Music
Introduction
The LaGrange College Music faculty is dedicated to the development of student musicians who are both creative and critical thinkers, and who are able to communicate in culturally engaging ways. We seek to integrate and extend liberal arts-based values through musical scholarship, presentation, and creative collaboration. Within a challenging and nurturing environment, we further seek to prepare competitive musicians whose personal development and artistry demonstrate intelligence, ethical values, and a lifelong pursuit of excellence.
Our program size allows us to focus attention on each student as an individual, helping each one grow into a well-rounded, competent, and confident musician. We offer the following degrees: Bachelor of Music (Performance, Church Music, and Composition & Music Technologies); Bachelor of Arts in Music Education; Bachelor of Arts in Music; and Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre (in collaboration with the Theatre Arts Program). We also offer a minor in Music.
LaGrange College Music Objectives
The LaGrange College Music faculty strive to
- provide opportunities for all students to develop an awareness and understanding of music as an integral part of the liberal education and the human experience.
- provide a well-rounded music curriculum that prepares music majors for graduate study in music and/or employment in the music field.
- provide collaborative opportunities for peer-to-peer as well as faculty-student research, including the necessary equipment, space, and funding.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of a Music degree, a student should be able to
- demonstrate exemplary musicianship and the ability to integrate musical knowledge.
- demonstrate the ability to synthesize musical ideas and technique in creative musical expression.
- demonstrate effective presentation of scholarship, artistry, and/or musical creativity.
- demonstrate appreciation of music that results in an ongoing commitment to artistic endeavors.
Music Education
Students majoring or interested in pursuing this field of study should visit the Music Education page.
Ensembles
Several musical ensembles are available by audition for both music majors and non-majors: LC Chamber Choir, LC Marching Band, LC Wind Ensemble, LC Percussion Ensemble, Opera Theatre, and Musical Theatre. To learn more about our various ensembles, and to set up an audition, please contact us at music@lagrange.edu.
Facilities and Resources
Housed in the West Side Building, the Music Department includes the modern 150-seat Beason Recital hall, a suite of mixing and editing rooms, applied studios, smart classrooms, dedicated ensemble rehearsal rooms and a live recording studio and control room. For students planning to work in the TV and film industry, the facility features a video staging and shooting room with grid lighting, a Chromakey (green screen) wall and a dedicated project workroom for stop-motion animation and detailed videography. Price Theater houses a 280-seat performance space, a 60-seat experimental lab theater, a studio classroom, costume shop, scene shop and costume and properties storage. Callaway Auditorium, a state-of-the art concert hall, provides more than 740 seats and superior acoustics.
Music Awards/Scholarships
Renewable talent-based awards and scholarships are available for incoming first-year students as well as for transfer students. Recipients must be a music major/minor and participate in a large ensemble. Check the LaGrange College Music website for dates and specific audition requirements: music@lagrange.edu.
Music Majors Handbooks
The Music Majors Handbook provides students with more detailed information regarding many of the academic requirements listed below. This Handbook is provided to incoming students upon matriculation and is a valuable resource for the successful completion of academic work.
Primary Applied Instrument
Students pursuing a music degree choose a primary applied instrument (e.g., piano, voice, guitar, percussion, etc. but not composition) and take lessons every semester throughout their matriculation. C&MT majors take composition in addition to lessons on their primary applied instrument. Applied lessons are individual weekly instruction in a student’s choice of instrument. One hour of credit is awarded for MUSI 1105/1106, which consists of a one-half hour private lesson per week plus a weekly seminar. Two hours of credit are awarded for MUSI 3105/3106, which consists of a one-hour private lesson per week plus a weekly seminar. All students enrolled in applied lessons are required to perform a Jury at the end of each semester, an individual examination before a committee of the Music faculty that assesses performance progress. In all applied music subjects, a fee for individual lessons is charged in addition to the regular tuition. This fee is $250 per credit hour per semester.
Academic Advisement
Incoming freshmen students will be assigned a music advisor in addition to the Cornerstone advisor. Each program of study in Music requires a heavy concentration of music courses and experiences, and many courses are sequential. Therefore, potential Music majors are strongly encouraged to begin taking music courses in their first year. For successful completion of all degree requirements, refer to the specific degree pathway sheet, this catalog, and the Music Majors Handbook.
Entry Requirements for Music Majors
Audition
All prospective music majors must audition prior to official entrance into the Music Program. If an audition has not occurred prior to matriculation, a prospective major may begin to take music courses and the end-of-semester jury will serve as the student’s audition for acceptance into the program. All students who intend to earn a degree in music will be assessed by the music faculty at the end of their second semester of study to determine the degree program of study for which they are best suited.
Theory Placement Exam
Students with prerequisite theory skill may petition to take the final exam of a theory course to demonstrate knowledge and skill, exempt the course, and advance to a higher level of theory. The petition should be made directly to Dr. Mitch Turner in advance of the start of the semester. Any petition submitted after the institutional Drop/Add period will not be given consideration. Course credit is not given for any course that a student exempts.
Piano Placement Exam
Students with prerequisite piano skill may petition to take the final exam of a Piano Class to demonstrate knowledge and skill, exempt the course, and advance to a higher level of Piano Class. The petition should be made directly to Dr. Tracy Xian in advance of the start of the semester. Any petition submitted after the institutional Drop/Add period will not be given consideration. Course credit is not given for any course that a student exempts.
Sophomore Barrier Jury
This barrier jury will help faculty and students decide which music major best suits the student’s potential and in which major the student is most likely to succeed. The Sophomore Barrier Jury applies to all music majors. Music Education majors must successfully pass the Sophomore Barrier Jury to continue pursuing upper-level courses in Music and Education.
The sophomore barrier jury will consist of reports and an extended jury on the student’s primary applied instrument or, in the case of composition & music technology (BM in C&MT) students, during their composition jury.
Usually, a student will have an extended jury during the spring semester of their sophomore year. Exceptions to this schedule may be necessary for transfer students. The chair of the music program will decide on the timing for transfer students. Other timing exceptions may be requested by the primary applied instructor; the primary applied instructor will request that the chair of music alter the timing; after a review of available material, the music program chair will rule on the request.
Exit Requirements for Music Majors
- Students must earn a grade of “C-” or better in all music courses.
- All Music majors, except Piano Performance majors, must successfully pass the Piano Proficiency. Details for this exam are included in the Music Majors Handbook.
- All Music majors must take the Theory and Ear Training Exit Exam upon completion of the theory and ear training sequence of courses and must receive a minimum score of 80 percent in all sections. A detailed description of this exam is included in the Music Majors Handbook.
- All Music majors must take the ETS Major Field test upon completion of Advanced Music Theory and the Music History Sequence.
- All Music majors must present either a capstone presentation or a public recital featuring their talent (according to the degree requirements). Recital requirements vary between the different programs of study. Consult the Music Majors Handbook for specific guidelines. Bachelor of Music candidates must present both a Junior and Senior recital.
- All Music majors must meet concert recital requirements. Refer to the Music Majors Handbook for details.
In addition to completing the General Education curriculum requirements, students pursuing a major in Music must complete the following major program requirements:
Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education
This program of study is designed for students seeking careers as a school music teacher at the elementary, middle and/or high school levels. The course of study prepares future music teachers in all areas - instrumental, choral, and general music - and also prepares students for continued study at the graduate level. Students seeking this degree generally possess considerable prerequisite musical skill and ensemble experience. Information about the degree requirements and course of study, along with Music Education course descriptions, can be found in the Education Department section of this bulletin.
*Denotes courses that satisfy PG2: Artistic Production & Expressions in the Ethos curriculum.
† Denotes courses that satisfy PG2: Western Civilization & Humanities in the Ethos curriculum.
Majors and Minors
Major Minor
B.A. in Music B.M. in Composition and Music Technologies B.M. in Performance (Vocal and Instrumental) B.M. in Church Music Minor in MusicCourses
A weekly seminar/recital hour featuring student performances, master classes, and presentations by guest artists. (0 hours)
Provides an introduction to elementary music theory to build basic music competency. Topics include scales, key signatures, staff notation, clefs, rhythm, meter, intervals, general music terminology, and introductory piano skills.
This course focuses on basic elements of music theory and is designed to provide the student with an elementary understanding of music theory. Topics include: scales, key signatures, simple and compound meters, intervals, triads, and seventh chords. Some lab time will be devoted to Internet music resources and notation using MuseScore. Other topics will include basic MAC computer skills, especially as they pertain to music theory and CAI in music theory.
Continuation of MUSI 1101. This course focuses on Diatonic Harmony and is designed to extend the student’s elementary understanding of music theory. Topics include: elementary counterpoint, elementary part writing, secondary dominants, secondary diminished seventh chords. Some lab time will be devoted to Internet music resources and notation using MuseScore. Other topics will include basic MAC computer skills, especially as they pertain to music theory and CAI in music theory.
Beginning instruction in piano for music majors with no previous keyboard training. Development of basic reading skills. Open to non-majors with the approval of the instructor.
Continuation of Piano 1 with additional emphasis on sight-reading.
Individual instruction in the student’s choice of instrument or voice to develop technical proficiency, repertoire knowledge, and performance skills. Consists of one 30-minute weekly lesson plus a one-hour weekly seminar. May be repeated for credit. (N.B., Composition does not count as a primary applied instrument for degree completion. Refer to “Primary Applied Instrument” above.) Section codes are as follows: Voice (A), Piano (B), Organ (C), Guitar (Classical and Contemporary)(D), Percussion (E), Composition (F), Strings (G), Flute (H), Clarinet (I), Oboe (J), Saxophone (K), Trumpet (L), Trombone (M), Euphonium (N), Horn (O)
Individual instruction in the student’s choice of instrument or voice to develop technical proficiency, repertoire knowledge, and performance skills. Consists of one 30-minute weekly lesson plus a one-hour weekly seminar. May be repeated for credit. (N.B., Composition does not count as a primary applied instrument for degree completion. Refer to “Primary Applied Instrument” above.) Section codes are as follows: Voice (A), Piano (B), Organ (C), Guitar (Classical and Contemporary)(D), Percussion (E), Composition (F), Strings (G), Flute (H), Clarinet (I), Oboe (J), Saxophone (K), Trumpet (L), Trombone (M), Euphonium (N), Horn (O)
Performance organization(s) providing ensemble experience. May be repeated for credit. Section codes are as follows: LC Chamber Choir (A), LC Marching Band (B), LC Wind Ensemble (C), LC Jazz Ensemble (D), LC Percussion Ensemble (E), LSO Ensemble (F)
Performance organization(s) providing ensemble experience. May be repeated for credit. Section codes are as follows: LC Chamber Choir (A), LC Marching Band (B), LC Wind Ensemble (C), LC Jazz Ensemble (D), LC Percussion Ensemble (E), LSO Ensemble (F)
Through classroom instruction and performance practice, this course will develop the student’s creative and performance talent, as well as develop basic skills in music reading. No previous training is required. Note: Students choosing Guitar should provide their own instrument. Section A: Guitar – topics covered include guitar chords and basic accompaniment patterns. Section B: Voice – introduction to basic vocal technique, vocal literature, diction, interpretation, and presentation. Section C: Percussion – introduction to basic percussion techniques, rhythm patterns, and percussion literature. Section D: Composition – emphasis on basic song writing and/or composition using entry level music technology. Section E: Beginning Piano - basic piano with emphasis on reading melodic lines and elementary harmony.
This course will acquaint students with the appropriate language needed for a precise discussion of music and the literature that corresponds to musical evolution since notation developed. The course will also have a strong listening component, thereby encouraging more discriminate listening.
A broad survey of music aimed at developing aesthetic awareness and critical analysis of music from diverse styles and genres.
This course is designed to provide the student with basic sight singing and listening skills. Some lab time will be devoted to Internet music resources and notation using MuseScore. Other topics will include basic MAC computer skills, especially as they pertain to music theory and CAI in music theory and ear training.
Continuation of MUSI 1113.
A weekly seminar hour for the presentation, discussion and critique of compositional and creative student works in progress. Guest lectures and topical presentations will also occur throughout the semester.
Continuation of MUSI 1102. This course focuses on Chromatic Harmony and Form and is designed to provide the student experience with intermediate-level music theory topics, including: phrase structure, non-chord tones, voice leading, harmony, figured bass, modulations, and form (binary, ternary, variations, etc.). Some lab time will be devoted to Internet music resources and notation using MuseScore. Other topics will include basic MAC computer skills, especially as they pertain to music theory and CAI in music theory.
Continuation of MUSI 2201. This course focuses on 20th & 21st Century Techniques and is designed to provide the student with more advanced knowledge of music theory, including early 20th century scalar music, introduction to pitch-class set theory, introduction to 12-Tone theory, and more recent musical trends. Some lab time will be devoted to Internet music resources and notation using MuseScore. Other topics will include basic MAC computer skills, especially as they pertain to music theory and CAI in music theory.
Continuation of Piano 2.
Continuation of MUSI 1114. This course is designed to provide the student with more advanced sight singing and listening skills. Some lab time will be devoted to internet music resources and notation using MuseScore. Other topics will include basic MAC computer skills, especially as they pertain to music theory and CAI in music theory and ear training.
Continuation of MUSI 2213.
Topics covered include: basic vocal technique, vocal anatomy, breath management, maintaining vocal health, vocal registers, theatrics of singing, IPA, and basic score reading.
This course trains students in the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet to pronounce foreign language art songs and arias. Emphasis is on IPA symbols applied to English, Italian, German, and French.
Techniques of scoring for string, brass, woodwind, percussion instruments, and MIDI instruments.
Classroom instruction in digital and analog audio engineering. Recording console operation, microphone placement and usage, mixing, tape based and hard disc recording, mastering, CD burning and troubleshooting.
Individual instruction in the student’s choice of instrument or voice to develop technical proficiency, repertoire knowledge, and performance skills. Consists of a one-hour weekly lesson plus a one-hour weekly seminar. May be repeated for credit. (N.B., Composition does not count as a primary applied instrument for degree completion. Refer to “Primary Applied Instrument” above.) Section codes are as follows: Voice (A), Piano (B), Organ (C), Guitar (Classical and Contemporary)(D), Percussion (E), Composition (F), Strings (G), Flute (H), Clarinet (I), Oboe (J), Saxophone (K), Trumpet (L), Trombone (M), Euphonium (N), Horn (O)
Individual instruction in the student’s choice of instrument or voice to develop technical proficiency, repertoire knowledge, and performance skills. Consists of a one-hour weekly lesson plus a one-hour weekly seminar. May be repeated for credit. (N.B., Composition does not count as a primary applied instrument for degree completion. Refer to “Primary Applied Instrument” above.) Section codes are as follows: Voice (A), Piano (B), Organ (C), Guitar (Classical and Contemporary)(D), Percussion (E), Composition (F), Strings (G), Flute (H), Clarinet (I), Oboe (J), Saxophone (K), Trumpet (L), Trombone (M), Euphonium (N), Horn (O)
Advanced compositional study of large-scale forms and genres. Assigned and student-initiated composition projects that include brass quintet, string quartet, art song, mixed-voiced choir, and chamber orchestra. Students may also compose works that use live or pre-recorded elements and/or techniques, music for video or short film, or other nontraditional means. All completed compositions that meet the required criteria for these listed performing groups will be rehearsed and recorded.
The study of the western classical tradition, from earliest antiquity through Haydn and Mozart. Course will emphasize historical analysis and criticism, aural identification, and research.
Music of the Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras, beginning with Beethoven. Course will emphasize historical analysis and criticism, aural identification, and research.
This course will cover the writing and analysis of Species Counterpoint in both 16th and 18th century styles. Units will address problems unique to two-, three-, and four-voiced textures. Chorale style units will cover writing in a 4-voice (SATB) style, the realization of a figured bass into a 4-voiced texture, and analysis of Bach’s Chorale style. Other topics will include basic arranging and orchestration.
A survey of Christian hymnody in the English-speaking world from its roots in the early Christian Church to present day practices in worship. The study of selected hymns and hymn writers associated with a number of different Christian traditions will be included.
Theoretical foundations of the Jazz tradition, and consideration of related contemporary style: blues, fusion, rock, gospel, and current popular idioms. Aural skills emphasized, with keyboard harmony studies oriented to realizing technical comprehension of the material.
Conducting techniques, score reading, rehearsal techniques for choral and/or instrumental ensembles.
This course covers techniques for combining video, sound, and sound effects in various creative contexts. Projects include: recording voice over, introductory video recording, basic lighting for video, basic interview techniques, introductory video editing techniques, advanced sound design, and advanced audio editing techniques.
A public performance of the student’s creative work or talent presented during the Junior year. Please consult the Music Majors Handbook for specific recital requirements.
The study of basic issues pertaining to the music industry: music copyrights, music synchronization, musical mechanical licensing, standard music contracts, royalties, artists’ advances and contracts, buyouts. Introduction to the major licensing organizations, i.e., ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the professional society of musicians.
A special projects course with hands-on participation and teamwork required. Each project is unique; specific content will be publicized in the semester preceding the course offering.
A supervised, practical “real world” experience in a professional off-campus environment. May be repeated for credit.
The study of selected operas and operatic excerpts that may result in staged performances.
A public performance of the student's creative work or talent presented during the senior year. Please consult the Music Majors Handbook for specific recital requirements.
Class instruction for musical topics of a highly specialized nature. The content of this course will change based upon the expertise of the instructor and the needs of the students. May be repeated for credit.
Approval of instructor.
The capstone presentation is a senior-level exploration of a faculty-approved music topic.