Popular and Commerical Music

The Beatles. Kendrick Lamar. Alicia Keys. Talking Heads. Adele. What do these performers have in common?

They’ve all made music that is creative, artful, challenging, innovative—but also wildly commercially successful. Our popular and commercial music program welcomes rock musicians, rappers, EDM artists, singer/songwriters and all other musicians who might not necessarily have a background in classical or jazz.

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science in Popular and Commercial Music

Our exciting Bachelor of Science in Popular and Commercial Music degree program offers 360-degree training for aspiring performers and songwriters within the most popular genres of contemporary music, including pop, hip-hop, R&B, rock, country, and singer/songwriter.  In addition to learning about the best practices of the music industry, you’ll develop your performance and technical skills with instruction on style, recording techniques, theory, audio production, and more.  

Possible Career Paths

Today's music industry offers a host of exciting career possibilities.  Below, you'll find just a sample of the more popular paths for our graduates:

• Performing Artist: Perform in venues and festivals as a solo artist or as part of an act within your specific style and genre
• Music Producer: Supervise the entire production process for artist clients from preproduction to audio mastering, selecting session musicians, recommending improvements to lyrics and arrangements, and coaching artists to deliver the best studio performances.
• Session Musician: Provide masterful sounds for music producers and recording artists within the studio environment
• Audio Engineer: Shape the sound of a client's song by using the latest recording technologies to ensure the best recording, editing, and mixing of client sessions.
• Artist Manager: Manage the financial and promotion aspects of an artist or act, working to identify work opportunities, manage public relations and marketing efforts, network with producers, booking agents, and talent buyers, and provide career advice and strategies.

Apply to this Program

Application requirements: In addition to general admission to Loyola University New Orleans, the Bachelor of Science in Popular & Commercial Music requires the following additional materials:

• A completed College of Music and Media (CMM) Supplemental Application
• An on-campus or virtual audition showcasing two (2) songs in your chosen instrument, a short aural skills test, and an informal interview with a department faculty member