Audition FAQs

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. 

• Do I have to be accepted by the university before auditioning, interviewing, or submitting a portfolio?
• Do I have to audition for performance programs?
• When should I audition?
• Where should I audition?
• Who will hear/see my audition/interview/portfolio?
• May I bring my parents to the audition/interview/portfolio review?
• Must I submit a portfolio for admission to the visual arts programs?
• Do I need to submit a portfolio to minor in visual arts?

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Do I have to be accepted by the university before auditioning, interviewing, or submitting a portfolio?

No! You can audition, interview and submit your portfolio to the College of Music and Fine Arts prior to receiving an acceptance letter from the university's Office of Admissions. However, admission to the university is contingent on BOTH auditions, interviews, and portfolio reviews, and your complete Loyola University admissions application.  You must submit an application to Loyola University in addition to your audition application (for either music, theatre arts, or visual arts).  December 1 is the priority deadline for both admission and scholarship consideration.

If you are applying to one of the talent-based programs requiring an audition, decisions regarding admission and scholarship will not be made until your audition is complete.

If you are applying to one of the non-performance tracks in music industry studies, you will be considered for admission to the university and a merit-based scholarship. Once you have completed the interview and submitted your portfolio, you will be considered for admission into one of the specific programs.

Do I have to audition for performance programs?

Yes. Anyone who wants admission to the music (excluding the non performance music industry studies tracks) and theatre arts programs must complete a satisfactory performance audition, in addition to university admission. This audition also serves as a basis of consideration for awarding talent scholarships.

When should I audition?

You should complete the audition process during the fall or early spring semester prior to fall entry – although auditions may be completed as early as one year before. Scholarship and admission priority are given to students who attend the published audition dates.

Where should I audition?

Audition dates are published, so you should schedule your on-campus audition on one of the published dates.  If you live out-of-state, you may send a CD or DVD; however, priority for music and theatre arts scholarships is given to students who perform live auditions.

Theatre arts students may also audition at any of the published conferences that Loyola’s faculty members attend.

Who will hear/see my audition/interview/portfolio?

A panel of the appropriate area faculty members from the College of Music and Fine Arts will evaluate your auditions. Auditions are closed to the public.

May I bring my parents to the audition/interview/portfolio review?

Yes. Parents are encouraged to attend the Dean’s meeting at the same time as the auditions. Information on university life, degree programs, employment opportunities, financial aid, and admissions will be provided.

Must I submit a portfolio for admission to the visual arts programs?

Yes. Admission to the visual arts programs requires every candidate to submit a portfolio comprised of 10-15 selections of your artwork. Artwork must be digitally photographed and submitted on a CD or slides. Please also include a one-page artist’s statement. You may mail it in ahead of time or bring it with you to the portfolio review days. This portfolio submission also serves as a basis of consideration for awarding talent scholarships.

Do I need to submit a portfolio to minor in visual arts?

Yes. If you’d like to minor in visual arts, you must submit a portfolio, but you will not be eligible for talent-based scholarships in visual arts.

 

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