Love music? The Loras music program offers two major degree programs: (1) a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education; (2) a Bachelor of Arts degree in Musical Studies, along with minors in music-instrumental, music-vocal/choral, and liturgical music.
All Loras students, regardless of major, can 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-instrumental, music-vocal, and liturgical music.
Majors
Musical Studies BA
Flexible and personalized, the Bachelor of Arts in Musical Studies 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 music advisor to create a coherent and meaningful major designed to build your skills as a musician while pursuing your individual interests.
Music Education BA
Be an effective teacher and learn to lead elementary or middle and high school classrooms. Develop skills, concepts, and methodologies in music theory, instrument and vocal techniques, music history, conducting, and music performance. For licensure, you must also complete a double major in secondary education.
Minors
Music Instrumental Emphasis
This minor is a great way to enhance your fundamentals of music through private lessons, jazz and wind ensemble performances, and academic studies in music history and theory. Learn about the theory of music and the history behind different forms, styles, and pieces.
Music Vocal/Choral Emphasis
Enhance your theoretical concepts, then translate those concepts into sound. Learn theory, aural skills, music history, and culture, while participating in the choral opportunities across campus.
Liturgical Music
Gain knowledge and insights of the music used in religious worship services. Learn the history behind the styles, forms, as well as the principles and practices of composing and performing it.
Explore Internships & Careers
internship opportunities offer real-world experiences. You can complete internships for academic credit or non-credit. Many students choose to complete both.
- West Music
- Uncle Ike’s Music
- Rondinelli Music
- Music liturgist intern at local parishes
- Five Flags Center or other music venues
- Northeast School of Music
- Dubuque Symphony
You will be prepared for a variety of interesting careers.
- Secondary choir, band, or orchestra director
- Elementary music teacher
- Graduate school
- Private music teacher
- Freelance music performer
- Liturgical music ministry
- Retail music industry
- Music Librarian
- Recording engineer
- Music event coordinator
Course Highlights
School of Humanities & Education
Majors & Minors
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.
Clubs & Orgs
We have a variety of opportunities for you to get involved from the moment you set foot on campus.
Jazz Ensemble
eDUcation Club
Concert Choir
Chamber Singers
Wind Ensemble
Duhawkappella
Loras Players/Guild of St. Genesius
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.
Straight Talk from a Duhawk
I wasn’t planning on majoring in music, but it all fell into place. The professors were great and I learned so much about professionalism and how music can be your full-time career. In all aspects of my college experience I was supported by all professors and staff members to succeed!
— Rachel (’19)
Meet Your Professors
Michael Bagby DMA
Assistant Professor of Music
Glenn Pohland DMA
Professor of Music
Director of Instrumental Activities
Music Studies News
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Loras Students Chosen for National Leadership Development Program
Patrick McGreevey (’25) and August Witt (’26) have recently participated in a one-of-a-kind leadership development program through their fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon. More
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Lynch Center Events Focused on Autism Acceptance
The Loras College Lynch Disability Resource and Cultural Center has announced a slate of events in April centered on informing and educating the public on autism. All of the events will take place in the Alumni Campus Center Ballroom at 7 p.m. More
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Loras Adjunct Professor Wins Grammy for Choral Performance
Daniel O’Dea, adjunct professor of vocal music, has had an accomplished career to date, from multiple degrees to a large slate of performances. He can now add Grammy Winning Artist to that list. More