Music

Follow your passion for Music with a Bachelor of Arts in Music or a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education

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 a major in Music and a major in Music Education. In addition, minors are offered in music, vocal music and liturgical music.

Learn About Our Major in Music or Music Education

Student Experience

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

Learn More

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

 

Curriculum

View Highlighted Courses

 

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.

Western European Music History from 1750 through Today
The course will examine the developments and stylistic features of significant musical genres, the contributions of various composers and their seminal works, and a contextualization of music history through the examination of political, social, artistic, and philosophical movements. Students will identify the above through listening; they will apply their understanding of the above through programming, research, and writing.

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.

World Music and Cultures
Through studying selected music and musical traditions from around the world, this course explores the ways that music is both shaped by and gives shape to the cultural settings in which it is performed. Specific case studies will be examined through listening, research, analysis, reflection and classroom instruction.

History of Sacred Music
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.

View All Music Course Offerings PDF

Major & Minor Requirements

Students will complete the following requirements in order to achieve a major or minor in music.  

Degree Requirements

 

Requirements for the major in Music Education (B.A.):

Req Course Cr’s
1 Music Theory I 3
2 Music Theory II 3
3 Aural Skills I 1
4 Aural Skills II 1
5 Music Theory III 3
6 Aural Skills III 1
7 Western European Music History from Antiquity through 1750 3
8 Western European Music History from 1750 through today 3
9 Basic Conducting 2
10 Curriculum and Instruction in Music, Grades K-6 3
11 Orchestration 2
12 World Music and Cultures 3
13 Secondary Music Methods 3
14 Advanced Conducting 2
15 String Techniques 1
16 Woodwind Techniques 1
17 Brass Techniques 1
18 Percussion Techniques 1
19 Vocal Techniques 1
20 Applied Music: Major area from L/MUS-110 to 160 8*
21 Applied Music: Minor Area from L.MUS-121 Applied Piano 0-4**
22 Music Ensembles: From L.MUS-181 to 188 7***
23 Lifespan Development 3
24 Foundations of Education 3
25 Foundations of Special Education 3
Select one from Req 26
26 Teaching for Social Justice 3
26 Multicultural Education 3
27 General Secondary Curriculum & Instruction 3
28 Intermediate Clinical, Grades 5-12 1
29 Reading in the Middle and Secondary School 3
30 Student Teaching in Elementary Music 6
31 Student Teaching in Secondary Music 6
32 Capstone Seminar and Portfolio 2
33 Senior Capstone Recital 0
86-90 required credits

Requirements for the major in Music (B.A.):

Req Course Cr’s
1 Music Theory I 3
2 Music Theory II 3
3 Aural Skills I 1
4 Aural Skills II 1
5 Music Theory III 3
6 Aural Skills III 1
7 Western European Music from Antiquity through 1750 3
8 Western European Music History from 1750 through today 3
9 Basic Conducting 2
10 World Music and Cultures 3
11 Applied Music: Major area from L.MUS-110 to 160 8*
12 Applied Music: Minor area from L.MUS-121 Applied Keyboard 0-4*
13 Music Ensembles: From L.MUS-181 to 188 8***
14 Senior Capstone 1
15 Junior Recital 0
16 Senior Recital 0
40-44 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 Music Theory I 3
2 Music Theory II 3
3 Aural Skills I 1
4 Aural Skills II 1
5 Basic Conducting 2
6 History of Sacred Music-AA 3
Select one from Req 8
8 Christ and Culture-AC 3
8 Councils, Creeds, and Culture-AC 3
8 Sacraments: Catholic Identity in Community-AI 3
9 Applied Music: L.MUS-110 to 160 6
10 Independent Study 1
23 total required credits

Requirements for the minor in Music-Instrumental Emphasis:

Req Course Cr’s
1 Music Theory I 3
2 Music Theory II 3
3 Aural Skills I 1
4 Aural Skills II 1
5 Western European Music History from Antiquity through 1750 3
Select one from Req 6
6 Western European Music History from 1750 through today 3
6 World Music and Cultures 3
7 Applied Music: Major area from L.MUS-121 to 160 6
8 Techniques: Major area from L.MUS-174 to 177 1
9 Music Ensembles: From L.MUS-181, 182, or 188 4
10 Recital 0
25 total required credits

Requirements for the minor in Music-Vocal/Choral Emphasis:

Req Course Cr’s
1 Music Theory I 3
2 Music Theory II 3
3 Aural Skills I 1
4 Aural Skills II 1
5 Western European Music History from Antiquity through 1750 3
Select one from Req 6
6 Western European Music History from 1750 through today 3
6 World Music and Cultures 3
7 Voice 6
8 Vocal Techniques 1
9 Music Ensembles: From L.MUS-183 to 186 4
10 Recital 0
25 total required credits

View Full Requirements & Additional Information PDF

Career Opportunities

“What can you do with a Music degree?”

As a Music major, you will be prepared for a variety of interesting careers.
Bachelor of Arts in Music

  • Music therapy
  • Liturgical music ministry
  • Arts administration
  • Freelance musician
  • Private music teacher
  • Graduate school in music or another field
  • Elementary general music teacher
  • Secondary-level choir or band director and general music teacher

Supporting Your Investment

Loras takes great pride in supporting your investment – both through providing an exceptional learning experience and in sharing the cost of your degree. 100% of Loras students receive financial aid. We have scholarships, grants and special awards for all students based on their achievements and financial need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take me to earn my Loras degree?

Most students earn their undergraduate degree in four years or less. If you have questions about transferring any previously earned credits or degrees, please see our Transfer Student Information.

How much is tuition?

At Loras College, financial access to education is one of our defining values. We are committed to helping all of our students make their degree affordable. We partner with every student and family to understand their unique financial needs ensuring 100% of Loras students receive financial aid. We offer Scholarships, grants and special awards for all students based on their achievements and financial need. Loras is consistently ranked as one of the best universities for return on investment.  View our Tuition and Fees page.

How do I apply for financial aid?

Submit your federal FAFSA, apply to Loras College and visit loras.edu/financial-aid for information, scholarship opportunities and much more.