Jazz Requirements

BFA, MFA

Applicants to the Jazz Program are evaluated by a recorded audition only. Your recording should include four selections: two that demonstrate your main area of musical interest (original compositions are encouraged, but not required) and two contrasting jazz standards of your choice, demonstrating how you interpret melody, form, time feel and improvisation over chord changes. Please include a title, composer, personnel & instrumentation, and running time for each track. The performances should be with a small group (2–8 musicians) of any instrumentation.

The jazz faculty prefers that you use our online portfolio submissions system. The online system accepts MP3's, documents, images and video. Once your portfolio is uploaded, it can be viewed and rearranged until the final submission is made. No changes can be made following the final submission of your portfolio. There is a $10 fee for each portfolio submission you make through the online system. Be sure to submit your portfolio to the correct degree level and program. If you experience technical difficulties while uploading your portfolio, you may send an e-mail to support@slideroom.com for technical support.

If you are unable to submit your work online, portfolios can be mailed to CalArts.  Mailed portfolios should include a completed Portfolio Information From and be mailed using the Portfolio Mailing Label.  Only one submition method (mailing or uploading) may be used.