Loyola University Chicago

Music

Department of Fine and Performing Arts

Ensemble Auditions

Looking to audition for an instrumental or vocal ensemble? Follow the links below for information and instructions on how to audition for specific ensembles:

DFPA Music Ensemble Scholarship Auditions

 

 

Jazz Combo Auditions

Mid-year enrollees are required to audition in the Spring. Students enrolled in the Fall are not required to re-audition in the Spring.  You must register for the class prior to your audition.  

Auditions take place during the first week of classes each semester. Contact Coordinator of Jazz Studies Dr. Christopher Madsen at cmadsen1@luc.edu to schedule your audition.

 Please prepare the following based on your instrument:

  •  Saxophone/Trumpet/Trombone
    • Chromatic scale spanning the range of your instrument. You will also be asked to perform a major and/or minor scale at the Director's discretion.
    • Improvisation over 12-bar blues in the key of Bb or F (accompaniment will be provided)
  •  Voice
    •  Performance of the melody of a standard within the jazz repertoire of your choosing (accompaniment will be provided)
    • Optional: scat singing over said jazz standard
  • Piano/Guitar/Vibraphone
    •  Ability to perform jazz voicings of standard jazz chords
    • Improvisation over 12-bar blues in the key of Bb or F (pianists do not need to comp for themselves)
    • Comping over 12-bar blues 
  •  Bass Guitar/Double Bass
    • Performance of major and/or minor scale at the Director's discretion
    • Ability to walk a bass line over 12-bar blues in the key of Bb or F
    • Optional: improvisation over 12-bar blues
  •  Drum set
    • Demonstrate basic time-keeping ability in the following styles at a variety of tempos: swing, bossa-nova, straight 8th Latin, rock/funk.
    • Demonstration of solo improvisation/trading

Any additional audition information will be sent to registered students via their LUC email account a few weeks prior to the beginning of each semester.  Remember to sign up for the class before selecting your audition time. Only those enrolled in the class will be able to audition.

For more information about Jazz Ensemble auditions, view the audition requirements listed here, and please email Coordinator Christopher Madsen at cmadsen1@luc.edu.