Music
Introduction
The LaGrange College Music faculty is dedicated to the development of student musicians who are both creative and critical thinkers, and who can 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 Bachelor of Music in Composition & Music Technologies, the Bachelor of Arts in Music, and the Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre (in collaboration with the Theatre Arts Program). We also offer a Minor in Music and a Minor in Music Technology.
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.
Ensembles
Several musical ensembles are available by audition for both music majors and non-majors: LC Singers, LC Wind Ensemble, LC Percussion Ensemble, String Ensemble, 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 an 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; two hours of credit are awarded for MUSI 3105/3106. 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 the Program Chair 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 the Program Chair 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 consists 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 complete the Sophomore Barrier Jury during the spring semester of their sophomore year. Exceptions to this schedule may be necessary for transfer students or in special cases; such exceptions will be determined by the Chair of the Music Program.
Exit Requirements for Music Majors
- Students must earn a grade of “C-” or better in all music courses.
- All Music 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.
Majors and Minors
Major Minor
B.A. in Music B.M. in Composition and Music Technologies Minor in Music Minor in Music TechnologyCourses
A weekly seminar/recital hour featuring student performances, master classes, and presentations by guest artists. (0 hours)
This course focuses on the basic elements of music theory and music production, providing the student with an elementary understanding of musical structure and studio production techniques. Topics include: an introduction to studio production & mixing, scales, key signatures, simple and compound meters, intervals, triads, and seventh chords. Some lab time will be devoted to studio recording, production, and music notation.
This course focuses on various aspects of diatonic/chromatic harmony, musical style/genre traits, and musical form/structure. Topics include but are not limited to: modulations, phrase structure/analysis, basic part writing, and basic orchestration/arranging. Some lab time will be devoted to studio recording/production and music notation. Other topics will include basic MAC computer skills, especially as they pertain to music theory and music production. This course may be taken before or after MUSI 2201 & 2202.
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. 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. 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 Singers (A), LC Wind Ensemble (B), LC Jazz Ensemble (C), LC Percussion Ensemble (D), String Ensemble (E)
Performance organization(s) providing ensemble experience. May be repeated for credit. Section codes are as follows: LC Singers(A), LC Wind Ensemble (B), LC Jazz Ensemble (C), LC Percussion Ensemble (D), String Ensemble (E)
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.
A broad survey of American music and musical technology from the late 1700s to present.
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 transcription and notation of simple melodies and basic chord progressions.
This course continues the study of basic sight singing and listening skills. Some lab time will be devoted to transcription and notation of simple melodies and basic chord progressions. Topics will include aural identification of cadence types.
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.
This course focuses on various aspects of diatonic/chromatic harmony, musical style/genre traits, and musical form/structure. Topics include but are not limited to: binary form, rounded binary form, sonata form, strophic form, 32-bar pop song form, church modes, and pitch-class sets. Some lab time will be devoted to studio recording/production and music notation. Other topics will include basic MAC computer skills, especially as they pertain to music theory and music production. This course may be taken before or after MUSI 1102 & 2202.
This course focuses on various aspects of diatonic/chromatic harmony, musical style/genre traits, and musical form/structure. Topics include but are not limited to: ternary form, rondo form, 12-tone techniques, minimalism, aleatory, sound mass, and spectral music. Some lab time will be devoted to studio recording/production and music notation. Other topics will include basic MAC computer skills, especially as they pertain to music theory and music production. This course may be taken before or after MUSI 1102 & 2201.
More advanced training in keyboard proficiency.
This course is designed to provide the student with intermediate sight singing and listening skills. Some lab time will be devoted to transcription and notation of intermediate level melodies and chord progressions.
This course is designed to provide the student with more advanced sight singing and listening skills, including melodies that modulate. Some lab time will be devoted to transcription and notation of more advanced melodies and chord progressions, including those that modulate.
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.
Recording studio instruction in digital audio engineering, focusing on DAW environments: LOGIC and PROTOOLS. Topics include: signal routing; recording console operation; microphone selection, placement and usage; sound mixing; and sound design.
Individual instruction in the student’s choice of instrument or voice to develop technical proficiency, repertoire knowledge, and performance skills. 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. 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.
Class instruction for musical theory 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. Topics include, but not limited to, pop music form and chord progressions, arranging, Schenkerian Analysis, Nashville numbers, lead sheets and chord charts, etc. May be repeated for credit. May be taken for 1-3 credit hours.
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.
Class instruction for musical technology topics of a highly specialized nature. Topics will focus on music technologies used in commercial music. The content of this course will change based upon the expertise of the instructor and the needs of the students. Topics include, but are not limited to, microphone techniques, music notation software, live sound reinforcement, on-the-fly multi-media presentation software, Ableton Live, etc. May be repeated for credit.
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 which may include: entrepreneurship, 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.
The capstone presentation is a senior-level exploration of a faculty-approved music topic.
Approval of instructor.
Continuation of Piano 3.
