Music Program: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music (B.A. in Music)​

Overview

 The Loyola University music program invites students of all backgrounds to engage in a vast array of performance and coursework opportunities. Located in one of the world's most vibrant musical centers, and featuring a highly dedicated and award-winning faculty, Music at Loyola provides the rigorous training necessary for those intent on pursuing a career in music, while offering a welcoming environment for non-majors seeking to enhance their collegiate experience.

Music Major Curriculum

A total of 42 credit hours are required to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music (B.A. in Music). The music curriculum is a combination of Music Theory, Music History and Literature, applied courses (one-on-one study), ensembles, and electives. As part of the B.A. in Music, students may choose to add a concentration in Jazz Studies, Liturgical Music, and Vocal Performance. For a complete list of courses that fulfill the B.A. in Music degree (and all of the concentrations), please click here.

Career Opportunities

Recent graduates of Loyola University's music program have embarked on careers as performers, educators, composers, arrangers, conductors, studio musicians, and arts administrators. Graduates with a concentration in Jazz Studies have pursued careers in not only jazz, but in related idioms as well, while students of the Liturgical Music concentration gain valuable experience working with pastors, choirs, and congregations as they prepare to become church music directors. Students who complete the new Vocal Performance concentration will be well-equipped to continue in the field of music as performers, teachers, music therapists, arts administrators, and choir directors. Loyola's B.A. in Music also prepares students for graduate study, with many recent graduates enrolling in leading music schools and conservatories across the U.S.

Resources

Highlights of the Loyola Music program include performance opportunities in numerous ensembles, including: University Chorale, Chamber Choir, University Singers, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Ensemble, Jazz Combo, and Pep Band. Loyola also features an extensive Applied Music Program (one-on-one study) with a world-class faculty, newly renovated performance venues, a digital music lab, a keyboard lab, and practice rooms featuring Yamaha and Kawai grand pianos.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will demonstrate:

• ​a thorough understanding of the basic elements related to music theory: rhythm, melody, and harmony. ​
• an understanding of musical forms, processes, and structures; and the ability to employ this understanding in written and verbal analyses. ​
• proficiency in the basic areas of musicianship: keyboard, aural skills, and sight-singing. ​
• a basic knowledge of music history resulting, in part, from score analysis, dedicated listening, and concert attendance. 
• the ability to apply critical thinking towards music and its contextualization. ​
• the technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression.
• the knowledge and skills necessary to work collaboratively as part of a musical ensemble. ​
• the development of metacognitive skills. ​
• a working knowledge of the artistic considerations necessary to produce and perform a solo recital (capstone project)​

Students interested in receiving a major or minor in music should make an appointment with Dr. Frederick Lowe, Director of Music. Music majors are admitted into the program through audition.