Music Mission, Goals, & Objectives

Since the founding of the College, music has been an integral part in a student-centered curriculum at Lebanon Valley College. Recognized as a special strength of the institution, music plays a significant role in nurturing aesthetic response; it increases a student’s capacity for thoughtful feeling and for feelingful thought. Music is an art form that expresses the experiences of human life, even though musical sounds often have no specific meanings that can be verbalized. Yet music demonstrates our ability and need to symbolize life experiences, making music an indispensable part of the liberal arts tradition. Knowing about music, developing sensitive and critical listening skills, creating and performing music, and understanding the role of music in history and contemporary society are all vital ingredients in the education of every student. Because we believe this, a broad-based, flexible course of study has been designed to meet the needs of the general student and the specific requirements of the music student. Seven generations have benefited from this approach, which is rigorous and demanding yet humane and individualized. Join us in discovering the logic, joy, and passion of music.

Music Program Goals and Objectives

GOAL 1: Students will be effective performers.

• Students will demonstrate proficiency on their principle applied medium
• Students will demonstrate proficiency in reading music notation.
• Students will demonstrate fundamental proficiency in keyboard skills.
• Students will demonstrate fundamental proficiency in vocal skills.

Learning Outcomes: All music majors perform in two recitals and in an ensemble.

GOAL 2: Students will achieve proficiency in musical literacy.

• Students will demonstrate knowledge of musical styles, forms, processes, and their cultural context.
• Students will demonstrate proficient analytical listening skills.

Learning Outcomes: Students give capstone presentations of music research or present information about pieces performed in senior recitals.

GOAL 3: Students will apply knowledge of musical concepts by creating music.

• Students will demonstrate musical literacy in original composition and/or improvisation.

Learning Outcomes: Based on concentration, students participate in jazz ensembles and/or original compositions. All music majors perform in two recitals and in an ensemble.

GOAL 4: Students will demonstrate professional competence in their area of specialization.

• Students will exhibit knowledge of their particular field.
• Students will apply this professional knowledge base in performance or internship experiences.

Learning Outcomes: All students perform a 1/2 hour and 1-hour recital. All music majors perform in two recitals and in an ensemble or complete an internship in the area of specialization.

Video evidence of effective performances can be found here.

For more information on learning goals and outcomes, contact institutionalresearch@lvc.edu.