Our Music degree aims to provide options for students who are drawn to the wide range of career paths in music. With three distinct music degree paths, we offer students professional preparation for a variety of careers:
Whether your goal is to enter the music profession or just to actively pursue your passion for music during college, Lakeland's music program offers broad opportunities for growth and performance.
At Lakeland, we offer three distinct music degree paths for students to choose from:
This broader degree aims to provide options for students who are drawn to the wide range of career paths in music. This degree path allows the general music student to be career focused and providing opportunities to do experiential learning outside the classroom based on students' post-graduation goals. These students select from one of three emphasis areas:
Teaching music is a rewarding calling that requires dedication and a very specialized skill set. Preparing outstanding music teachers has long been one of the central goals for the music department at Lakeland. This degree is a pathway for professional preparation leading to Wisconsin state teacher certification. Alumni of Lakeland’s music education program include many successful instrumental, choral, and general music teachers throughout the state of Wisconsin.
Students in the performance degree seek to develop their musicianship to the highest level. This pathway can prepare for playing or singing careers, continuing graduate study, or for entry-level jobs in the music business, arts management or advocacy organizations.
For the last 60+ years, Lakeland University's Music Camp has offered an exciting one week camp featuring band, choir, orchestra and piano.
The Lakeland University Music Camp offers a fun-filled, educational experience for high school and middle school music students! At less cost than many other week-long camps, The Lakeland University Music Camp offers so many opportunities, such as:
Click here to learn more or email MusicCamp@lakeland.edu or call 920-565-1000 ext. 2875.
We value students who may not be majoring in music but want to enrich their college experience by participating in music groups, taking private lessons or learning a new instrument. Our musical ensembles are open to all students regardless of major. Some require placement auditions in order to best utilize the talents of each student.
Lakeland University Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band is the campus' premiere instrumental ensemble. Membership is open to all Lakeland students, with a placement audition. The band performs a variety of diverse and challenging music including selections from the traditional wind band repertoire, as well as transcriptions of major classical literature and pops selections including musicals, film, and other contemporary music. The band program provides a large-group experience in which students have the opportunity to develop individual and ensemble musicianship, build relationships, and develop organization and leadership skills. In addition to four annual concerts, members go on tour every two years, and will also perform at selected university events throughout the year. Members of the Symphonic Band also serve as part of the Muskie Pride Marching Band during the Fall semester. MUS 225 – University Band may be taken as often as desired for 0 or 1 credit. Offered Fall and Spring.
Prerequisite: None
Muskie Pride Marching Band
The Muskie Pride performs both field shows and parade marching, and acts as the pep band at Lakeland athletic events. Membership is open to all Lakeland students. The band plays for Lakeland home football games, selected basketball games, and other events. The group's repertoire includes a variety of pop/contemporary music including classic rock, funk, jazz, and musical/movie soundtracks. Band members have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic musical organization taking an active part in campus life while honing individual and ensemble musicianship, building relationships, and developing leadership skills. MUS 225 – University Band may be taken as often as desired for 0 or 1 credit. Offered Fall and Spring.
Prerequisite: None
Lakeland Jazz Ensemble
The Lakeland Jazz Ensemble is a combo-style instrumental jazz group. This ensemble provides students opportunity to investigate the stylistic characteristics of jazz and popular music through the performance and study of literature for large and small jazz ensembles; students will explore basic improvisation techniques. Varying in size, the ensemble includes woodwinds, brass, and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, drumset). Previous experience with jazz is advantageous but not required. MUS 228 – Jazz Ensemble may be taken as often as desired for 0 or 1 credit. Offered Fall and Spring.
Prerequisite: Placement audition and instructor consent
Lakeland University Concert Choir
The Lakeland University Concert Choir is an elite mixed-voice choir made up of the most skilled singers at Lakeland. In addition to performing on-campus concerts throughout the year, The Lakeland Choir showcases Lakeland's choral program by singing at local schools and churches, and by touring every other spring. Membership is open to all Lakeland students. Singing experience is an asset but not required. Music-reading is valued. The ensemble is a mixed voice (male/female) choir which sings a variety of songs from the Renaissance to the 20th century and including classical, contemporary, sacred, and showtunes. Students will explore music in a variety of languages and styles. MUS 235 The Lakeland Choir may be taken as often as desired for credit. Offered fall and spring.
Prerequisite: None
Drumline
Lakeland University Drumline is a dynamic, inclusive, multi-cultural student organization that creates excitement at sporting events, boosts spirit around the school, and allows musicians and non-musicians to gain experience in this unique medium. The LU Drumline is a student-driven ensemble where members choose and sometimes write their own music and collaborate in designing choreography.
Muskie Tones Acappella
The Muskie Tones is Lakeland's student a cappella club. This is a diverse group of students who love singing. They explore a wide range of literature from classical to barbershop and pop acappella. Music programs and performances are chosen by the membership. This group has been featured at the Weill Center Christmas celebration and Lakeland Chapel events.
Sheboygan Symphony Partnership
Membership in the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra is open to all Lakeland University students who play violin, viola, cello, or double bass. The symphony performs challenging literature from all musical eras and provides accompaniment for several prominent guest artists each season. Prospective symphony members must complete a successful audition for the conductor.
You already passed your first test, you are interested in applying to Lakeland and learning more about your opportunities to success!
Once your application is received, your Lakeland University admissions counselor will be in touch.
*Exceptions to the above admission criteria may be granted for students with a cumulative GPA range from 1.75 to 1.99 if the academic experience that resulted in the less than 2.0 GPA was more than two years ago. Furthermore, typically students with a cumulative GPA range from 1.50 to 1.75 will only be considered if the poor academic performance experience that resulted in the less than 2.0 GPA was more than five years ago. Students receiving an exception will be admitted conditionally.
Associate Professor of Instrumental Music, Director of Bands, Chair of Humanities & Fine Arts
Adjunct Instructor of Music Theory, Staff Accompanist
Director of Choral Activities & Voice Instructor
