Degree Programs
The Music Department teaches music not only as a liberal art but also for professional pursuits, offering courses for students in all majors. Many students choose to satisfy the fine arts requirement by taking Music for the Listener, which is offered every semester, or by taking one of several courses in music history, which range from medieval to modern music.Courses in music theory and history are taught by experienced full-time faculty who are creatively active as composers, performers, conductors, and scholars. Computer assisted instruction is an essential component in the study of music theory. Students also take private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, and all orchestral instruments with instructors who are active in music performance in the Chicago area.
Every semester the department, in cooperation with the Arts and Ideas program, sponsors a series of concerts presented by guest artists, faculty, alumni, and students, as well as performances by the resident music ensembles. Music majors in both tracks are invited to participate in or attend these concerts, which are provided without additional charge to students.
BA in Music
Music majors at Lewis University may choose to concentrate on applied vocal or instrumental music, music theory and composition, or music history. This track prepares students for graduate study or to pursue music as a performer and teacher. Additionally, the Department of Music offers limited talent scholarship to students who major in music or music business.
BA in Music Business
Music business majors combine their musical studies with courses in business and marketing to prepare themselves for music business careers such as music retailers, sales representatives, sound technicians, talent agents, and in symphony and opera management. Although available to all Lewis University students, the minor in music technology is an innovative option to music business majors interested in recording, software design, and electroacoustic composition. The music business program also involves an internship experience, often at world class companies such as the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
BA in CS + Music
Lewis offers an innovative interdisciplinary Computer Science + Music (CS+Music) degree program in which students explore how computing can be better used as a tool for understanding how humans relate to and communicate through music. Graduates of the program are able to develop computer systems to enhance music composition, performance, recording, production and analysis.
Minor in Music Technology
The primary mission of the minor in music technology degree adheres to the Lewis University and Music
Department Mission statements. Its primary goal is not to be a "knob-turning"
degree. Instead, it strives create life-long and master learners through
study of standard techniques, music repertory, and creative endeavors such
as composition. Using this approach to music pedagogy, students who complete
the curriculum will be able to apply and adapt their knowledge to a variety
of technology environments, not just the environment and technology they
encounter at Lewis.
Minor in Music
The Music Department offers a minor in music for those students who desire a secondary field of study in music. Music minors are encouraged to seek additional electives in applied music, music theory, and music history.
