Music Studies

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


Jeremiah Cawley, D.M.A.

Music Studies
Flexible and personalized, the music studies major gives you the ability to personalize your course of study as you undertake a balanced approach to the varied disciplines of music, including performance, ethnomusicology, cultural studies, histories of music, theories of music, technology, and composition. You will work closely with your adviser to create a coherent and meaningful major that is designed to build your skills as musicians while you pursue your individual interests.

Music Education
Prepare to be a music educator and develop skills, concepts, and methodologies in music theory, instrument and vocal techniques, music history, conducting, and music performance. Additionally, participate in campus ensembles and lessons

Beyond the Major
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. In addition, minors are offered in music, vocal music, and liturgical music.

Learn About Our Major in Music Studies or Music Education

Student Experience

Learn More

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MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Music scholarships of $500-$3000 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.

Visit our music scholarships page for additional information and to apply.

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
The choral program includes two ensembles: Chamber Singers and Concert Choir. These 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.

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.

Student Learning Outcomes

 

Student Learning Outcomes – Music Performance
1. Students will demonstrate the technical and artistic skills necessary for independent musical expression in a major performance area. (Instrumental, Vocal, Song-Writing)
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 as well as recognize musical selections from the countries or genres being studied.
5. Students will communicate musical ideas in both written and oral contexts.
6. Students will develop basic competencies in basic computer assisted music composition and performance software. (Finale, Sibelius, MuseScore, Smartmusic, Audacity, Upbeat Music)

 

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 piano proficiency.
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.
9. Students will demonstrate fundamental aural proficiency.

Curriculum

View Highlighted Courses

Music Theory

Orchestration

Language of Jazz

Identity, Culture and Rock and Roll

History of Jazz

History of Musical Theatre

Music in the Movies

World Music and Cultures

Music Making

Applied lessons on all instruments and voices

View Music Courses

Major & Minor Requirements

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

Degree Requirements

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MUSIC EDUCATION
Division of Communication & Fine Arts
Glenn Pohland, D.M.A., Chair, Director of Instrumental Music and Music Education
Michael Bagby, D.M.A  Director of Choral Activities

Music Studies, B.A. beginning fall 2023
Music Education, B.A.

Additional Music Majors & Minors
Music-Instrumental Emphasis, Minor
Music-Vocal/Choral Emphasis, Minor
Music-Instrumental Emphasis, Minor
Liturgical Music, Minor
Music-Vocal/Choral Emphasis, Minor

 

Career Opportunities

“What can you do with a Music Studies degree?”

  • Secondary-level choir, band or orchestra director
  • Elementary general music teacher
  • Graduate school
  • Private music teacher
  • Freelance musician
  • Arts administration
  • Liturgical music ministry
  • Music therapy

“What can you do with a music education degree?”

  • Elementary general music teacher
  • Graduate school
  • Private 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.