Manhattan School of Music Masters

College Majors Music Major
1

Hello,

Not sure if this is the right place but I’m looking to apply for a masters for the Manhattan School of Music for 2021-2023 and I have a few questions. I have an undergraduate degree from England in Commercial Music at the University of Chichester. I’m applying for Jazz Saxophone.

  1. What should I include in my digital portfolio? What's the purpose of this in an application? Should I include highlights from my musical career or should it be a more concise chronological portfolio of pictures and videos?
  2. For the prescreening recording the site says the recording must include the standard Billie's Bounce plus 3 other selections (one of which a ballad) in different jazz styles, moods, keys and tempos. This is the draft list I have come up with so far, would this be appropriate?

Billies Bounce
Out of Nowhere
Body and Soul
Either Caravan or Song for My Father

Again, apologies if this isn’t the right area to post this. If so and someone could signpost me to the right direction for help, that would be much appreciated! Thank you in advance.

2

I suggest you emailing MSM about MM-Jazz Arts. Also, since MSM campus is closed due to Coronavirus now, you may want to contact saxophone faculty of your choice to arrange an online lesson or two. Then, you can ask him/her those questions directly.

Here are the ideas.

  1. Digital portfolio can be live performances featuring you in both combo and big band setting, recording (audio or video) of your original tunes and / or arrangements. Since you are a saxophonist, other woodwinds instruments if you play. If you play in the different style of jazz combo or bands (such as Latin, funk or / and progressive jazz), you can include those performance videos or audio. The purpose is, they probably want to hear how stylistically you play in different setting. But it is just my guess (I am not a Jazz musician but my son is, doing BM).
  2. About pre-screening recording, I am not sure about your repertoire but usually, Blues (Billie’s Bounce for MSM), Ballard, up-tempo and Latin or funk.

MSM has truly amazing programs. It has about 95-100 Jazz students and about 50-55% is MM. Good luck!

3

Great school and program. Ask them! Good luck!