Loyola University Chicago

Music

Department of Fine and Performing Arts

Minor in Music

The Music Minor cultivates foundational knowledge in music theory, history, and literature, while affording students the opportunity to work with a world-class faculty in an array of applied and performance classes. 

While many students pursue the Music Minor simply to continue a lifelong passion, others find it to be a great complement to their major course of study, especially when their desired career path intersects with music, or the arts in general (e.g. Music Business, Arts Administration, Music Therapy, or Digital Music).

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will demonstrate:

  • a thorough understanding of the basic elements related to music theory: rhythm, melody, and harmony.
  • proficiency in the basic areas of musicianship: keyboard, aural skills, and sight-singing.
  • the technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression.
  • the knowledge and skills necessary to work collaboratively as part of a musical ensemble.

Students interested in receiving a Music Minor (or Major) should make an appointment with the Director of Music, Dr. Frederick Lowe.

​A total of 21 credits are required to complete the Music Minor.‌

Music Theory (8)
Course Number Title Credits
MUSC 144 Music Theory I 3
MUSC 145 Musicianship Lab I 1
MUSC 244 Music Theory II 3
MUSC 245 Musicianship Lab II 1
Note: MUSC 144 (Music Theory I) and MUSC 145 (Musicianship Lab I), as well as MUSC 244 (Music Theory II) and MUSC 245 (Musicianship Lab II) must be taken concurrently. Students receiving a 3 or 4 on the AP Music Theory Exam are eligible to receive credit for MUSC 144; students receiving a 5 are eligible to receive credit for MUSC 144 and 244. 
Music History (3)
Course Number Title Credits
Choose ONE of the following:
MUSC 252 Music History I: Development of Western Music 3
MUSC 353 Music History II: Golden Age of Western Music 3
MUSC 354 Music History III: Global Western Music 3
MUSC 256 Jazz Music History  3
Applied Music (3)
Course Number Title Credits
MUSC 280A-Z Applied Music (Various Instruments) 1 Each
MUSC 380A-Z Applied Music Advanced (Various Instruments) 1 Each
Ensembles (4)
Course Number Title Credits
Choose any combination of the following, totaling 4 credits: 
MUSC 105 Symphony Orchestra 1
MUSC 106 Guitar Ensemble 1
MUSC 107 Chorus 1
MUSC 108 Liturgical Choir 1
MUSC 109 Jazz Band 1
MUSC 110 Wind Ensemble 1
MUSC 111 Percussion Ensemble 1
MUSC 207 Chamber Choir 1
MUSC 289 Chamber Ensemble 1
MUSC 290 Jazz Combo 1
Electives (3)
Course Number Title Credits
Choose ONE of the following:
MUSC 122 Introduction to Digital Music 3
MUSC 185 Jazz Improvisation  3
MUSC 201 Music Technology I 3
MUSC 246 Composition I 3
MUSC 248 Jazz Composition and Arranging 3
MUSC 252 Music History I: Development of Western Music * 3
MUSC 256 Jazz Music History * 3
MUSC 255 Music in Catholic Worship 3
MUSC 260 Conducting 3
MUSC 353 Music History II: Golden Age of Western Music * 3
MUSC 354 Music History III: Global Western Music * 3
MUSC 385 Jazz Improvisation II 3
MUSC 374 Musical Theatre Repertoire 4
MUSC 389 Topics in Music (several courses are offered under "Topics in Music") 3
* If not used for Music History Requirement 

To download a PDF copy of the Music Minor curriculum, click here.