MUSIC LITURGICAL MINOR
Division of Communication & Fine Arts
Craig Schaefer, M.A., Chair
craig.schaefer@loras.edu
563.588.7385
MUSIC LITURGICAL MINOR
Requirements for the minor in Liturgical Music:
The liturgical music minor is open to all students interested in exploring the great history and tradition of sacred music, whether for personal devotion or for ministry. The minor aims to prepare students to be well informed musical leaders in their congregations and to strengthen students’ skills in performance. The liturgical music minor is an excellent addition for pre-seminarians, for religious studies majors, and for any student interested in deepening their faith through music.
| Req | Course | Cr’s |
| 1 | L.MUS-101: Music Theory I | 3 |
| 2 | L.MUS-102: Music Theory II | 3 |
| 3 | L.MUS-230: Basic Conducting | 2 |
| 4 | L.MUS-321: History of Sacred Music-AA | 3 |
| 5 | L.REL-113: Introduction to the Bible | 3 |
| Select one from Req 6 | ||
| 6 | L.REL-261: Christ and Culture-AC | 3 |
| 6 | L.REL-318: Councils, Creeds, and Culture-AC | 3 |
| 6 | L.REL-320: Sacraments: Catholic Identity in Community-AI | 3 |
| 7 | Applied Music: L.MUS-110 to 160 | 6 |
| 23 total required credits | ||
L.MUS-101: Music Theory I
This course offers an integrated presentation of the fundamental materials of music, including but not limited to, ear-training, sight-singing, harmony, chord recognition and analysis, musical forms, elementary orchestration and beginning composition. Prerequisite: None. 3 credits.
L.MUS-102: Music Theory II
This course offers an integrated presentation of the fundamental materials of music, including but not limited to, ear-training, sight-singing, harmony, chord recognition and analysis, musical forms, elementary orchestration and beginning composition. Prerequisite: L.MUS-101 or permission of instructor. 3 credits.
L.MUS-230: Basic Conducting
Basic techniques and principles of conducting. Prerequisite: None. 2 credits.
L.MUS-321: History of Sacred Music-AA
Music of the Western church has had a profound influence on the development of Western classical music. Specifically, how that music should be crafted and presented in worship has been a topic of debate throughout time. This course provides a general survey of the development of Christian church music throughout the centuries and delves into issues surrounding music and worship. Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and L.LIB-130 or L.LIB-135. 3 credits.
L.REL-113: Introduction to the Bible
An introduction to the methodology and importance of biblical studies, which includes a survey of the history and theology of the Old and New Testaments. 3 credits.
L.REL-261: Christ and Culture-AC
Jesus of Nazareth has been the most important figure in western culture for twenty centuries. This course examines his legacy by negotiating themes of continuity and change in a wide range of cultural artifacts, from symbols and images to historical accounts and fictional narratives. Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and one course from L.LIB-130, L.LIB-135, or L.LIB-220. 3 credits.
L.REL-318: Councils, Creeds, and Culture-AC
This course will examine three periods in the course of Christian history: (a) the time of the “Christological councils” (325-451), (b) the time of the Council of Trent (1545-1563) and (c) the time of the Second Vatican Council (1962-present), to investigate the formation of Christian doctrine, the interaction between social/cultural manifestations and Christian faith, and the interaction between politics and Christian religion. Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and one course from L.LIB-130, L.LIB-135, or L.LIB-220. 3 credits.
L.REL-320: Sacraments: Catholic Identity in Community-AI
The Christian theological enterprise involves the study of Scripture, past theological work, contemporary culture, and other disciplines which engage the believer. But above all, theology must engage the life of the community in which an individual’s faith is mediated, nurtured, and developed the sacramental life of the Church. How do we understand Christian faith from the past and present celebration of the sacraments? Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and one course from L.LIB-130, L.LIB-135, or L.LIB220. 3 credits.
Michael Bagby
Coordinator of Liturgy and Music
563.588.7303 | michael.bagby@loras.edu
Michael Bagby earned a DMA in vocal coaching and accompanying from the University of Illinois under the direction of Julie Gunn. He completed his masters at the University of Michigan where he studied with Martin Katz. He also holds bachelor degrees in piano performance and K-12 vocal education from Iowa State University. Most recently he has worked as the music director and pianist in the world premiere of Nathan Gunn: Flying Solo directed by Hershey Felder. Previously he worked as the music director for Coastal Carolina’s production of The Color Purple and made his NYC debut as the assistant music director and co-arranger for Musicals Tonight’s production of The Boys from Syracuse. Among his various awards and achievements, Bagby premiered his composition for solo piano, “Bells,” in the Issac Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall.
Jeremiah Cawley
Assistant Professor of Music
563.588.4096 | jeremiah.cawley@loras.edu
Jeremiah Cawley founded the Seattle-based new music ensemble The Box Is Empty, and has worked as music director for Seattle’s Vespertine Opera Theater. Jeremiah is dedicated to contemporary music, having worked closely with contemporary groups including The Riot Ensemble (London, UK), appearing as guest conductor on the record Approaching Dutilleux (Coviello Classics). He received the degrees of Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Washington (Seattle, USA) under the mentorship of Dr. Geoffrey Boers. Jeremiah is the newly named Director of Choral and Vocal Activities at Loras College, and he has previously held posts at Western Kentucky and Georgia State Universities. He lives in Dubuque, IA with his wife, Crystal.
Luke Tyler, DA
Assistant Professor of Music
563.588.7785 | Luke.Tyler@loras.edu
Dr. Luke Tyler is a lifelong student and performer of piano. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Hanover College, Hanover Indiana, Masters of Music in Piano Performance from Miami University, Oxford Ohio, and Doctorate of Arts in Piano Performance from Ball State University, Muncie Indiana. Dr. Tyler teaches Music Theory and Applied Piano in addition to accompanying Loras College’s ensembles.
Prior to his appointment at Loras, Dr. Tyler served as a vocal coach, accompanist, and Adjunct Instructor of Theory and Music Appreciation at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. He has maintain an active solo and collaborative performing career, including performances in Germany, China, and Hong Kong, and across the Midwest as a guest artist, collaborator, and accompanist at festivals, universities, and concert series. He has spent considerable time as a church musician, serving in Trenton Ohio, Connersville Indiana, and Greenfield Indiana. In these position, he has served as a pianist, organist, and conductor of both choirs and orchestras.