Music

Follow your passion for Music

All Loras College students, regardless of major, have the opportunity to grow as musicians through participation in choral and instrumental ensembles, private lessons, general education offerings, and music liturgies. We offer two options within the Music department: the Bachelor of Arts in Music and the Bachelor of Arts in Education, focused on music. In addition, we offer a minor in music and a minor in liturgical music.

Graduates of the Loras College music program have gone on to successful careers in music education, arts administration and other fields.

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LORAS COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID

College is an investment in your future. At Loras, you’ll find the investment is worth it.
Did you know, you can earn a Loras College degree at the cost of your home state ‘flagship’ public institution? Apply Now to find out if YOU qualify!

Apply Now!

If you have questions about the tuition and fees listed below, please feel free to contact the financial planning office or your admission counselor.

Even though the statistics above are impressive, the best thing about our financial planning office is the dedication to each individual student. Our financial planning office works with each student’s family individually, creating a custom financial aid package.

Contact your admission representative for more details.

 

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MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Music scholarships of $500-$2000 per year are available to all Loras College students and are awarded based on audition. Scholarship recipients must participate in at least one vocal or instrumental ensemble each year. Auditions are held each February for incoming first-year students.

Visit our scholarships page for additional information and to register for our next scheduled audition dates.

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MYSTERIES OF CHRISTMAS

From its inception in 2005, Mysteries of Christmas has sought to provide the community with a seasonal experience which presents the highest quality of music and literature in a concert format imbued with our Catholic culture.

Through music and readings, Mysteries of Christmas welcomes the season of Advent as we wait with expectation for the coming of Christ. The Loras College Choirs, Wind Ensembles, and selected lectors present a program centered around a specific theme of Advent. The event has gained a wider audience in recent years thanks to broadcasts on Iowa Public Television and other stations in the region.

For information on the next Mysteries of Christmas visit loras.edu/mysteries.

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LORAS COLLEGE INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES

The Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band are open to all Loras students, regardless of major.

Loras College Instrumental Ensembles

All Loras students, regardless of major, can play in the Wind Ensemble and the Jazz Band. Both ensembles present several concerts throughout the year, both on-campus and in the Dubuque area. The Jazz Band appears regularly at the College Night of Jazz, an event in downtown Dubuque that features groups from local colleges. The ensembles host Middle School and High School Honor Band Festivals each year and perform for a variety of other special events.

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LORAS COLLEGE CHOIRS

All Loras College students, regardless of major, have the opportunity to grow as musicians through participation in choral.

The Loras College Choirs present a variety of concerts throughout the year, including Dessert Pops and Mysteries of Christmas.

The choral program includes four ensembles: Bella Voce, Con Brio, Chamber Singers, and Concert Choir. All groups are open to students from across the College, regardless of major.

In addition to concerts throughout the Dubuque area, the Loras College Choirs have performed throughout the Midwest and have served as musical ambassadors in Ireland, Canada, and China.

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Student Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes – Music 
1. Students will demonstrate the technical and artistic skills necessary for independent musical expression in a major performance area.
2. Students will perform both collaboratively and effectively through participation in musical ensembles.
3. Students will apply musical theoretical concepts to analyze harmonic and formal structures and create musical examples using appropriate tools.
4. Students will understand music in historical and cultural contexts.
5. Students will demonstrate keyboard competency.
6. Students will communicate musical ideas in both written and oral contexts.

 

Student Learning Outcomes – Music Education
1. Students will demonstrate the technical and artistic skills necessary for independent musical expression in a major performance area.
2. Students will perform both collaboratively and effectively through participation in musical ensembles.
3. Students will apply musical theoretical concepts to analyze harmonic and formal structures and create musical examples using appropriate tools.
4. Students will understand music in historical and cultural contexts.
5. Students will demonstrate keyboard competency.
6. Students will demonstrate conducting and rehearsal skills.
7. Students involved in music education will apply appropriate teaching skills to classroom scenarios
8. Students will communicate musical ideas in both written and oral contexts.
Major Requirements

MUSIC
Division of Communication & Fine Arts
Craig Schaefer, M.A., Chair
craig.schaefer@loras.edu
563.588.7385

The music program offers two major degree programs: (1) Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education); (2) Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. Both concentrations require successful completion of a piano proficiency examination. Related music minor program concentrations are listed below. The music program also offers a minor in liturgical music, in cooperation with the religious studies department.

Requirements for the major in Music Education (B.A.):
Successful completion of the piano proficiency is required either by taking 4 semesters of applied keyboard or by the successful completion of the preliminary keyboard assessment. One capstone performance project (recital) is required for completion of the degree. Students in this concentration must complete the following courses with a C or higher.

Req Course Cr’s
1 L.MUS-101: Music Theory I 3
2 L.MUS-102: Music Theory II 3
3 L.MUS-203: Music Theory III 3
4 L.MUS-204: Music Theory IV 3
5 L.MUS-215: History and Literature of Music I 3
6 L.MUS-216: History and Literature of Music II 3
8 L.MUS-230: Basic Conducting 2
7 L.MUS-233: Curriculum and Instruction in Music, Grades K-6 3
9 L.MUS-309: Orchestration 2
10 L.MUS-315: History and Literature of Music III 3
11 L.MUS-337: Secondary Music Methods 3
Select one from Req 12
12 L.MUS-333: Instrumental Conducting 2
12 L.MUS-336: Choral Conducting 2
13 L.MUS-174: String Techniques 1
14 L.MUS-175: Woodwind Techniques 1
15 L.MUS-176: Brass Techniques 1
16 L.MUS-177: Percussion Techniques 1
17 Applied Music: Major area from L.MUS-110 to 160 8
18 Applied Music: Minor area from L.MUS-121 Applied Piano 0-4*
19 Music Ensembles: From L.MUS-181 to 188 8
20 L.PSY-121: Developmental Psychology 3
21 L.EDU-200: Foundations of Education 3
22 L.EDU-205: Foundations of Special Education 3
Select one from Req 23
23 L.EDU-203: Teaching for Social Justice 3
23 L.EDU-265: Multicultural Education-AC 3
24 L.EDU-350: General Secondary Curriculum & Instruction 3
25 L.EDU-350L: Intermediate Clinical, Grades 5-12 1
26 L.EDU-357: Reading in the Middle and Secondary School 3
27 L.EDU-411: Student Teaching in Elementary Music 6
28 L.EDU-412: Student Teaching in Secondary Music 6
29 L.EDU-490: Capstone Seminar and Portfolio-PJ 2
30 Senior Capstone Recital
88 required credits

Requirements for the major in Music (B.A.):
Successful completion of the piano proficiency is required either by taking 4 semesters of applied keyboard or by the successful completion of the preliminary keyboard assessment. Two performance projects (recitals) are required for completion of the degree. Students in this concentration must complete the following courses with a C or higher.

Req Course Cr’s
1 L.MUS-101: Music Theory I 3
2 L.MUS-102: Music Theory II 3
3 L.MUS-203: Music Theory III 3
4 L.MUS-204: Music Theory IV 3
5 L.MUS-215: History and Literature of Music I 3
6 L.MUS-216: History and Literature of Music II 3
7 L.MUS-230: Basic Conducting 2
8 L.MUS-315: History and Literature of Music III 3
9 Applied Music: Major area from L.MUS-110 to 160 8
10 Applied Music: Minor area from L.MUS-121 Applied Keyboard 0-4*
11 Music Ensembles: From L.MUS-181 to 188 8
12 Senior Capstone Recital
43       total required credits

* See requirements for the Major regarding piano proficiency

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

Requirements for the minor in Music-Instrumental Emphasis:
The music minor with instrumental emphasis is a great option for students who love music but feel called to another major. Our program aims to deepen students’ understanding of the art of music through private lessons, jazz and wind ensemble performance, and academic studies in music history and theory. A minor in music can also be a wonderful supplement to other programs of study—such as business, religion, and media studies—where musical experience would be advantageous in finding and excelling in future employment. 

Req Course Cr’s
1 L.MUS-101: Music Theory I 3
2 L.MUS-102: Music Theory II 3
3 L.MUS-215: History and Literature of Music I 3
Select one from Req 4
4 L.MUS-216: History and Literature of Music II 3
4 L.MUS-315: History and Literature of Music III 3
5 Applied Music: Major area from L.MUS-121 to 160 6
6 Techniques: Major area from L.MUS-174 to 177 1
7 Music Ensembles: From L.MUS-181, 182, or 188 4
23 total required credits

Requirements for the minor in Music-Vocal/Choral Emphasis:
The music minor with vocal/choral emphasis is a great option for students who love music but feel called to another major. Our program aims to deepen students’ understanding of the art of music through private voice lessons, choral ensemble performance, and academic studies in music history and theory. A minor in music can also be a wonderful supplement to other programs of study—such as business, religion, and media studies—where musical experience would be advantageous in finding and excelling in future employment. 

Req Course Cr’s
1 L.MUS-101: Music Theory I 3
2 L.MUS-102: Music Theory II 3
3 L.MUS-215: History and Literature of Music I 3
Select one from Req 4
4 L.MUS-216: History and Literature of Music II 3
4 L.MUS-315: History and Literature of Music III 3
5 L.MUS-110: Voice 6
6 Music Ensembles: From L.MUS-183 to 186 4
22 total required credits

MUSIC HISTORY AND APPRECIATION
L.MUS-100: Soundscapes
L.MUS-117: The Jazz Experience
L.MUS-215: History & Literature of Music I
L.MUS-216: History & Literature of Music II
L.MUS-217: The Jazz Experience-AA
L.MUS-252: Music Appreciation-AA
L.MUS-295: Topics
L.MUS-315: History & Literature of Music III
L.MUS-321: History of Sacred Music-AA
L.MUS-350: Music in the Movies-AA
L.MUS-395: Music Topics

MUSIC THEORY, ORCHESTRATION/ARRANGING
L.MUS-101: Music Theory I
L.MUS-102: Music Theory II
L.MUS-203: Music Theory III
L.MUS-204: Music Theory IV
L.MUS-309: Orchestration

TECHNIQUES
L.MUS-174: String Techniques
L.MUS-175: Woodwind Techniques
L.MUS-176: Brass Techniques
L.MUS-177: Percussion Techniques

CONDUCTING AND METHODS
L.MUS-230: Basic Conducting
L.MUS-233: Curriculum and Instruction in Music K-6
L.MUS-333: Instrumental Conducting
L.MUS-336: Choral Conducting
L.MUS-337: Secondary Music Methods

APPLIED MUSIC (Private Lessons)
Applied Music study aims for the thorough development of effective technique and expressive performance. Applied Music is open to all students for 1 credit (one 30 minute lesson per week). With instructor permission, music majors may take Applied Music for 2 credits (one 60 minute lesson per week). All Applied Music students are required to attend monthly music seminars as determined by the instructor. Offered every semester. See course descriptions and specific semester class schedules for further information.

Vocal
L.MUS-110: Voice

Keyboard
L.MUS-121: Piano
L.MUS-122: Organ
L.MUS-123: Harpsichord

Strings
L.MUS-131: Violin
L.MUS-132: Viola
L.MUS-133: Cello
L.MUS-134: String Bass
L.MUS-135: Guitar

Woodwind
L.MUS-141: Flute
L.MUS-142: Oboe
L.MUS-143: Clarinet
L.MUS-144: Saxophone
L.MUS-145: Bassoon

Brass
L.MUS-151: Trumpet
L.MUS-152: French Horn
L.MUS-153: Trombone
L.MUS-154: Euphonium
L.MUS-155: Tuba

Percussion
L.MUS-160: Percussion

ENSEMBLES
L.MUS-181: Loras Wind Ensemble
L.MUS-182: Loras Jazz Ensemble
L.MUS-183: Loras Concert Choir
L.MUS-184: Loras Chamber Singers
L.MUS-185: Bella Voce (Women’s Choir)
L.MUS-186: Con Brio (Men’s Choir)
L.MUS-188: Chamber Ensembles

Course Descriptions

L.MUS-100: Soundscapes

This course offers its participants a unique opportunity to examine and expand their understanding and definitions of music on both personal and communal levels. Music is both science and art, existing in diverse communal configurations. An enlarged appreciation of the intersection of sound and significance (what does this sound “mean”) invites a deeper listening, one that is beyond mere hearing. Students will explore selected musical compositions and attend “live” concert venues and create their own composition. 3 credits. January term.

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-110: Voice

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-117: The Jazz Experience

The Jazz Experience is a study/travel course that focuses on the performance of jazz styles in instrumental and vocal music. Students spend the first week of the course on campus learning several jazz styles through intensive rehearsals and listening episodes. The following weeks are spent traveling and performing. 3 credits. January term.

L.MUS-121: Piano

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-122: Organ

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-123: Harpsichord

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-131: Violin

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-132: Viola

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-133: Cello

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-134: String Bass

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-135: Guitar

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-141: Flute

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-142: Oboe

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-143: Clarinet

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-144: Saxophone

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-145: Bassoon

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-151: Trumpet

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-152: French Horn

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-153: Trombone

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-154: Euphonium

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-155: Tuba

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-160: Percussion

Applied music course. 1-2 credit. Prerequisite: None

L.MUS-174: String Techniques

Skills and materials to organize and teach string instruments in the schools. 1 credit.

L.MUS-175: Woodwind Techniques

Skills and materials to organize and teach woodwind instruments in the schools. 1 credit.

L.MUS-176: Brass Techniques

Skills and materials to organize and teach brass instruments in the schools. 1 credit.

L.MUS-177: Percussion Techniques

Skills and materials to organize and teach percussion in the schools. 1 credit.

L.MUS-181: Loras Wind Ensemble                       

Prerequisites: None. Audition and instructor permission. 0-1 credit.

L.MUS-182: Loras Jazz Ensemble

Prerequisites: None. Audition and instructor permission. 0-1 credit.

L.MUS-183: Loras Concert Choir

Prerequisites: None. Audition and instructor permission. 0-1 credit.

L.MUS-184: Loras Chamber Singers

Prerequisites: None. 0-1 credit.

L.MUS-185: Bella Voce (Women’s Choir)                                               

Prerequisites: None. 0-1 credit.

L.MUS-186: Con Brio (Men’s Choir)

Prerequisites: None. 0-1 credit.

L.MUS-188: Chamber Ensembles

Prerequisites: None. 0-1 credit.

L.MUS-203: Music Theory III

A continuation of L.MUS-101 and L.MUS 102, with further development of the involved material. Prerequisite: L.MUS-102. 3 credits.

L.MUS-204: Music Theory IV

A continuation of L.MUS-101, L.MUS 102, and L.MUS-203 with further development of the involved material. Prerequisite: L.MUS-203. 3 credits.

L.MUS-215: History & Literature of Music I

Evaluation of forms, styles, media, political, social and philosophical considerations. Listening and analysis. Prerequisite: None. 3 credits.

L.MUS-216: History & Literature of Music II

Evaluation of forms, styles, media, political, social and philosophical considerations. Listening and analysis. Prerequisites: None. 3 credits.

L.MUS-217: The Jazz Experience-AA

The Jazz Experience is a study/travel course that focuses on the performance of jazz styles in instrumental and vocal music. Students spend the first week of the course on campus learning several jazz styles through intensive rehearsals and listening episodes. The following weeks are spent traveling and performing. 3 credits. January term.

L.MUS-230: Basic Conducting

Basic techniques and principles of conducting. Prerequisite: None. 2 credits.

L.MUS-233: Curriculum and Instruction in Music K-6

Goals, content, materials, and teaching strategies and basic music skills for planning and implementing music experiences in the music classroom are primary components in this course. Creative activities and experiments that promote music across the curriculum are included. Lesson planning for musical content area is also expected. Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education Program. 2-3 credits.

L.MUS-252: Music Appreciation-AA

This course presents the music of Western culture in the context of social history. A variety of styles and genres are explored and related to the historical context of the studies period. Style periods explored will be selected from antiquity through the contemporary periods. Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.IB-105, L.LIB-110, and one of the following L.LIB-130, L.LIB-135 or L.LIB-220. 3 credits.

L.MUS-295: Topics

Music topics course. Used to develop courses which have not been approved under another catalog number.

L.MUS-309: Orchestration

The basic technique of arranging music for instrumental and vocal ensembles. Prerequisite: L.MUS-204 or equivalent. 2 credits.

L.MUS-315: History & Literature of Music III

Continuation of MUS-215 (216). Prerequisites: None. 3 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.MUS-333: Instrumental Conducting

Continuation of materials in L.MUS-230 designed for instrumental conducting students. With an emphasis on score reading and instrumental materials, this course is designed to develop effective conducting techniques and planning and organizational skills basic to teaching instrumental music at the secondary level. Prerequisite: L.MUS-230. 2 credits.

L.MUS-336: Choral Conducting

To develop a conducting technique basic to teaching music at the secondary level and to study and prepare scores from the main periods of music history. To learn how to plan, organize and coordinate high school choral groups. Prerequisite: L.MUS-230. 2 credits.

L.MUS-337: Secondary Music Methods

Materials and methods appropriate for general music classes, as well as choral and instrumental organizations on the junior and senior high school levels are presented. 3 credits.

L.MUS-350: Music in the Movies-AA

Film music is a wonderful way not only to encounter some of the most charming, moving, and innovative musical compositions of the 20th and 21st centuries, but a way to come to a greater understanding of the American character. This course uses a variety of pedagogies to study the subject, including film clips, discussions, readings, and quizzes. 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. January term.

L.MUS-395: Music Topics

An examination of music topics and/or issues.  0-3 credits.  Offered as needed.

RELATED COURSE: Art

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

A music degree from Loras can prepare a student for work in many fields. For those who choose music as their career, the opportunities include:

Bachelor of Arts in Music

  • Music therapy
  • Liturgical music ministry
  • Arts administration
  • Freelance musician
  • Private music teacher
  • Graduate school in music or another field

Bachelor of Arts in Music Education

  • Elementary general music teacher
  • Secondary-level choir or band director and general music teacher
Questions? Contact Us!

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.

Daniel O’Dea
Instructor of Voice
daniel.odea@loras.edu
Daniel O’Dea, tenor, is a Grammy award winning performer and completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he received the Collins Fellowship. He performs regularly with The Crossing, winning a Grammy with them in 2018 and nominated in 2016. He is a versatile and seasoned performer proficient in opera, musical theater and contemporary music.

He been praised for his “high, clear voice” and powerful performances. Locally he has performed with Madison Choral Project, Middleton Players Theater, Madison Bach Musicians, Present Music Milwaukee, the Token Creek Music Festival and others. Regionally he has worked with the Chicago Lyric Opera Chorus, Chicago Bach Project, Grant Park Symphony Chorus, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and Peninsula Music Festival.

He received his Artist Diploma in Opera from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), Masters of Music in Voice from CCM and Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance from Westminster Choir College. He was an Apprentice Artist with Des Moines Metro Opera and Cedar Rapids Opera and is an alumnus of the Aspen Opera Theater Center, Brevard Music Center and the Chautauqua Institute.

Glenn Pohland, D.M.A.
Associate Professor of Music
563.588.7153 | Glenn.Pohland@loras.edu

Dr. Pohland began at Loras College in 2009 as Director of Instrumental Music and as an Assistant Professor in the Communication and Fine Arts Division. Dr. Pohland conducts the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and chamber groups, and serves as instructor of the low brass studio. He also teaches courses in music education, orchestration, music history, instrumental techniques and conducting. Dr. Pohland received his B.A. in Music Education from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, his M.M.Ed. from the University of Minnesota and his D.M.A. in Instrumental Music Education and Instrumental Conducting from Arizona State University.

Prior to his appointment at Loras, Dr. Pohland was an assistant professor of instrumental music education at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, and served for 24 years as the Director of Bands and General Music teacher in the Glencoe-Silver Lake, Minnesota, School district. He has been the recipient of the Superintendent’s Award for outstanding leadership, the American School Band Directors Association Stansbury Award for outstanding young band directors and has received numerous Distinguished Service Awards by the Minnesota Music Educators Association at the Music Educators National Conference.

In addition to his teaching position, Dr. Pohland is active as an adjudicator and clinician throughout the upper United States. He has served as guest conductor for several Midwest Honor Bands and regularly provides clinics on both wind literature and music technology for professional music organizations and school districts.

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.