On Mar. 28, senior Jackie Beaupre was accepted to the Popular Music program at University of Southern California (USC) Thornton with an emphasis in voice. Her major focuses on performing all music genres except jazz and choral.
The program is incredibly prestigious and one of the hardest at USC, with an acceptance rate of 5%. According to Beaupre, USC is her dream school, so she wanted to “give it a go” and was overjoyed with the result.
“I was originally going to apply for music production which involves producing songs and songwriting,” said Beaupre. “I found out about the Popular Music program through my friend who was also applying to USC and I thought it’d be a better fit.” which is what I always want to do but I don’t think I would’ve been able to get in based off of that as I don’t have enough songs completed.
There are two main components to apply for the Popular Music major. First, Beaupre completed the written part of the application on the Common App. She then uploaded pre-recorded videos to Slideroom Portfolio, which made up the first audition round.
“They asked for an introductory video, 3-5 videos of you singing contrasting songs, a video answering Thornton’s prompted question, and one optional video of additional media,” said Beaupre. “In December they let you know whether or not you passed the first round and received an in-person callback. At callbacks you choose two contrasting songs to sing and answer the questions that the audition panel asks you.”
Beaupre prepared for this audition through her involvement with the choir and drama programs at Costa. According to Beaupre, she gets a lot of opportunities to perform and keep her voice active.
“I was also lucky to know a few people who have been through this process before and I was able to ask them for helpful tips,” added Beaupre.
Beaupre hopes to use this program to improve her songwriting skills and learn about music production.
“I’m most excited to be in a space with other people who love and are as passionate about music as I am and to learn from and collaborate with them,” said Beaupre. “I’m also hoping to gain connections to the music industry and kick off my career.”
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