Wisconsin Lutheran College’s music program focuses on both the science and artistry of this sacred and ancient communication tool. By pursuing a major or minor in music, a student will acquire the knowledge and perception essential to excellent musicianship. The program features academic studies in music analysis, music literature and repertoire, and the historical development of music. Additionally, private lessons, master classes, recitals, and vocal and instrumental performing groups serve to advance and strengthen the student’s skills in making music.
Students who pursue a major in music can select from six academic tracks. The music education track, either in choral or instrumental music, is designed to equip, develop, and certify candidates for teaching general music (grades K-12) and choral music (grades 6-12) or instrumental music (grades K-12) programs in Wisconsin public school systems. The church music track equips students with the skills and knowledge useful for serving as a church musician. The music history/literature track provides the student with a historical understanding of music while expanding the student’s repertoire. The music theory/composition track stimulates creative composition and arrangement through intensive analysis of scores and original composition. The music performance track, either in vocal, keyboard, or instrumental, is designed to prepare students for a career in performance on their major instrument. The piano pedagogy track trains students to teach music at the piano to students of all ages. All tracks can prepare students for graduate studies in the respective fields.
Distinctiveness
Music is both artistry and science. Wisconsin Lutheran’s music program offers the chance to study both the methods and the aesthetics of this powerful mode of communication. You can develop your talents and enjoy the enriching, broadening experience of music performance, both individually and as part of a group.
The College’s popular performing artist series brings nationally and internationally recognized artists to campus on a regular basis.
The Music Department at Wisconsin Lutheran is housed in the Center for Arts and Performance, featuring a 370-seat concert hall, practice rooms, a rehearsal hall, a multimedia lecture hall, and an electronic music lab. This state-of-art facility is home to the College’s fine performing ensembles, including the following ensembles.
Ensemble Opportunities
Wisconsin Lutheran Choir
Performs for college concerts and chapel and is open to any Wisconsin Lutheran student. The choir also performs on an annual concert tour. Membership by audition.
Chamber Choir
A select group of 24 singers who perform both on an off campus. Membership by audition.
Chapel Choir
An ensemble who perform regularly for chapel and in campus concerts.
Concert Band
Open to any Wisconsin Lutheran student and performs traditional concert band repertoire for college concerts. The band also performs on an annual concert tour. Membership by audition.
Jazz Band
A small instrumental ensemble devoted to the performance of standard jazz repertoire. Membership by audition.
Handbell Choir
Open to any Wisconsin Lutheran student, they perform both on and off campus.
Other ensembles include Brass Ensemble, Chamber Ensemble, Flute Choir, Saxophone Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble.
Auditions and Proficiency: Students majoring in music should be aware of the requirements for proficiency tests, recital and concert performance and attendance, juried performance finals, and the junior/senior recitals. See the Music Department Student Handbook for details.
Music Lessons: Students who intend to major in music must take lessons on their major instrument at the beginning and intermediate level each semester they are on campus. The student according to the fee schedule will pay for each semester of applied lessons taken prior to a student declaring music as a major. The cost of music lessons that are required for the major (this may include 1/2 half hour lessons or an hour lesson, depending on the emphasis chosen by the student) will be waived for majors beginning the first semester after they have declared such a major (as early as the first semester sophomore year). The Registrar will provide the Business Office with a list of declared music majors prior to each billing cycle (July and December). Any student taking a music lesson(s) who is on the list will receive a credit for the music lesson(s) charge if the lesson(s) is (are) necessary to complete the major requirements (as demonstrated on the degree audit maintained by the Registrar’s Office). If a music major student changes majors, but continues taking lessons, the student will begin paying for lessons at the current per-credit tuition charge beginning the first semester following such a change.
Declaration of a Music Major
To declare a Music major, students must have completed the following courses:
- MUS 110 , MUS 111 , MUS 210 , MUS 221 .
- Two hours of lessons in one performance medium.
- Participated in a major ensemble for one year.
- Demonstration of sophomore level performance skill on an instrument.
- GPA of 2.75 in music courses.
- Demonstration of academic and/or performances potential relative to goals.
Transfer students need to complete at least one semester in music classes before declaring music as a major.
Music Major Tracks
If your goals include pursuing a career in music, the music major at Wisconsin Lutheran offers a choice of six tracks. Approximately 60- 65 credits are needed to complete the music major.
Music Education
Equips qualified candidates for choral, band or general music education programs at the elementary or secondary education levels with certification by the Department of Public Instruction in Wisconsin. Students may choose either a choral or instrumental track.
Church Music
Teaches student the skills and knowledge useful for serving as a church musician.
Music History/Literature
Expands the student’s historical understanding and appreciation of music and is geared to prepare the undergraduate for graduate study in music.
Music Theory/Composition
Stimulates creative composing and arranging (especially for the church) through personal composition and an intensive analysis of scores.
Music Performance
Prepares students with the knowledge and skills to teach music at the piano to students of all ages, from beginning to late intermediate and early advanced levels.
Piano Pedagogy
The piano pedagogy track trains students to teach music at the piano to students of all ages.
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