<p>I would guess (but just my thought) that the jazz guitar would be most competitive instrument at University of North Texas, but does anyone have any info about difficulty of getting in via bass?</p>
<p>My son is very strong in electric bass, but is just beginning double bass lessons, so would feel much more confident auditioning on EB. (He realizes that DB is the predominant instrument he would need to play for that program, and would need to become proficient quickly, and I have no doubt whatsoever that he will do that.) We understand one can audition on electric bass; however, he's concerned that it will work against him to do so. </p>
<p>Just trying to figure out if like 5 out of a zillion are admitted on bass, or what. He's performed dozens of gigs on electric bass, is an excellent sight reader, and good on improv--maybe those and his electric bass playing abilities will be enough to get him into the program?</p>
<p>UNT is a much sought after DB program due to the DB faculty. Before he can apply to be a jazz studies major, he must be admitted to the College of Music. So the first focus is on what is best to get him admitted to the COM and then think about the jazz studies major. UNT is tough to get into for DB and it sounds like your son may be a bit behind other applicants on DB. If he has the option to audition on EB perhaps he should do so. He can then audition on EB and DB for jazz studies major.</p>
<p>Are any students admitted to the Jazz Studies program at initial audition or does that always come after the first semester/year? I’m trying to wrap my head about the flow and timing of tiers involved in admission - first to University itself, then college of music, then acceptance into jazz studies. </p>
<p>He has such a strong, successful background in electric bass performance, and I’m told by his teachers is an excellent sight reader. If the UNT audition info is at all realistic in stating that students can apply on EB then he should be in good shape. I’m just curious about the numbers, and if there are any who have personal knowledge of students who audition strictly on EB who are admitted to the College of Music.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply, Bartokrules. :-)</p>
<p>The process is confusing. As you say it is a three step process. It appears that the auditions for steps two and three can be done on the same day, but step three does not have to be done then. You may have already gone over everything in this link: [Admission</a> into the UNT Jazz Studies Program (Undergraduate and Graduate) | Division of Jazz Studies<br>UNT College of Music](<a href=“http://jazz.unt.edu/jazz-studies-admission-instructions]Admission”>http://jazz.unt.edu/jazz-studies-admission-instructions), but if not, it is worth going to for information. In addition, at the bottom of the page there is a link to bass auditions for jazz studies majors. The admission requirements for the COM seem to only discuss string bass. Have you talked to the school? I know I am not the best to address these issues, so please someone with bass experience chime in.</p>
<p>You are correct that a student can audition on EB. This is from the audition information on our site: "Ability to play both acoustic and electric basses is not required for entrance into the bachelor’s in jazz performance program but is part of the requisites for completing the degree. Placement into most lab bands does require ability to play upright and electric well. The greater the student’s experience on both instruments upon entering the program, the easier the process will be. UNT is an upright oriented program with required classical and jazz bass lessons. " The things you cite–experience, sightreading, improvisation–will help. It’s competitive, but Lynn Seaton also listens for potential. He has the experience to hear the potential via an audition on EB. We have had students enter our program not playing much DB who graduate being highly skilled players of both. How do I know this? My name is John Murphy, the chair of the jazz program. I’ll be glad to reply to more questions here or via email.</p>
<p>Students can be admitted to the jazz studies program based on the initial audition. I know the three-part process can seem confusing, but it’s necessary because the music major is a screened major; that is, it requires additional evaluation past the admission to UNT. We are continually reviewing our websites (music.unt.edu, jazz.unt.edu) to make sure it is as clear as possible. If you have questions about admission to jazz studies, please contact me at <a href=“mailto:john.murphy@unt.edu”>john.murphy@unt.edu</a>.</p>
<p>Thank you Prof. Murphy for coming to the rescue!</p>
<p>Professor Murphy, thank you so much for your reply. I will send you a brief email.</p>