Audition Requirements
Applications to BKCM’s Jazz Travelers Program include a required Audition Video, which can be recorded on any smartphone device. Please follow the instrument-specific instructions below to record the video, and then upload it through the Application Form below the instructions. If you are unable to record a video, please email jazz@bkcm.org for alternative options. Once your application has been approved, you will receive further instruction about how to complete your registration.
Students who participated in BKCM Jazz Travelers in 2025-26 or Summer Jazz Camp in 2026 do not have to apply again. To register a returning student for 2026-27, simply call the Registration Desk at 718-622-3300.
- Record a minimum of two (2) Major scales that you know well.
- Record yourself playing the melody to “Now’s the Time”, by Charlie Parker.
- OPTIONAL: With a 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 Chords and Scales in the Key of C, G, F and Bb.
- Record yourself playing the melody and chords to “Now’s the Time”, by Charlie Parker.
- OPTIONAL: With a 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.
*Guitarists: Review this video to see an example of audition materials.
- Record a minimum of one Major 7th, Dominant 7th, Minor 7th and Diminished 7th chord in any key.
- Record yourself playing the melody and chords to one of the following songs…
- Intermediate Option: “Now’s the Time”, by Charlie Parker.
- Beginner Option: “C Jam Blues”, by Duke Ellington.
- OPTIONAL: With a 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 the bass line to either Now’s the Time or C Jam Blues. There are beginner, intermediate and advanced options for bass lines.
- OPTIONAL: With a 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.
- Swing (5’36 to 12’18 in video)
- Bossa Nova
- Funk.
- OPTIONAL: With a 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 yourself singing your favorite jazz standard OR song of your choice.
- OPTIONAL: With a 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.
- Now’s The Time Sheet Music