Music plays a significant and meaningful role in everyone’s life. As necessary as those mathematical and verbal skills that enable us to function in today’s world are the attitudes, values and enjoyment gained from the arts, which allow us to live our lives to the fullest. The study of music, like any discipline, has value beyond the acquisition of mere facts and skills; it has intellectual benefit to those who engage in it. Music is a product of the human mind—a pursuit which, by its very nature, engages its practitioners in the spheres of the emotional, the intellectual, and the physical at one and the same time.  The study and performance of music fosters powers of discrimination and critical feeling and understanding and develops

sensitivity to the depth and subtlety of human expression. It follows, then, that the purpose of studying music, particularly in a liberal arts context, lies in not only the development of technical and analytical skills, but also in an understanding and appreciation of the historic, aesthetic and creative aspects of the artistic process.

 

The Music Department at Lafayette is committed to the study of music as an important element of a truly excellent liberal arts education. A primary goal is to offer students—regardless of their major field of study and whatever their career goals might be—the opportunity and means to experience music emotionally and intellectually. We address this goal by offering a wide variety of courses in the four principal areas of music— music history and literature, music theory and analysis,  performance, and composition. These courses and performance activities provide our students with a solid foundation in these traditional areas of music study. We encourage students to pursue their individual musical interests and to explore and enjoy music in its infinite variety to whatever extent they

are capable. Many students develop their own course of study, and truly exceptional students are encouraged to participate in the development and implementation of the music program by assisting in classes, the electronic music lab and ensembles. The world of professional music is extremely competitive today, but interesting and rewarding opportunities do exist for those with the motivation, talent and preparation to succeed. While Lafayette is not a "professional music school" in the strictest sense of the term, students with a strong interest in music may choose the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music or elect a minor in music. Both curricula can lead to a career in music, and, when combined with other interests or majors, open up a wealth of music-related career opportunities, such as music journalism, arts management, recording engineering, arts medicine or music therapy. Many former students have continued to realize their potential in graduate school, the performing world and a host of rewarding careers involving music.

 

The Department of Music at Lafayette is dedicated to providing a wide variety of musical experiences for all interested students. We strongly encourage everyone to continue to build upon previous musical experiences and to develop new ones.  We offer numerous opportunities to perform (choir, jazz ensemble, wind and string ensembles, percussion, or World Music), to compose, to study music in an historical context, and to explore music technology. Interested singers and instrumentalsists also have the opportunity to study privately with some of the finest artist-teachers anywhere, from beginning through advanced levels.  The curriculum includes offerings in theory, performance, composition, history, literature, and criticism. In addition to the more traditional offerings, students can explore jazz styles, world music traditions (Africa, China, Japan, India, Indonesia), and electronic composition.

there are ample opportunities provided for music majors , music minors, or for students pursuing specialties in various departments throughout the college.  Most of our course offerings are open to any student, regardless of major.

 

The Williams Center for the Arts includes rehearsal and individual practice rooms, an electronic recording studio, a music library, a concert hall, and computer instruction facilities. Students may use the full range of band and orchestra instruments to perform in various ensembles.  The Performing Arts Series has been acclaimed as one of the finest in the country, bringing to Lafayette

such renowned performers as; Isaac Stern, the Tokyo String Quartet, Ali Akbar Kahn, Tommy Flannigan, Betty Carter, the Julliard String Quartet, and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra  (in residence ).  Whenever possible, visiting artists provide lectures and student workshops in coordination with the Music Department curriculum.  There is also an intensive Artist-in Residence program that brings outstanding musicians in direct contact with students in the classroom and rehearsal studio.

For more information on any aspect of Music at Lafayette please click on the appropriate links on the left. If you have additional questions, or would just like to introduce yourself, please contact me personally either by mail, phone, or e-mail.

Dr. J. Larry Stockton, Chairman

Department of Music

Lafayette College

Easton, PA 18042

Tel: 610-330-5356   Fax: 610-330-5058

E-Mail: stocktoj@lafayette.edu [click here]