Adult Jazz Programs Application

Application Timeline & Important Dates

Both new and returning students must fill out the Application Form below to apply for the Fall 2026 Adult Jazz Ensembles (Jazz Lab & Jazz Foundations), Jazz Vocal Lab, and Jazz Piano Lab programs. From July 6-30, returning Jazz Program students who have participated in an Adult Jazz Program in 2025-26 will be given first priority for placement. Beginning on August 1, new and returning students will be given equal priority for placement.

Returning students who have previously enrolled in a BKCM Adult Jazz Program are not required to submit an audition, but must still fill out the application form below.

All first-time applicants who have not previously participated in a BKCM Adult Jazz Program are required to submit a short audition video via the form below. Please review the instrument-specific audition instructions below, record your audition video using any smartphone device, and upload it when completing the application. An audition video is strongly preferred, but if you are unable to submit a video audition, the form will prompt you to sign up for one of two Live Audition days at BKCM (8/26 or 9/9).

Audition Instructions (For First-time Jazz Program Applicants)

  1. Record a minimum of two (2) Major scales that you know well.
  2. Using the sheet music here, record yourself playing the melody to one of the following songs.
  3. Playing along with this recorded backing track, record yourself improvising one (1) time through the form of “Now’s the Time” (also known as “taking a chorus”). The point is to have fun!
    • The following backing track counts you in and shows where you are in the song.

  1. Record a minimum of one Major 7th, Dominant 7th, Minor 7th and Diminished 7th chord in any key. 
  2. Using the piano sheet music or guitar sheet music, record yourself playing the melody and chords to one of the following songs.
  3. Playing along with this recorded backing track, record yourself improvising one (1) time through the form of “Now’s the Time” (also known as “taking a chorus”). The point is to have fun!
    • This backing track counts you in and shows where you are in the song.

  1. Using the Bass Sheet Music, record the bass line to either Now’s the Time or C Jam Blues. There are beginner, intermediate and advanced options for bass lines here.
  2. Playing along with this recorded backing track, record yourself improvising one (1) time through the form of “Now’s the Time” (also known as “taking a chorus”). The point is to have fun!
    • The following backing track counts you in and shows where you are in the song.

  • Record/perform 12-16 bars of each of these 3 drum patterns (video examples available at each link). 
  • Playing along with this recorded backing track, record yourself improvising one (1) time through the form of “Now’s the Time” (also known as “taking a chorus”). The point is to HAVE FUN!
    • The following backing track counts you in and shows where you are in the song.

  1. Record yourself singing your favorite jazz standard.
    • You are welcome to use backing (accompaniment) tracks, or perform a capella.
    • If you have access to a live accompanist (solo player or rhythm section), you are welcome to record with them!
  2. Singing along with this recorded backing track, record yourself improvising one (1) time through the form of “Now’s the Time” (also known as “taking a chorus”). The point is to HAVE FUN!

Adult Jazz Programs Application Form