Usually between 20 and 25 with 2/3 in the jazz performance area with the others being jazz guitar principals (majoring in other areas within the Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music).  All students, regardless of major, must pass the jazz guitar audition.

 

What type of private instruction will I receive?

 

All jazz guitarists receive one hour private jazz guitar beginning in the first year of attendance.  Jazz performance majors, called Studio Music and Jazz at UM, take a total of eight semesters of private lessons plus one semester of jazz guitar theory in the first year; jazz guitar principals majoring in other areas take differing numbers of semesters depending on the requirement of the major.

 

What performance opportunities are offered in the school?

          Participation in ensembles is by audition at the beginning of the fall semester.  During the course of the degree program, jazz guitar students are assigned to ensembles by the director in order to obtain experience in various genre of jazz.

 

What equipment will I need?

 

          In most cases an electric guitar and small amplifier will be sufficient.  A small, compact, lightweight amplifier (between 15-25 watts) will be sufficient for most ensemble work.  Additional equipment which is useful would include patch cords, extra strings, a small tuner, and a folding music stand.

 

What are the audition requirements?

 

          There are three types of auditions—on-campus, regional, or taped.  Please refer to the WEB site for the specifics for each.  No audition should exceed 20 minutes in length.

 

On what basis will my audition be evaluated?

 

          Overall musicianship with particular importance placed on your improvisational ability and experience.  This is especially true for jazz performance majors.  Other qualities considered include intonation, rhythmic sense, phrasing, articulation, vocabulary, note-choice, and voice leading.

 

Who should I contact for further information?

 

          Randall Dollahon, Coordinator of Jazz Guitar

          P.O. Box 248165

          Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music
University of Miami

          Coral Gables, FL  33124

          e-mail:  klacey@gate.net