Audition for Squad

WHY DO I NEED TO AUDITION?

 

Students who are interested in the rigorous training of Squad Harmonix come from a variety of musical backgrounds—many from musical theater, classical choir, or private voice instruction. We welcome students with any prior music experience, but it’s important to note that contemporary a cappella presents unique challenges that even seasoned singers may not have encountered.

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For example, where musical theater often emphasizes volume, character, and projection, a cappella demands a different set of vocal priorities:

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• Precise pitch control

• Blend and tone matching

• Rhythmic independence

• The ability to sing without instrumental accompaniment

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These are advanced skills that most young singers haven’t been taught, especially the discipline of maintaining harmony and pitch without a piano or backing track.

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That’s why the requirements of Squad Harmonix are high—and intentionally so. We are proud to be Los Angeles' most advanced vocal training program for young singers, offering industry-level instruction typically reserved for students in their late teens or college years. Our goal is to accelerate vocal development in a structured, team-oriented environment that produces confident, skilled, and stage-ready performers.

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HOW TO AUDITION

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New students wanting to audition for Pop, Junior, or Senior Squad are required to register with LJMA HERE.  Once you register, you will be sent an email with a link to book your required in-person interview with LJMA Director, Laura.  You have the option to add an audition to this meeting.

 

Please see below for audition requirements and what to prepare for your audition/meeting. 

 

Alternatively, attending our Voice Intensive Performance Summer Camp allows one to skip the audition process altogether.  This camp is a three-week intensive full of training where we can work more closely with students and analyze their abilities over a longer period.  

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Varsity Squad members are invited on a case-by-case basis. All new members will be given a 6-week trial period to test their fit and must complete all the music theory and sight reading requirements alongside their training.

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AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

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POP SQUAD

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• Vocalists:

  • SOLO AUDITION

    • Please prepare a verse and chorus of your favorite pop song, ideally one minute in length (no musical theater or classical songs).

    • The song must be performed a cappella (no backing tracks or piano).

    • You will be tested on pitch recognition, range, call and response, and major scales.

 

•  Beatboxers​

  • ​​SOLO AUDITION​

    • Prepare a 30-second example of you beatboxing along to any pop song of your choice. Show us a range of sounds that you can use when Beatboxing. Maintaining tempo is key.​
    • You will also be asked to clap the beat of a random song (in 4/4 or 3/4 time) emphasizing the first beat of every measure. 

 

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JUNIOR AND SENIOR SQUAD

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• Vocalists and Beatboxers

  • SOLO AUDITION - See instructions for POP SQUAD 

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• Vocalists only

  • HARMONY AUDITION - You will also be required to prepare and sing a harmony audition. Please click HERE for audition materials. 

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• Beatboxers only

  • TEMPO AUDITION - You will also be required to prepare a tempo audition. Please click HERE for audition materials. 

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MORE INFO ON SQUAD HARMONIX

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Click HERE to return to the Squad Harmonix training info page.

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