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Pop and Commercial Music

Audition Requirements

  • Perform 2 songs in varied styles- Memorized
  • We are listening for your voice: Unique, original and creative approaches to creating and interpreting music
  • Songs may be original or cover material
  • Be prepared to work through vocal exercises and demonstrate improvisation skills
  • Accompanists are not provided for on-campus auditions. You should bring backing tracks for your audition or you may self-accompany with guitar, piano, etc.
  • Perform 2 songs in varied styles- Memorized
  • Pieces/songs may be original or cover material
  • Use effects pedals sparingly- We are interested in what you can do with the instrument alone
  • Be prepared to improvise, read music (notation and chord charts) and play scales
  • An amplifier will be provided for on-campus auditions
  • Perform 2 pieces/songs that showcase your ability to play in various popular styles: Rock, funk, reggae, swing, bossa nova, etc.- Memorized
  • Use effects pedals sparingly- We are interested in what you can do with the instrument alone
  • Be prepared to improvise, read music (notation and chord charts) and play scales
  • An amplifier will be provided for on-campus auditions
  • Perform 2 pieces/songs that showcase your ability to play in various popular styles: Rock, funk, reggae, swing, bossa nova, etc.- Memorized
  • Be prepared to solo in different styles, read music and test your rhythm
  • A drum set is provided for on-campus auditions- Applicants are advised to bring their own cymbals, hi-hat clutch and snare
  • Perform 2 pieces/songs that showcase your ability to both perform solo tunes and to accompany- Memorized
  • Be prepared to improvise, read music (notation and chord charts), play scales and arpeggios
  • An electronic weighted keyboard with a pedal and amplification will be provided for on-campus auditions
  • All applicants, regardless of instrument, will participate in various aural skills tests, which may include: Call-and-response exercises, singing scales and intervals, identifying harmonic progressions and singing a given example
  • The aural skills test typically takes 3 – 5 minutes
  • All applicants will be briefly interviewed in a conversational style: Be prepared to speak about your musical history, accomplishments and why you want to study at Loyola

Virtual Auditions

Popular and Commercial Music applicants who are unable to attend an on-campus audition, must audition live via Zoom with departmental faculty. Students will receive instructions on how to register for a Zoom Audition Day after submitting an application to the university. Supplemental portfolios are optional and can be submitted through the student's Loyola Application Status Page.

Virtual Audition Dates

Saturday, January 29, 2022

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Saturday, March 12, 2022

To set up a successful virtual audition, you must have the following:

The right place:

  • A quiet, private area where you can audition undisturbed

The right equipment:

  • A strong internet connection

  • A laptop or desktop with a webcam

  • A USB microphone is highly recommended: Blue Snowball or Blue Snowflake are affordable options.

The right time:

  • Log into your Skype account and be prepared 5-10 minutes in advance of your scheduled audition time

  • Double check your time zone: All auditions are held in Central Time. If you’re in Pacific, Mountain, Eastern Time or another international time zone, you’ll need to plan for the time difference.