The Music Curriculum

        At Lyon College we speak the language of music, endorsing its traditional role in the liberal arts. The Music major is thus rooted in the history and theory of music, as well as in performance. It is well suited to students who wish to pursue graduate study in performance, music education, music theory, or musicology; to potential church musicians; and to students who wish to study music in tandem with other disciplines.

The Music Major

        In addition to studying music in the classroom, music majors develop their skills as performers (in voice, piano, organ, or selected instrumental areas) in private lessons with a member of the music faculty. A basic level of skill at the piano is expected of all music majors; therefore, a piano proficiency examination must be passed by the senior year. All music majors must also complete a senior project that will culminate in the form of a public recital, lecture-recital, or lecture.

Summary of Requirements for a Major in Music

MUS 105 The Language of Music* 
MUS 110 Music Theory
MUS 111, 112 Musicianship I & II 


MUS 205 Advanced Music Theory 
MUS 311 Medieval and Renaissance Music
MUS 320 Baroque and Classical Music
MUS 325 Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century Music
Individual Lessons†
Ensemble: MUS 130, 135, 140, 145, or 163 (3 semesters)
Electives in Music (200 level or above)
MUS 499 Senior Recital 

3 credits

3 credits

3 credits (1.5 each)

3 credits

3 credits

3 credits

3 credits

6 credits

3 credits

6 credits

1 credit

Total 37 credits

* This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.
† Three hours of private lessons, not including those the student may wish to take in order
to pass the piano proficiency examination, should be taken on one instrument or in voice.
Additional private lessons may be taken but may not be considered as music-elective hours.
 

The Music Minor


The Music minor is a course of study designed as a second field for students wishing
to explore interests and develop talents in the area of music.

 

Summary of Requirements for a Minor in Music

MUS 105 The Language of Music*

MUS 110 Music Theory
MUS 111 Musicianship I
Two courses chose from:
MUS 295 World Music
MUS 311 Medieval and Renaissance Music
MUS 312 Baroque Music
MUS 313 Classical and Romantic Music
MUS 314 Twentieth-Century Music
Individual Lessons

Ensemble: MUS 130, 135, 140, 145, or 163 (2 semesters)

3 credits
3 credits

1.5 credits

6 credits

 

 

 

 

 

2 credits

2 credits

Total 17.5 credits

* This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.

The Music/Scottish Arts Minor

The Music/Scottish Arts minor is a program of studies for students interested in the music of Scotland, particularly bagpiping. Completion of the course will enable the successful student to gain the knowledge to sit for examinations from the various organizations that administer certification in Scotland.

 

Summary of Requirements for a Minor in Music/Scottish Arts

MUS 105 The Language of Music*

MUS 110 Music Theory

MUS 111, 112 Musicianship I & II

MUS 163 Pipe Band (four semesters)

MUS 263 Ceol Mor I (Classical Bagpipe I)

MUS 363 Ceol Mor II (Classical Bagpipe II)

MUS 463 Ceol Mor III (Classical Bagpipe III)

3 credits

3 credits

3 credits

4 credits

3 credits

3 credits

3 credits

Total 22 credits

* This course may also be used to satisfy Core requirements.

Music Courses