violadad

Per binx: <What kinds of lit have they studied; how broad is their rep; how deep?>

Son's rep list, while neither solo or orchestrally light, is very chamber heavy, due to his extensive immersion in that genre. He basically maintains a master, listing all. He will produce "representative" lists depending on the type of application and program. The truncated sections contain a line stating "Representative; full list upon request".

It seems to have worked for him. Others with long lists may want to consider tailoring the list to the program for sake of brevity.

jazzzmomm

His current repertoire list includes which ensemble he performed a piece with. Should that be edited out or changed to indicate whether a piece was performed (like, with a P after it) or memorized (m) or studied (s)--something like that?

violadad

jazzzmom, I not sure I understand your question. The rep list usually includes those pieces only performed publically. To generalize, this would include recitals, hs/yo/ringer performances, competiton, festival, regional/all state/municipal participation, paid and unpaid (church, community/nursing home) gigs, studio presentations.

It might also include pieces currently being worked on at a fairly high level in anticipation of an upcoming performance. As a reference point, my son doesn't add to the list until he's performed the piece.

I just peeked again at son's list (classical performer) and he has the main categories of solo, chamber, orchestal, and Broadway/Pop, and an alpha listing by composer and title within each subsection. I also note that he has some major instrument specific etudes and studies listed as a subhead as well. This format is consistent with what I consider the "norm" for a classical performer.

I don't want to steer you down the wrong path, and the parameters may vary for a jazz musician. In the classical world, it's assumed most solo work is performed from memory; orchestral and ensemble music normally entails the sheet music on a stand in front of the musicians.

Perhaps the nature of jazz performance (particularly small ensembles) precludes music on a stand for the performers?

I hope others chime in here. I'm not a musician, and I would hate to give you wrong advice.

spelmom

The music school applications my S completed two years ago did not distinguish between classical and jazz applicants. As we suspected the request for a repetoire list was directed to classical applicants, and since we had no idea how to go about compiling one that made any sense, we took a "wait and see if they really want it" approach. We had the same questions you are asking, jazzzmom, and I have no clue how to answer them. In my OPINION, repetoire lists are not that important in the application process for jazz studies; for certain it was not in our case. I am not a musician, but I am speculating that it has to do with the nature of the music and the performance style. A repetoire list for a jazz applicant is not necessarily an indicator of improvisation ability, which is the heart of jazz performance. I will also point out, fwiw, that ALL of the sight reading my S did at auditions was from classical literature, so a repetoire list was not used for that purpose either.

That is why I believe it would benefit you, jazzzmom, to contact the school (s) to ask your questions before you spend a lot of time preparing a repetoire list.

jazzzmomm

thanks everyone for the wealth of information! I also agree that this practice of a repertoire list is mainly meant for a classical applicant. I thought someone might have had some experience with Purchase before or with jazz studies in general. I am wondering if this request is added to the Purchase audition materials because it is a general mailing to all kids including the classical ones. I guess I'll call just to clarify. I think Michigan came up with the P, M, and S classifications--or, it might have been UMass. Is it different from Classical studies that Jazz students learn as many standards as they can, even if they haven't yet performed them? Sounds like it.

Anyway, thanks again for all the support!

P.S Just heard from the road that The New School audition went well this morning. Playing for Reggie Workman was way exciting for my son!

spelmom

Congrats, jazzzmom. That must be a happy valentine for you! And yes, I think learning standards is never ending. In the MSM handbook, there is a listing of what should be learned by the end of each year---whew! My S switched in 10th grade from alto to tenor and he's always he's constantly trying to catch up his repetoire on the alto. Good luck to your son on all his auditions!

SJTH

Jazzzmom, I continue to send good audition vibes your way!

jazzzmomm

Hey, thank you for the good audition wishes spelmom and SJTH. Let's hope all the students putting themselves out there have good results!