9530]

@@maxadams9368 that's great to know, thanks a lot :)

[@chriswisejazz]

@@maxadams9368 Never heard of a blind college audition. They generally ask you questions and want to see how you play to see if you are teachable. These are not professional auditions, which actually rarely exist in jazz unless it's a military band. Orchestra auditions, sure, many are blind.

[@EgeErdem]

yaptın mı?

[@promerker1892]

If I was already perfect at this, why would I need to go to a conservatory

[@shaonantriggersu4886]

This is only a start point to learn jazz...

[@thadiusventricle6752]

I never heard anyone talk about perfection. He talked about dedication to music as evidenced by having taken the time to commit to memory a tune of intermediate complexity. If you are 17 or 18 and intend to study music seriously, this should be easy. If it is difficult at all one should probably examine why it is so difficult. Perhaps you are not feeling the music. Perhaps you are not committed to work diligently. A school like Oberlin is filled with students from all over the world with one thing in common: they are each fascinated enough by music to work hard at it on a lifelong basis. These students generally feel genuinely at home among others so similarly inclined. Someone who can not relate to that level of interest in music would, frankly feel out of place there. Some have an ego-driven fantasy about attending MIT. However, while curious about math and science, I’m not sufficiently talented to figure out calculus or physics on my own. Equations do not run through my head all day. If someone else figures something out in this realm, fantastic! It won’t be me. I would have been miserable and felt inadequate in a realm where everyone was obsessed with math and science. Music is a different story. Music theory, melodies, harmonies and rhythms run through my head all day. I greatly cherish my time in the Oberlin Jazz Ensemble. Why waste the time and money trying to study something that does not fascinate you?

[@mattildahubbardo]

Too bad this video didn’t get a lot of views, this is an awesome video

[@micah5898]

I mean it just got posted lol.

[@raginbakin1430]

It was uploaded very recently. Give it time and it'll gain steam

[@mattildahubbardo]

Oops guess its still early, my bad

[@mattildahubbardo]

Thanks for the tips Gary Bartz.

[@slightly_tooned]

Oberlin Represent!

[@raileysy9663]

What’s up Nick. This is you... right?

[@slightly_tooned]

Yessir, what’s up Railey!

[@mellotones]

I see you!!!

[@pierreandrewt1347]

holy guacamoly, started off with my favourite tune!

[@MattFoleysGhost]

Yeah, Bird and all them didn't read on stage. But can we talk about how they didn't have to because they already knew it or it was taught to them in passing? I think that's a huge point. We're learning these songs on by reading because they're no longer played. But All The Things You Are was a just a tune Parker liked. It's a clear lesson to play the pop songs of OUR day. Forget wether their worthy, if you like a tune, play it. Radiohead belongs on the bandstand as much as The Real Book right now. In some ways, moreso. Otherwise Jazz deserves it's obscurity.

[@rekindled3624]

Well it has to be said that pop music was a very different thing back then. In Bird's times, it was more about composition, now it's more about the sounds and textures, more about the production than the musicianship involved. Which is not necessarily a bad thing you know, but it can be annoying from a musician's perspective. It's very difficult to use the same approach the early great had to today's pop music.

[@jman12849]

I agree. If Thelonious Monk never existed up until now, he wouldn't get accepted into a conservatory most likely

[@3340steve]

Hmmm...i have no argument with learning songs by heart but please lets stop pretending that young people have to memorize the 100 essential jazz standards...develop your ear by playing along with records of master players, yes indeed, but stop thinking a college age player is suddenly ready to deal with the emotional content in most of the jazz standards...takes time, folks, let students grow...BTW...its OK if you play alto saxophone and dont imitate CHARLIE PARKER..OK ? Love you all who even want to put the time in....we need you. Peace.

[@Rozinante61]

3340steve Wonderful response! Many thanks.

[@freda8586]

Gary Bartz!

[@alejandrosax7094]

very interessant advice. I learnt pat Metheny's tune "last train home" years ago on guitar and is part of my repertoire till today. I remember first listening over and over again this song because I love this composition, and I did that before begin to learn to play them. And when I give the score to musiciens when I begin a new project, the musicians try to play the melody, it don't sound well, there are always a diffrence. They are reading. Not listening.

[@jaimemartin6171]

Wow, the reed

[@alansenzaki4148]

What do you think of young altoist Zoe Abadia? I think she has a great ear and a natural way of developing a solo. Very talented and last i heard has a Temperley scholarship at Julliard and a substitute at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Have you heard her?

[@martyg374]

I agree with the ear, but I look for tone, creativity, technique, timing, phrasing, AND I want to hear you play Blues. Complex tunes and arrangements WILL require you to read onstage.

[@sameer9478]

what did he play in the begging

[@wammytammy]

Au Privave by the great Charlie Parker

[@hornzbop1804]

GAAAARRRYYYY BARTZ!!!!!. a pleasure to see you sir. your music is amazing.maaaaan, your music, style, maaan...thank you. wooow.

[@jameskyle3466]

I'll be applying to the Prague conservatory next year with drums and bass guitar... I'm scared as hell. But it's that or nothing, my only talent in life..

[@walteryockdewitt7209]

I want to apply there or in Graz, Austria, do you have to do an audition? And what about the language?

[@lingling7783]

wheres the tune from

[@theludicrouslime]

Ling Ling It’s Au Privave by Charlie Parker

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

@@theludicrouslime Who is Charlie Parker?

[@theludicrouslime]

Zvonimir Tosic One of the most influential and skilled musicians of not only the bebop era but the 20th century who redefined jazz and laid the foundation for jazz to come. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest saxophonists of all time and his legacy cannot be understated.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

@@theludicrouslime Thank you. But I was only joking. :)

[@Alpha-ut2ju]

Zvonimir Tosic ayo tho who’s john coltrane and this “ giant steps thing whatever that is shoo jk jk

[@viscosity7893]

hmm that's a hot take but what do I know

[@mohopbela5791]

If you can play good as the qualification required, whats the point to enter the school? If you can teach stupid student, and change to a killer playing than your school is great

[@Yo-sb9st]

That’s the bare minimum. You still need to be decent at playing changes and just cuz you can play a tune doesn’t mean ur too good for school. Playing the tune means nothing, it’s about how you sound on it, and you can always sound wayyyyy better. No 18 year old is “too good” to learn from the master, Gary Bartz.

[@zacha7856]

you will never reach a point where you are “too good” for a school

[@Gabrielm624]

I go to a jazz conservatory, why am I watching this?

[@ok-ms3ke]

Yes

[@MclMauser]

E A R

[@ernstaugustvonsachsen6925]

I honestly don't get the point of this video. Where I'm from being able to play a bunch of tunes from memory and playing them tastefully, in tune as well as improvising over the changes by ear is the bare minimum for getting into any jazz conservatory. If you're not able to do that you don't even apply. So why make a whole video about it? I thought jazz players in the US were much better on average than those in Europe?

[@Kyo10001]

Your reed is too hard, mans

[@issaccamarena8644]

Umm, you're absolutely wrong.. he is subtoning his playing to smooth it out. Please don't make dumb remarks..

[@joshobyrne8611]

Issac Camarena he’s playing a 5

[@issaccamarena8644]

@@joshobyrne8611 Sorry, but how do you know?

[@joshobyrne8611]

Issac Camarena Mr Bartz used to be my teacher, I know for a legitimate fact he uses size five reeds

[@issaccamarena8644]

@@joshobyrne8611 But would you say that he plays them well?

[@natrixxvision6997]

What is this guy talking about? Musicians sight-read on the gig all the time. If it's a tribute band, the lead singer might have a sheet of lyrics as a reference. Having music on the stand on a gig doesn't make you a bad musician. If it helps you to reference a chart and your bandleader isn't named Max Roach, then go for it. I'm glad I didn't go to Oberlin.

[@tromboneman4517]

At a certain point, the music should be ingrained into you from memory. But agreed. Using sheet music literally isn’t an indication of talent/seriousness generally speaking.

[@natrixxvision6997]

@@tromboneman4517 There also are ways to use sheet music without looking at it ALL THE TIME. Let’s try to find those instead of forming a clique that no one is allowed to play jazz if they use sheet music. Otherwise he can have his horn shoved up his ass for all I care.