Music Programs: Degrees and Majors

Additional Information

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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!

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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

L.MUS-110: Voice