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 2025-2026 is live.
Application LINK
For acceptance into the music major at Loyola University Chicago, students must complete an application, and attend an in-person audition on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 9:00am on the Loyola University Chicago Lakeshore Campus.
Students unable to attend the in-person audition may submit a video audition. Please complete the application linked above and submit your video audition according to the instructions listed in the application by March 1, 2025 to be considered for admission to the major.
For questions regarding your application, please contact the DFPA at dfpa@luc.edu.
FAQ about the Music Major Audition
Yes. All students seeking admission to the Music Major must audition in person, or via video if they are unable.
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.
Instrumentalists - two contrasting pieces from the standard repertoire. All instrumental auditions will be unaccompanied.
Voice - two contrasting songs, with at least one in a foreign language. An accompanist will be provided, but you must bring a copy of your music. You are welcome to use your own accompanist if you prefer, but please let us know in advance.
For students interested in pursuing a specific Concentration within the Music Major, there are specific requirements. Please see below questions.
Saxophone / Trumpet / Trombone / Piano / Guitar / Vibraphone - two contrasting pieces from the standard jazz repertoire including a 12-bar blues in F or Bb. Pianists, guitarists, and vibraphonists should demonstrate ability to play both melodic material and chord voicings.
Bass - applicants should demonstrate an ability to walk a bass line for a 12-bar blues (in the key of Bb or F) and for Bb rhythm changes (the chord progression to “I Got Rhythm”). Please prepare one additional piece of your choice.
Drum Set - applicants should demonstrate basic time-keeping ability in the following styles at a variety of tempos: swing, bossa-nova, straight 8th Latin, rock/funk.
For more information about the Jazz Studies Concentration, click here.
Please see the above requirements for Instrumentalists and Voice. There are no additional requirements for the Liturgical Music Concentration. For more information about the Liturgical Music Concentration, click here.
No. We offer concentrations in Jazz Studies and Liturgical Music for those interested in these specific areas of study, but the majority of our Music majors work towards the general B.A. in Music degree. Please click here for more information.
Please see above under repertoire requirements.
There are no additional requirements for the Vocal Performance concentration.
For more information about the Vocal Performance concentration click here.
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.
