How do I audition for an ensemble?
Please visit the “Auditions” page of the website for more information.
I’m interested in private lessons - what should I do?
Private lessons are set up as a class, so you would need to register like you would for any other course. Our private lesson course numbers go from MUS 070 - MUS 080. Please be sure to register for the correct course for your instrument. Once you are registered, you should be automatically added to the Course Site. We typically open the Course Site some time in mid-August - at that time, we will post information about filling out your lesson availability, and then you will be contacted by your instructor to schedule lessons for the semester. Private lessons usually start in the second or third week of the semester, as it takes us some time to schedule them. Lessons cost $525, and this is for 10 total 45-minute lessons over the course of the semester. All lesson students are required to play a jury at the end of the semester.
Beginner Instrument Classes: Guitar (MUS 065), Drums (MUS 067) and Piano (MUS 068) - these courses cost $275 per semester and are taught as group classes.
Why are some music courses offered for 0 or 1 credit? Which one should I register for?
We offer our ensemble, private lesson, and beginner instrumental courses for 1 or 0 credits to help accommodate student credit loads. We always recommend taking the class for 1 credit if you can, but we have students utilize the 0-credit option if their credit load is already full. For future reference, it is possible for students to request a credit overload through their college - if you are interested in doing this in future semesters (students cannot do this in their first semester), please be sure to work with your advisor.
I am really interested in a class that is already full - what should I do?
It is at the discretion of the faculty member teaching the class if they would like to approve additional students registering. Please reach out to the faculty member teaching the class directly about this and be sure to copy Aly Horne (akh222). If they approve an override, she will process it for you.
I have a common hour exam conflict with one of my music ensembles - what should I do?
Please email Aly Horne (if you have not already) with your name, LIN and the affected course - she will process an override for you and will email you once the override has been issued.
I play a large instrument - will I be able to store it in Zoellner?
Yes. We assign instrument lockers once you are here on campus. We ask that you bring the instrument with you when you come to the building to ask for a locker, as we need to make sure the instrument fits in the locker that we assign and that there are no issues. Please note we often need to have students share some of the larger lockers.
Are there practice rooms in Zoellner? Can I use them?
Yes and yes! We have practice rooms located on the third floor of ZAC. Most of the rooms are unlocked and accessible as long as the building is open. There are a few that remain locked as we only grant access to students who are taking lessons on instruments being stored in those rooms. For the rooms that are open, you are welcome to use them any time as long as they are not reserved for lessons (if they are, you will see a schedule on the door).
I am interested in majoring or minoring in music - what should I do?
Wonderful! As an incoming freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences, you must remain undeclared for your first semester, but we can talk with you about declaring a major or a minor during the spring 2026 semester. At that time, please reach out to us and we’ll connect you with the appropriate faculty advisor.
Do I have to major in music to participate in ensembles or take lessons?
No, in a word. All music department ensembles and courses are open to any qualified Lehigh student. Most of the ensembles have auditions before or at the beginning of the academic year. There is no audition required for Choral Union, Marching 97, and Symphonic Band.
How do I sign up for lessons?
Students may register for lessons online for an additional fee. The process is not complete until the student files their schedule online so the teachers may plan their schedules. Due to occasional conflicts in schedule or in teacher availability, the department may not be able to accommodate the student, who will then have to drop the course.
Where can I keep my instrument if I bring it to campus?
The department has many lockers for instruments of different sizes.
Where and when can I practice?
Practice rooms are available on the third floor of the Zoellner Arts Center from 7:00 a.m until 11:00 p.m. unless being used for private instruction, as posted on schedules on the door of each room.
Do I have to major in music to be eligible for merit scholarships?
No. Any incoming freshman may apply for merit scholarships.
Lehigh University Performing Arts Scholarship
Cutler-Sametz Choral Arts Scholarship
Snyder Family Marching 97 Scholarship
Is it possible to major in music and another discipline?
Yes. In fact, most music majors have another major. If a student wishes to get a B.A. in another area (for example, many of the programs in the College of Arts and Sciences), a double major can be done within four years. Students who plan on getting a B. S. degree majoring in engineering, business, and some sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences, can also major in music, however that constitutes a dual degree and generally takes five years to complete.
Do I have to audition for the major?
Because the music major is a B.A. degree, there is no audition for admission. Students may declare the major at any point, but typically by the second year.
Which courses might I be able to test out of by examination?
Students with a background in piano may test out of the keyboard skills course (MUS 068) and aural skills (MUS 7) which accompany the theory sequence by examination. Those with a theory background may test out of MUS 81: Introduction to Music Theory.
Students interested in pursuing a music major or minor should consult the Academics page.
For any further questions, please feel free to contact our Department Coordinator, Ms. Alyssa Horne, at akh222@lehigh.edu