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.

Scholarships & Auditions

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.

2024-2025 Audition Dates

• November 16
• January 18
• February 8
• March 15
• April 5

Audition Process

• Apply for admission to the university.
• Schedule an audition. 
• Apply for financial aid by sending the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) starting in December 2024.
• Prepare your audition pieces.

Formal scholarship awards are made by the Office of Financial Aid after all required forms and information have been submitted.

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.