Music, B.A.
Music can be incredibly powerful. It can raise your spirits, inspire and empower you as an artist and performer.
At LR, you can sharpen your own skills as a musician and performing artist, while also learning how to share that skill, professionalism and passion with the next generation of musicians through transformational experiences in the classroom, concert hall, rehearsal room or with the marching band on the field.
Through weekly, private lessons with our professional faculty, you’ll receive invaluable mentorship as you develop your musical skills and explore incredible opportunities.
Our Bachelor of Arts in Music program provides you with a general aesthetic background in the history, theory and appreciation of music. The major features a comprehensive curriculum, including courses in harmony, aural skills, orchestration and conducting. Additionally, you can add an intensive minor in Music Education and Music Performance. The Music Education minor is a preparatory for electing to complete a Master of Arts in Teaching to become a licensed teacher. You will also select an applied area of study in instrumental, keyboard or vocal instruction, dependent upon your own interests. This particular program allows you to combine the study of music with other areas of interest, including education, theatre, family ministry, religion or business.
And you don’t have to be a music major to be part of the program. Non-music major students sing in choirs, are employed as singers by local churches and participate in our flagship ensembles.
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Take the next step toward completing your B.A. in Music degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Get StartedTake the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Arts in Music degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Auditions & Scholarships
Lenoir-Rhyne’s appreciation and commitment to music is evident through the many available scholarships. Students who qualify may receive music scholarships often in addition to other LR scholarships.
Audition Process
- Schedule an audition.
- Apply for admission.
- Complete the FAFSA.
- Prepare your audition pieces.
Audition Dates - 2025-2026
- November 15, 2025
- January 10, 2026
- February 7, 2026
- March 14, 2026
- April 25, 2026
Formal scholarship awards are made by the Office of Financial Aid after all required forms and information have been submitted.
Learning Outside the Classroom
There are many opportunities for music students to participate in choirs, orchestras, ensembles and band to improve upon skills and gain valuable performance experience, often while enjoying travel opportunities regionally as well as abroad.
Continuing Education Units (CEU's) are available for participation in most music programs.
Students can also take advantage of other performance opportunities available in the community through the Western Piedmont Symphony, Hickory Choral Society, Hickory Community Theater and other theatre productions. including LR’s own Playmakers.
Lenoir-Rhyne also offers numerous teaching opportunities for students through the many community programs offered to children and young adults. Students can gain valuable experience participating with the Suzuki Kids in Koncert, Carolina Kodály Institute, annual Summer Youth Music Band Camp, Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Choir and other instructional programs offered through the university as well as the community.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of the music program, you can pursue graduate-level studies or choose from a number of career paths to showcase your talent and passion for music. Some of the many options may include music instruction/education, composition, performance, conducting and church music ministry.
One of the benefits of being at a small college is that I know all my professors, and not only do they help me in their classes, but they also support me in other classes.
Major Requirements
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Music provides students with a strong foundation in the history and theory of music. In addition to the major ensembles, A Cappella Choir and Wind Symphony, students can participate in Marching Band, Chapel Choir and many other smaller ensembles. Students also take individual lessons with renowned faculty to build their skills. Through this course of study, students learn to apply practical and theoretical knowledge across musical traditions, to develop their abilities to listen critically and openly and to serve the community through performance. The music major can be paired with intensive minors in Music Education, Music Performance and Sacred Music. The Music major earns a B.A. degree.
Entrance Auditions
An entrance audition is required for acceptance into the program in order to pursue a major or minor. Several of the music ensembles also require auditions.
Honors
Students majoring in Music may, upon invitation, elect to pursue honors work in Music. To graduate ''With Honors in Music,'' students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, a minimum major GPA of 3.2, and a GPA of 3.5 in the honors courses. In addition, they must complete eight credits in honors work in the major area including MUS 499 and five credits of music honors courses.
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General Education Requirements (37 hours)
Graduation Requirements (4 hours)
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Major Requirements (43 Hours)
Music Theory (14 hours)Music Contextualized (9 hours)Music in Practice (13 hours)
- Performance Practicum - Students must successfully complete MUS 109 four times. Transfer students must successfully complete MUS 109 during each semester they are enrolled at LR minus one, with a maximum of four times.
- MUS 109 - Co-curricular Performance Practicum
Applied Music Lower Division - Choose courses to repeat for a total of 4 hours
- MUS 131 - Applied Music-lower Division
- MUS 132 - Applied Music-lower Division
Applied Music Upper Division - Choose courses to repeat to earn 3 hours
- MUS 331 - Applied Music-upper Division
- MUS 332 - Applied Music-upper Division
Ensembles: Complete a total of 6 hours for one of the following courses, based on musical focus
- MUS 151 - Music Ensembles
* MUS 151L - Wind Symphony - for instrumentalists
* MUS 151A - A Cappella Choir - for vocalists
Universal Capstone (4 hours)All students must take the following universal capstone courses
Recital or Capstone Requirements (3 Hours)Complete the recital or capstone requirement listed below for your particular minor.
Music Education: Minor RecitalMusic Performance: Minor RecitalSacred Music: Minor RecitalChoose one of the following options:
No Minor: Capstone Requirement -
General Elective Credits
General Electives (36 hours) as needed to reach 120 hours overall.
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Total Credit Hours - Minimum 120 hours
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific General Education requirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.
All bachelor's degree programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 120 credit hours. If, in combination, General Education, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 120 hours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 120 hours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
Admission & Financial Aid
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Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
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Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.
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