I am looking to submit something for the arts supplement for Princeton. However, on their arts supplement page, they say
“Jazz Instrument Composition or Voice – Include a 10 to 15-minute submission of advanced solo work. Please do not submit ensemble work unless you have a prominently featured solo.”
Am I supposed to submit a jazz composition, or am I allowed to submit something that is not composed by myself?
You’re supposed to submit something in a jazz combo-like fashion. Grab a bass, keyboard, and set player or just find a backing track online and record improvised solo work over jazz standards (or your own composition). Remember, jazz is all about the improvisation so if you’re looking to submit a note for note copy of a Charlie Parker solo straight from the Omnibook it’s not going to fly.
I would recommend you do an medium or uptempo standard such as Billie’s Bounce, a ballad such as Summertime, and a modal piece like Impressions or So What. Remember, what they’re looking for is advanced improvisational skill, not how well you can read the head of a jazz melody.