Charlie Christian Jazz Guitar Institute Application

Charlie Christian Institute

🗓️ Institute Dates: June 29–July 2

📍 Location: Wanda L. Bass School of Music, Oklahoma City University

💵 Tuition: $399 - Payment will be collected after registration process.

🎶 Featured Performance: Join us for a special Charlie Christian Institute concert on July 2 at 7:30 PM. Petree Recital Hall, Wanda L. Bass School of Music.

Wanda L. Bass School of Music, Oklahoma City University

The Charlie Christian Institute is a joyful, inclusive space where guitarists of all levels can explore jazz, improvisation, rhythm, and ensemble playing—all while celebrating the groundbreaking legacy of Oklahoma native Charlie Christian.

Audition Information — Charlie Christian Jazz Guitar Institute

The Charlie Christian Jazz Guitar Institute welcomes dedicated guitarists who are eager to explore improvisation, harmony, ensemble playing, and the legacy of one of America’s most influential guitarists. Because jazz musicians arrive with diverse backgrounds, our audition is designed to understand where you are musically—not to exclude you.

Required Audition Materials

Please upload video recordings (YouTube unlisted links or Vimeo links) demonstrating the following:

Perform one jazz standard of your choice that shows both your playing and your improvisation.

• You may play in chord-melody, single-line improvisation, or a combination.

• Include at least one full chorus of improvisation (either within the same performance or as a separate chorus).

• Suggested tunes include: Autumn Leaves, Blue Bossa, All The Things You Are, Satin Doll, Take the A Train, etc.

• Backing track (Aebersold, iReal, etc.) is permitted and encouraged, but not required.

Assessment Criteria

Faculty evaluate applicants based on:

• Tone, timing, and rhythm

• Harmonic awareness

• Improvisational clarity and vocabulary

• Musicianship and musical potential

• A demonstrated desire to learn, collaborate, and grow

Beginner to Advanced Placement

All accepted students will be placed into:

• Appropriate ensembles

• Improvisation classes

• Masterclasses

• Style labs (bebop, swing, blues, contemporary)

Your audition helps us curate the right environment—not filter you out.

Please Read:

I understand that the information in the application is true to the best of my knowledge and that the recording submitted is my own unedited performance. I also understand that Oklahoma City University and the Leyenda Foundation reserves the right to discharge students who have submitted false or misleading information in the application process.

If accepted as a student of a Leyenda Institute I agree not to bring any alcoholic beverages or firearms onto the OCU premises or to possess or engage in the illegal use of drugs while a student of the Leyenda Institute.

The applicant consents to the creation and distribution of any recording, broadcast, or electronic transmission of any kind, without compensation, made by Oklahoma City University and the Leyenda Foundation. The applicant similarly consents to the use of his/her likeness in photographs, video or any visual media created and distributed by Oklahoma City University, Charlie Christian Guitar Institute, and the Leyenda Foundation.