Commercial Music

We are currently accepting students who wish to major on any instrument, voice type, or as a composer or singer-songwriter. Incoming students should schedule a live audition on campus in addition to submitting a USC Upstate application. Students unable to come to campus can contact us to make alternate arrangements.

For your audition, please do the following:

• Prepare two contrasting songs with accompaniment. You may bring your own accompaniment (live or pre-recorded) OR arrange to use our staff accompanist.
• For instrumentalists: prepare a standard blues or jazz piece that allows you to demonstrate improvisation ability
• Be prepared to play a major scale (two octaves for instrumentalists, one octave for singers)
• Be prepared to sight-read a short passage of music

Auditions for the fall semester are held in spring semester, and auditions for the spring semester are held in the fall semester.

Please contact Dr. Griffin Woodworth at gwoodwor@uscupstate.edu to schedule an audition.

Commercial Music Combo
Playing everything from classic rock to contemporary pop, with a repertoire that changes each semester. Recent examples include Country, 1980s pop, Motown / soul, reggae, 1970s rock and pop, 1990s alternative rock, and heavy metal.

Jazz Combo
Small group jazz combos playing a mix of instrumental and vocal repertoire from standards to fusion.

Upstate Vocal Ensemble
Performing traditional music for mixed choir alongside pop, rock, jazz, and Broadway selections.

Gospel Choir
Performing traditional and contemporary praise music.