SDSU Application Update
I wrote earlier about preparing for an audition for San Diego State University's Master of Music program in Jazz Studies.
I just received word that I was denied entrance to the program for this fall, due to an unsuccessful audition. I plan to audition again in six months for spring 2010 enrollment.
I'll try to find out exactly what I need to improve, but I primarily fault my sight reading. I've never been a good reader, and I've never been in a situation where I was frequently required to sight read. Despite my toils in this area over the last year and a half, it was immediately apparent during my audition, wherein I shit the bed when they put a lead sheet in front of me, that I still have much work to do. Hence, like a commander learning of the Emperor's imminent arrival to survey the Death Star's construction, I shall double my efforts.
To prepare, I just set up more private lessons, this time with Travis Daudert, a current Jazz Studies MM student at SDSU. I'll continue plunking my way through my Real Book, and I just bought the Charlie Parker Omnibook for some more challenging material. Back to work.
JeremyA (11 Apr 2009 at 1:43am)
Hey man. I've been reading your blog for about a month now and just wanted to say thanks. There is a ton of good info here. Lots of really helpful stuff. Sorry to hear about the SDSU application, but keep at it, you're clearly working hard and on the right path.
jason (14 Apr 2009 at 2:26pm)
Shit the sheets, huh? Here is something i've used in the past, but you have to use Band In A Box
Download the real book and learn the head to a tune. Then, pick a position (say 5th position) and then transpose the tune up by the same interval (II position, transpose up a maj or min II, up a dim/per 5th for the fifth position, etc) and then read in that position.
It will drill the tune into your fingers, ear and head and make you sweat some everytime you read through it.