As a music major, you’ll study both historic and modern traditions and perform a variety of Western and non-Western music. We pursue excellence in the study, practice and performance of each piece of music, so you’ll be challenged and encouraged by your professors, peers and private tutors as you scale new heights with your musical ability and artistry.
Music Ministry Major
| Requirements |
| Ensemble participation 2 * |
| MUS 111 - Music Theory I |
| MUS 112 - Music Theory II |
| MUS 115 - Music of the Church |
| MUS 211 - Music Theory III |
| MUS 223 - Organ for Music Ministry |
| MUS 230 - Hymnology/Liturgy |
| MUS 231 - Church Music Administration |
| MUS 233 - Leading Music for Worship in a Changing Culture |
| MUS 261 - Voice |
| MUS 301 - Basic Conducting |
| MUS 318 - History of Music II |
| MUS 319 - History of Music III |
| MUS 320 - World Musics |
| MUS 401 - Music Ministry Practicum |
| Choose one course: 1 |
| MUS 133 - Piano Class Intermediate II |
| MUS 251 - Piano Lessons |
| Choose 3-4 credits: 3-4 |
| MUS 212 - Music Theory IV |
| MUS 219 - Survey of Choral Literature |
| MUS 222 - Survey of Organ Literature |
| MUS 232 - Music Technology |
| MUS 246 - Music Ministry Guitar |
| MUS 252 - Lead Sheet Piano |
| MUS 302 - Advanced Conducting |
| MUS 303 - Orchestration |
| MUS 317 - History of Music I |
| MUS 325 - Recital |
| MUS 334 - Composition |
| MUS 337 - Choral/Instrumental Arranging |
| MUS 412 - Special Topics in Music |
| Cognate requirements |
| PHI 238 - Philosophy of the Arts |
| Choose 4 credits |
| CEY 210 - Foundational Issues in Christian Education |
| CEY 310 - Leadership Development |
| CEY 380 - Narrative and Spiritual Formation |
| REL 280 - History of Christianity |
| REL 310 - Christian Spirituality |
| REL 317 - Topics in Old Testament Studies |
| REL 385 - Topics in Religion |
| Total credits required: 46-47 |
Notes:
Following a music placement exam, students will either be placed in Music Theory I (MUS111) or Music Fundamentals (MUS101). MUS101 does not count toward a music major, music ministry major or minor.
* Must include 1 credit of choral ensemble.
A study of the development and use of music for worship, with emphasis on hymns. The course will outline the historical threads of hymnody and liturgy. Prominent hymn writers and derivations of tunes will be studied.Prerequisite: MUS111.(2 credits, alternate years, consult department)
Music history courses present a summary of the chronological development of music in western civilization. Music from the Classical era to the middle of the 19th century is covered.Prerequisite: MUS112 or permission of instructor.(3 credits, alternate years, consult department)
A survey of the development of Christianity from the apostolic period to the contemporary world. Themes examined will include the separation of Church and Synagogue, Christianity in the Roman Empire, ecumenical councils, missionary expansion of the church in Europe and Asia, monasticism, the church in the High Middle Ages, the Protestant and Catholic Reformations, Confessionalism and the Wars of Religion, Puritanism, Pietism, The Enlightenment, Christianity and European Colonialism, Revivalism, Modernism and Evangelicalism, modern missionary expansion, the ecumenical movement, and Christianity as a global religion. (4 credits)
This course is designed to assist students in developing a basic conducting technique. Skills are taught which enable the student to direct vocal and instrumental groups. Included in the course are studies in transposition, clef reading and score preparation.Prerequisite: MUS112.(2 credits, alternate years, consult department)
This course is designed to further develop the student's basic conducting skills. The student will learn how to interpret stylistically the intentions of a composer and how to rehearse effectively. Compositions for band, choir and orchestra are studied. Included in the course are studies in score preparation, clef reading, transposition, rehearsal techniques, and error detection.Prerequisite: MUS301.(3 credits, alternate years, consult department)
This course provides the students with the principles of scoring for small string and wind ensembles, symphonic orchestra and symphonic band. The study of range, proper notation, transposition and the characteristics of orchestra and band instruments are included.Prerequisite: MUS112.(2 credits, alternate years, consult department)
Music history courses present a summary of the chronological development of music in western civilization. Music from ancient times through the Baroque is covered.Prerequisite: MUS112 or permission of instructor.(3 credits, alternate years, consult department)
Music history courses present a summary of the chronological development of music in western civilization. Music from the late 19th century through the present is covered.Prerequisite: MUS112 or permission of instructor.(3 credits, alternate years, consult department)
World Musics provides an overview of world music traditions and serves as an introduction to the field of ethnomusicology, giving special attention to the use of ethnomusicology in missions and the use of world musics in worship.(2 credits, alternate years, consult department)
This course is to be taken along with one credit of applied instruction during the semester in which the degree recital is given. The student will be required to select music of representative styles and periods, research and write program notes, pass the pre-recital jury one month prior to the recital, and give the public performance.Prerequisite: junior class standing or after four semesters of applied study.(1 credit)
Private instruction is offered in keyboard, voice, brass, woodwind, percussion and string performance.Prerequisite: MUS112 or permission of instructor(1-2 credits)
Private instruction is offered in keyboard, voice, brass, woodwind, percussion and string performance.Prerequisite: MUS112 or permission of instructor(1-2 credits)
At the conclusion of the music ministry major course work, the student will be placed in a local church to gain hands on experience in the field. Through the practicum the student will further refine areas of strength, be introduced to a broad array of worship ministries and develop skills in organization and planning. The ministry activities and church situation will vary depending on the student's strengths, performance background and career focus.Prerequisites: all course requirements for the music ministry major.(2 credits)
This course provides in-depth study of special topics in music. Students will look at philosophical and practical issues in music within society and various cultures. Students will explore questions in theoretical, theological, historical, and performance approaches to music.Prerequisite: MUS318 or permission of instructor.(2 credits, non- yearly, consult department)
A study of major theories of the analysis and evaluation of art. (4 credits)
A study of a single book or larger section of the Old Testament or a current area of critical inquiry concerning the Old Testament. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the Pentateuch, the Historical Writings, the Prophets, and the Poetic and Wisdom books.Prerequisites: REL110 and sophomore class standing.(2 credits)
A study of an interdisciplinary area of religion, not sufficiently covered by other courses, in response to student or faculty interests.Prerequisite: REL262 or permission of instructor.(2-4 credits, alternate years, consult department)
This course will teach the fundamentals necessary for performing, composing/arranging, teaching, directing, writing about, and recording/producing music. Related topics such as music history, performance practice and music technology are also explored and an in-depth study is made of the Christian perspective on music and music-making.Prerequisite for 111: MUS101 or passing score on diagnostic placement exam.(2 credits)
This course will teach the fundamentals necessary for performing, composing/arranging, teaching, directing, writing about, and recording/producing music. Related topics such as music history, performance practice and music technology are also explored and an in-depth study is made of the Christian perspective on music and music-making.Prerequisite for 112: MUS111 or passing score on diagnostic placement exam.(4 credits)
This course will survey Judeo-Christian music of the Church, from its biblical roots to the present day. Students will be introduced to the development of hymnody, liturgy, music and worship movements and will compare historical models with current worship situations. Recommended for all students entering church-related work, including pre-seminary and Christian education. (3 credits)
This class is designed for students with limited experience in piano. Beginning class is for the student with no piano background or very little prior instruction. Intermediate class is for the student who reads melodic lines and has some previous keyboard experience. Advanced class is for the student who has had a few years of keyboard instruction and wishes to broaden repertoire. Placement in appropriate level is by permission of instructor.(1 credit)
This course will teach the fundamentals necessary for performing, composing/arranging, teaching, directing, writing about, and recording/producing music. Related topics such as music history, performance practice and music technology are also explored and an in- depth study is made of the Christian perspective on music and music-making.(4 credits)
This course will teach the fundamentals necessary for performing, composing/arranging, teaching, directing, writing about, and recording/producing music. Related topics such as music history, performance practice and music technology are also explored and an in- depth study is made of the Christian perspective on music and music-making.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)
This course is designed to provide the student with an overview of the core and standard repertoire for choral ensembles from a variety of levels. Primary emphasis will be music for educational settings. In addition, literature for advanced and collegiate ensembles will be presented. This course is designed to provide the student with the resources necessary to program choral literature in a school setting.Prerequisite: MUS112 or permission of instructor.(1 credit, alternate years, consult department)
This course is a survey of organ literature suitable for use in churches and future teaching purposes. Students interested in organ pedagogy are advised to take MUS214.(1 credit, alternate years, consult department)
An examination of several areas of organizational structure for a church setting. Students will gain knowledge in order to work effectively in a Christian community, while exercising a servant model of leadership.Prerequisite: MUS115.(1 credit, alternate years, consult department)
This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of some of the most common technologies in music, both digital and analog. The course is theoretical as well as practical. Hands-on experience and training will comprise a significant element in the class. Midi, digital technology, computers and analog sound amplification comprise broad subjects covered. Students will gain understanding and experience in each of these areas.Prerequisite: MUS111 or permission of instructor.(2 credits, alternate years, consult department)
This class will explore the biblical basis for contemporary church music. Through a variety of readings, students will also develop their own philosophy of contemporary music in worship. They will learn to evaluate issues of quality, both in the selection of contemporary songs and in the presentation of them in a service. Students will also learn the role of each instrument in a contemporary ensemble and how to plan and present a contemporary worship service.Prerequisite: MUS111 or permission of instructor.(2 credits, alternate years, consult department)
Private instruction is offered in keyboard, voice, brass, woodwind, percussion and string performance.Prerequisite: permission of instructor.(1-2 credits)
Private instruction is offered in keyboard, voice, brass, woodwind, percussion and string performance. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (1-2 credits)
Private instruction is offered in keyboard, voice, brass, woodwind, percussion and string performance.Prerequisite: MUS133 or MUS251(1-2 credits)
Private instruction is offered in keyboard, voice, brass, woodwind, percussion and string performance.Prerequisite: permission of instructor.(1-2 credits)
