Classical Instrumental Category

Jazz Instrumental Category

Classical Instrumental:

• Be prepared to present two solo pieces.
• You will be judged on your Technical Ability, Interpretation of Piece and Presentation.
• The total audition time allotted to each musician is 10 minutes. Make sure you can play both compositions within that time limit. We realize this may mean eliminating repeats or making cuts in longer works to make them conform to the time limit. The fact that you do not play a piece in its entirety will not be held against you in judging.
• The choice of literature must include one composition from the Baroque or Classical Periods (1650-1820 Example: Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Haydn, etc.), as well as one composition from the Romantic, Impressionistic, or Contemporary Periods (1820-present Example: Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Ravel, Debussy, Stravinsky, Bartók, Hindemith, etc.).
• Your repertoire selections should be balanced to reflect a range of fast technical and slow lyrical playing. Your audition should display a full range of technical skill and interpretive ability.
• Franz Schubert may be considered as either a Classical or Romantic period composer. Boty of your audition selections cannot be composed by Schubert.
• If you choose a Contemporary piece as your second selection, please click on the list of approved Contemporary composers.
• All compositions must be memorized.
• Compositions written by contestants are not allowed.
• Pieces which are composed with accompaniment must be performed with an accompanist.
• Only solo piano pieces without accompaniment will be allowed; no piano concertos.
• Do not bring in photocopies of music.
• Instrumental auditions will be held at the Music Center or the Colburn School in Downtown Los Angeles, not regionally.
• Those scoring highest will advance to the semifinals.

Jazz Instrumental:

• Be prepared to present two solo pieces.
• You will be judged on your Technical Ability, Interpretation of Style and Presentation.
• Each composition must not be longer than 3 minutes. The fact that you do not play a piece in its entirety will not be held against you in judging.
• Repertoire must include at least one jazz standard. The second composition may be anything of your choosing within the jazz genre.
• The two pieces must be contrasting in nature (different tempos, different forms, etc.).
• You must include improvisation in your performance.
• A back-up accompanist is required. Please limit your back-up support to one or two additional musicians. If your accompaniment includes a drummer, please indicate so on the application.
• Those scoring highest will advance to the semifinals.

What are the judges looking for?

The very best jazz players are distinguished by their ability to improvise and express a unique personal voice or interpretation through their playing. Our Spotlight jazz judges understand that many high school students have not had extensive opportunities for extended solos, whether in a band or a small combo.

While the judges maintain high standards for excellence, they are dedicated to providing a positive learning experience for every student in the jazz category. Whatever level of previous training or experience they bring to Spotlight, all students will come away with helpful suggestions and tips, whether about some specific aspect of their technique, or a suggestion to listen to the recordings of a great jazz artist for ideas and inspiration.

Every student benefits from this chance to interact with and learn from some of the very best jazz artists.

At the auditions, here are some of the specific areas the judges consider:

If you have any questions, please visit Frequently Asked Questions or call the Spotlight hotline at (213) 972-3300.