Music Degrees

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music provides a comprehensive study in music, as well as 19-20 semester hour electives that can be taken in a different discipline(s). This program is appropriate for undergraduates who wish to major in music as a part of a liberal arts program. Depending on the choice of electives, it also affords opportunity for graduate and/or vocational opportunities in fields integrating with, or independent of, music.

Music Program graduates should know the following:

1. Fundamentals of music theory, both written and aural, and practice of the tonal musical periods and basic concepts of contemporary styles.
2. Characteristics of artistic tone production, expressiveness, precise articulation, and correct performance practices of one’s major instrumental or vocal concentration, and competence in one’s minor instrument.
3. History of Western musical styles and forms from the medieval to contemporary periods, including secular and sacred masterworks for solo voices, instruments, chamber, and large ensembles and basic non-Western musical styles, elements, performance media, and forms.
4. Principles and assessment of ideas, methods, and policies in the Musical Arts as a part of our intellectual and cultural heritage in music education, worship, and/or pedagogy.
5. Influence of the Christian Church on the history and practice of music.
6. Lead thematic, scripture-based, Christ-honoring traditional and contemporary worship services.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Worship Music prepares students to exalt Christ through the foundation of a secure understanding of Biblical worship that will equip them to both train local church musicians and lead others into the presence of God. This degree is a partnership with the School of Christian Ministries that provides the foundational theological and ministerial training combined with essential musical and worship leading skills provided through the Music Department. Musical training is developed sequentially in worship leading methods, music theory, aural skills, conducting, applied music and performance ensembles. Artistic competence and skills are stressed in the applied areas of voice, keyboard, and other instruments from a position of Christ-like humility and service. Students are trained to be accomplished worship leaders and competent performers.

Worship Music graduates should be able to:

1. Plan and administer an effective full-time worship music program and its components, including the supervision, organization, and spiritual leadership of all musicians, music budgets and other administrative duties.
2. Train, equip and rehearse worship teams, musicians, and various small or large ensembles in regular worship and special events.
3. Work effectively with a pastoral team in planning worship and ministering in other areas, as needed.
4. Understand and use appropriate technology, including the use of sound and media in worship services.

The Bachelor of Music Education degree is offered for the purpose of training qualified students to teach music from pre-school through grade twelve in public or private schools. In addition to the general knowledge base and Christian foundation in the core curriculum, candidates receive a broad and thorough foundation in music theory, history, performance, and pedagogy. Included in the program is approximately 800 hours of contact time in the public schools. The degree is offered with a choice of two concentrations: choral or instrumental. Because the BME degree is offered in collaboration with the School of Education, students must also follow those program requirements. Please consult the School of Education requirements. 

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

The Music Minor is available to any qualified student who is also pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in another area.

Students must complete the following before admission into the Music Minor:

1. An application for admission into the minor.
2. An interview and audition with the Music Faculty in the student’s primary performing area.
3. Take a written placement test in music theory. Any student scoring below 75% will be required to enroll in MU140I (Music Theory 1 Intensive); students scoring 50% or below will enroll in MU 100 (Music Fundamentals) and MU 060 (Class Piano for Non-majors).

REQUIREMENTS

In addition to completing the requirements of the liberal arts core and completion of the requirements for a major in another area, the following courses must be taken to qualify as a Music Minor. There can be no duplication of course work in this minor. If any of the following courses are required by one’s major, additional courses will need to be taken for a total of 18 hours of credit for the minor. A grade of “C-” or higher in each course is required.

MU 140, 141 (Music Theory I & II) 6 hrs.

MU 142, 143 (Aural Skills I & II) 2 hrs.

MU 270 (Worship Leading Methods I) 3 hrs.

MU 270P (Worship Leading I Practicum) NC

MU 304 (Music History/Literature II) 3 hrs.

Applied Music (Must include 2 hrs. of Piano) 3 hrs.

Large Ensemble (Chorale/Instrumental) 1 hr.

MU 099 (Music Seminar)* NC

TOTAL 18 hrs.