Academics

ACADEMIC OFFERINGS

The Lehigh Music Department is devoted to the study, performance, and appreciation of music, with a special commitment to collaboration across disciplines in the study of music as art and social practice. We offer a multiplicity of courses to educate our students in musicology and music history, jazz and commericial music, recording technology, music theory, composition, conducting, and other subjects. We encourage majors and non-majors, undergraduates and graduate students alike to participate in our ensembles large and small, including instrumental chamber music; choral groups; jazz orchestras and combos; philharmonic orchestra; wind ensemble; and marching band. Our students enjoy many opportunities to collaborate with renowned guest musicians, and we employ a staff of illustrious instructors for students who wish to take private instrumental or vocal lessons.

Our department is located within the Zoellner Arts Center, and features rehearsal rooms, practice rooms, a composition and digital class piano studio, a comprehensive recording studio, classrooms, and a state-of-the-art concert facility, Baker Hall.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC

The B.A. in Music program comprises three components: foundation courses, electives, and the capstone project. Foundation courses train students in fundamental musicianship and performance skills, history, and theory. Together with a broad range of electives, these courses will give students the necessary skills and knowledge to develop their capstone projects. The Music Major requires a minimum of 36 credits.

(1) Foundation

MUS 005  1-2 credits               Keyboard Skills (or pass the keyboard proficiency exam)

MUS 007  1-2 credits.              Aural Skills (or pass the aural proficiency exam)

MUS 081  4 credits.                 Foundations of Music

MUS 082  3 credits                  Elementary Harmony

Two consecutive semesters of ensemble participation

(2) Electives

6- 8 credits.                             Two 100- or 200-level courses addressing any of the following areas: music genre, composer, conducting, composition, or a historical period/historical-cultural topic.    

7 - 19 credits                           All other courses, lessons, and ensembles should be chosen in consultation with, and with the approval of, the undergraduate advisor and the capstone supervisor.   

(3) Capstone

MUS 270  1-4 credits              Capstone Preparation

MUS 370   1-4 credits             Capstone Project

OPTIONS FOR MAJORING IN MUSIC

Lehigh attracts many engineering and science students, as well as English, business, and accounting majors, who wish to continue their active involvement in music. Those students who wish to combine their scientific or engineering pursuits with music should take a look at the Arts/Engineering program or at the IDEAS program. Beyond those curricula, students in engineering, business, or other majors can, with good time management, pursue either a dual degree or a double major. For more information on these two options, please see https://cas.lehigh.edu/content/double-majors-and-dual-degrees. 

MINOR IN MUSIC

The Music Minor enables students to take courses in music history and culture, participate in music ensembles, choose elective courses from a broad range of topics, and take private music lessons. The Music Minor requires a minimum of 17 credits.

(1) One course from the following:

MUS 010   3-4 credits             Introduction to Western Music

MUS 013   3-4 credits             Music Cultures of the World

MUS 081   3-4 credits             Foundations of Music

(2)              2 credits               Two consecutive semesters of ensemble participation

(3)              3-4 credits.           One 3-4 credit Music Dept. course

(4)              9-11 credits          Elective courses, lessons, and ensembles

Elective courses, lessons, and ensembles are to be chosen in consultation with, and with the approval of, the undergraduate advisor.

MUSIC MAJOR AND MINOR DECLARATION FORMS

Students who wish to declare a Major or Minor in Music should click the appropriate DocuSign link below. Fill out the form and sign it electronically. It will be routed to the respective major or minor advisor, and a completed copy will be emailed to Alyssa Horne atakh222@lehigh.edu.

The Music Major Declaration Form is available at: CAS Major Declaration Form

The Music Minor Declaration Form is available at: Music Minor Declaration Form

PRIVATE LESSONS

Lessons in most instruments and voice may be taken for one credit per semester; students may also enroll for no credit to avoid overloading. Lessons must be arranged through the department at set fees that are not included in tuition. Please note that registering for lessons does not guarantee availability, due to occasional difficulties in scheduling.

PERFORMING GROUPS

Admission to performing ensembles is by audition (except for Choral Union, Symphonic Band, some Jazz groups, and Marching 97, which are open to all students). Students receive one credit per semester by registering for the appropriate course number. Students may also register for zero credit by registering for that appropriate course number, as indicated in the catalog. Although there is no limit to the number of these courses that may be taken, students should check with their advisor to determine the number of credits that may be applied toward graduation.

Contact

Undergraduate Advisor (Major Studies)              Paul Salerni (pfs0@lehigh.edu)

Undergraduate Advisor (Minor Studies)              Michael Jorgensen (mij213@lehigh.edu)

Private music studies                                          Alyssa Horne (akh222@lehigh.edu)