Major Auditions
Thank you for your interest in the Music program at Loyola University Chicago! Music at Loyola encourages self-expression through music, engaging students with coursework and performance opportunities that encourage success in performance and composition in a variety of settings.
Application to the Music Major is a two-part process: admission to the University and an application to audition for the major. If you have not completed the general application for admission to Loyola, please do so here.
Please note that admission to the Music Major is contingent on admission to Loyola.
The music major audition application for academic year 2027-2028 goes live September 28.
Application LINK
Music Major Auditions
Students interested in becoming a Music Major at Loyola must complete this online application and submit a link to an audition video by Monday, March 1, 2027.
REMINDER: if you have completed your online Music Major application and included a link to an audition video, you can expect to hear from us with audition results via email by March 19, 2027.
Scholarship Auditions
While most scholarships at Loyola University Chicago come directly from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Music Program does award a select number of scholarships each year.
To be eligible for a Boshart & Lawrence Fellowship (starting at $2,000 annually for four years), students must complete this online application by Monday, February 1, 2027 and attend an in-person audition on Saturday, February 6, 2027 on the Loyola University Chicago Lakeshore Campus. This is our Fine and Performing Arts Department Unified Audition date; we will host presentations and tours, and a representative from Financial Aid will answer questions.
REMINDER: if you have completed your online Music Major application by February 1 and auditioned in person on February 6, you can expect to hear from us with audition results via email by February 26, 2027. Please visit our scholarship page for more information.
For questions regarding your application, please contact the DFPA at dfpa@luc.edu.
FAQ
Do I need to audition to be a Music major?
Yes. All students seeking admission to the Music Major must audition in person, or via video if they are unable.
What are the audition requirements?
Please prepare the following repertoire for your audition. If you have any questions or concerns regarding repertoire or other aspects of your audition, please contact Dr. Frederick Lowe, Director of Music.
Audition Repertoire
Singers (classical or musical theatre): two contrasting songs, with at least one in a foreign language. We will provide an accompanist, so please bring music for the accompanist.
Instrumentalists (classical): two contrasting pieces (lyrical/technical) from the standard repertoire.
Jazz:
- Saxophone / Trumpet / Trombone / Piano / Guitar / Vibraphone - Two contrasting pieces from the standard jazz repertoire including a 12-bar blues in F or B-flat. Pianists, guitarists, and vibraphonists should demonstrate an ability to play both melodic material and chord voicings. Applicants are welcome to use play-along tracks; we will provide a Bluetooth speaker.
- Singers - prepare two contrasting standard pieces within the jazz repertoire. Scat singing (improvisation) is optional.
- Bass - Applicants should demonstrate an ability to walk a bass line for a 12-bar blues (in the key of B-flat or F) and for a contrasting piece within the standard jazz repertoire. Applicants are welcome to use play-along tracks; we will provide a Bluetooth speaker.
- Drum Set - Applicants should demonstrate basic time-keeping ability in the following styles at a variety of tempos: swing, jazz waltz, Latin grooves, ballad, rock/funk.
If I am not accepted into the Music major, can I still attend Loyola University?
Yes, and if that is the case, we encourage you to explore the many ensemble and course opportunities that will still be available to you at Loyola.
Is it possible to re-audition for the Music major next year?
Yes!