Applications for Summer 2026 Jazz Camp are now closed, and both weeks of camp are full. We are still accepting applications for several other BKCM Summer Camps, as well as our 2026-27 Jazz Travelers program, which convenes on Saturdays from September 2026-June 2027. If you have questions about your application to Jazz Camp for Summer 2026, please email summercamp@bkcm.org.
Audition Requirements
Jazz Camp applications are closed for Summer 2026. Applications for Summer 2027 will open in the spring of 2027, and prospective applicants can review the instrument-specific audition instructions below.
First-time applicants to BKCM Summer Jazz Camp must submit a required Audition Video, which can be recorded on any smartphone device. After recording your video, please upload it through the Application Form below. If you are unable to record a video, please email summercamp@bkcm.org for alternatives. Once your application has been approved, you will be prompted to pay tuition and register for the camp.
- 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