Why choose the Music Program at Lyon College?

Students gain proficiency in one or more of the following three facets of music: performance, theory, and/or history, and build a portfolio during their music experiences at Lyon. The senior project is a capstone experience for the music major, in which the student assimilates all three facets of the music program. It may take the form of a recital, lecture recital, or lecture. 

Besides the unique chance to learn how to play the bagpipes as part of the Scottish Heritage program, students also enjoy the opportunity to work with music faculty on projects throughout the year, including the student recital, World Music Night, Holy Week Concert at the Christian Science Society. Students also have the chance to work with the Arkansas Symphony Chorus.

Faculty Members

Dr. Michael Oriatti
Director of Vocal Activities

Dr. Fredrick Brown
Director of Bands

Jimmy Bell
Director of Pipe Band

Kristian Ameigh
Piano/Organ/Voice Instructor

Melissa Eubanks
Piano/Music Instructor

Jon Healey
Guitar Instructor

Barbara Reeve
Strings Instructor

Barretta Robinson
Gospel Choir

Ways To Get Involved 

Students can become ensemble members in the marching band, the Symphonic Winds, the Lyon College Concert Chorale, the Lyon College Pipe Band, and the Lyon College Gospel Choir. They have the chance to participate in music for chapel hour, convocations, and other college events.

Majors also can take individual lessons in piano, voice, guitar, strings, bagpipes, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

Student Spotlight

From current students:

"I came to Lyon thinking that my exposure to the music department would begin and end with the marching band and concert band. However, the more time I spent there, the more involved I got until I changed my intended major all together. The music department is close-knit, a family. Not only are you experiencing music in all its forms, but you are being supported by the people within it. They only want you to get better and enjoy the craft. I couldn't see myself anywhere else." - Daria Giles, ‘23

Interesting Places

Employers and careers of recent Lyon College Music Graduates include:

City Year, musical theatre singer/director, jazz pianist, K-12 music educators, music studio owners, church music directors, and church organists

Additionally, Lyon College Music Graduates move on to prestigious graduate schools including:

University of Memphis, Arizona State University, University of Kansas, Arkansas State University, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary