Music
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Prepare For A Career in Music
The Music Program at Our Lady of the Lake University helps students prepare for a career in music. Students learn from faculty who are accomplished professional performers, conductors, composers, research scholars, and teachers. They bring a wealth of experience from the real world of professional music to the classroom, ensembles and applied music studies. The music faculty are dedicated to ensuring students have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue lasting careers in music.
Music Classes for Non-Majors
The Music Program strives to be an inclusive space where musicians of all skill-levels can participate in music activities. Students who are not Music majors are encouraged to enroll in classes and participate in ensembles – many of which satisfy the university’s Fine Arts General Education requirement.
Programs Offered
Students studying music at OLLU:
- Develop a background in music and musicianship in preparation of a wide range of further educational and vocational activities that include music as a component.
- Build a sense of and responsibility to their community through active participation in service experiences, using music skills and knowledge in real-life situations.
- Make connections between their personal histories and experiences and broader historical and cultural events that have shaped musical trends around the world.
- Recognize issues of social justice as they relate to music and explore how music can potentially shape their values, actions, and worldview.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music is designed for students who are interested in the fields of music therapy, music education, health care, music business, music law and music media production and other careers in which a musical education and skills are essential. Students in the BA Music program are also encouraged to double major in another academic area, due to the flexibility and ability to match one’s interests to their degree plan. Students are encouraged to speak with their adviser as early as possible to develop their personal path.
This degree prepares students for a career teaching music at all levels. Students gain musical and pedagogical skills necessary for professional careers as music teachers in public, private, and parochial schools at the primary and secondary level. Students also are prepared for the TExES Music Exam, the state exam for teacher certification in music.
Music All Level Certification degree plan and course descriptions
The music minor pairs well with many of the majors offered at OLLU and provides flexible pathways for students from diverse musical backgrounds. Students may focus on a specific area of their choice, for example, instrumental or vocal performance, sacred music, ethnomusicology, music history and literature, or digital sound production and editing.
Spanish-speaking students can earn a Music degree with dual-language (English/Spanish) emphasis through the Biliterate Certificate Program. Students take specialized courses taught in Spanish and fulfill a portion of their major requirements by completing a practicum or learning experience in a Spanish-speaking setting. Earning the certificate certifies that a student is proficient in both English and Spanish.
Audition and Music Scholarships
Students accepted by OLLU who declare a major or minor in music are accepted to the music program without an audition. OLLU offers scholarships specifically for music majors, for which an audition is required. Music scholarship auditions occur on a rolling basis any time before March 1st each year. Students who are unable to attend in person can arrange an e-audition. Students should contact the Music Program to request an audition by contacting:
Dr. Jessica C. Hajek
210-528-7082
jchajek@ollusa.edu
Performance Ensembles
Participation in OLLU's choirs and ensembles helps students perfect their music talents, enhance their skills and prepare for live performances. With participation in these groups, students can earn credit, fulfill general education requirements, and enrich their college life.
Open to all students, the University Chorus performs popular and classical music. Members develop their voices through the music studied in formal and informal performances. For more information, contact Dr. Jessica C. Hajek at 210-431-7082 or jchajek@ollusa.edu.
Open to all students, the Chapel Chorus is a liturgical choir under the direction of Campus Ministry. The Chapel Choir practices every Sunday at 6 p.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel before Mass begins at 7 p.m. Anyone is welcome to bring their voices or instruments to join! Contact the OLLU University Ministry Office at ministry@ollusa.edu for more information.
Mariachi de los Santos is a vibrant performing ensemble that reflects the rich cultural heritage of San Antonio. Students are provided with the skills to perform mariachi music at an artistic level and have many opportunities to perform. For more information, contact Dr. Jessica C. Hajek at 210-528-7082 or jchajek@ollusa.edu.
Located in the heart of San Antonio’s westside arts & culture scene, OLLU students can also earn college credit while performing as a volunteer in one of many fine arts ensembles located nearby. This includes, but is not limited to the following:
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Music Ensembles Association (MEA)
All students enrolled in music ensembles are eligible to become members of MEA. This association engages in community outreach services in addition to sponsoring its members for music workshops, clinics and conferences through fundraising.
New Four-Year, Tuition-Lock Guarantee – Today's Price, Tomorrow's Degree
Take advantage of OLLU’s one-to-one, private education without worrying about a price increase during four years of consecutive undergraduate study.
The Today’s Prices, Tomorrow’s Degree tuition lock is just one of the many ways the university provides you a great value to help you access a private education. You will not be a statistic at OLLU, but instead will receive individual guidance and mentorship on your path to a four-year degree, all with the reassurance that your tuition rate will not increase.
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