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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

*To be announced by July 15, 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.