Bachelor of Arts Degree

See also Music Education and Music Ministries

Commence your musical career by studying skilled musicianship

The purpose of the music major is to equip students with a comprehensive approach to technique, musicianship, and communication to honor the Lord through music.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates of the music program will be able to

• articulate a Christian-traditional philosophy of music;
• produce public music performances showing advanced proficiency;
• demonstrate a working knowledge of harmonic principles, compositional techniques, and aural skills;
• employ pedagogical techniques for music students of various levels;
• integrate current music technology and computer applications in various settings; and
• communicate concisely and effectively about music in oral and written formats.

Students are encouraged to develop a Christ-centered philosophy of life and music. The music major receives technical training necessary to achieve the highest level of performance skill. Both repertoire and technique are developed through teaching, practice, and performance. Students have numerous opportunities for platform experience in Vespers programs, major stage productions, ensembles that perform on campus and tour, senior recitals, and commencement contests. Students are taught how to be effective communicators through music.

Emphases
Students must demonstrate sufficient talent and ability to pursue music courses. They must also demonstrate superior ability via placement test, platform, and recital in one area of applied music and must take instruction in this field every semester. This emphasis may be voice, keyboard, or one of the standard band or orchestral instruments.

Music Repertoire
Students with a major or minor in music must enroll in Music Repertoire each semester they enroll in a one-hour or one-half-hour lesson as follows:
Majors: after passing two one-hour lessons
Minors: after passing sophomore music platform

Secondary Piano Examination
Students with a vocal or instrumental emphasis must have secondary skill in piano and must pass the secondary piano examination or pass PI 211–212. Organists must pass the secondary piano examination before graduation.

Platform Evaluation and Recital
Second-semester sophomores must successfully complete a sophomore music platform in their emphasis to be approved for a major in music. A public recital is given during the senior year. Students must apply for the senior recital with the Dean of Visual and Performing Arts by the appointed deadline.

Ensemble Participation
All music majors must participate in one performing ensemble every semester, including their last 4 semesters. Performing ensembles include College Choir, Symphonic Choir, Chamber Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Handbell Choir, and Proclaim Ministry Teams (traveling ensembles). Students with an instrumental emphasis must be in Orchestra each semester. Majors with a keyboard or vocal emphasis may count up to 4 credits of Proclaim Ministry Teams toward ensemble requirements. Students with a keyboard emphasis may count up to 4 semesters of Accompaniment Practicum, Handbell Choir, and/or Piano Tuning and Repair for ensemble credits.

Accompaniment Practicum
Students receiving instruction in piano or organ must do a limited amount of accompanying for vocal or instrumental lessons. One credit of Accompaniment Practicum may be earned for accompanying at least 2 hours per week in the semester.

Academic Requirements
Students must have at least a “C” in all music courses. A minor must be completed.

Academic Program Fee
$30 per semester or $7.50 per payment. Students taking music lessons and group instruction must pay appropriate music course fees.

Music Minor
All music minors must participate in a performing ensemble 4 to 6 hours, including their last 4 semesters. Performing ensembles include College Choir, Symphonic Choir, Chamber Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Orchestra, and Proclaim Ministry Teams (traveling ensembles). Minors with instrument emphasis must be in Orchestra. Minors with a keyboard or vocal emphasis may earn up to 2 credits for Proclaim Ministry Teams. Students with a keyboard emphasis may count up to 2 semesters of Accompaniment Practicum, Handbell Choir, and/or Piano Tuning and Repair for ensemble credits.

Music minors must demonstrate appropriate ability via placement test and platform in one area of applied music and will take instruction in this area for 6 semesters. Second-semester sophomores must successfully complete a sophomore music platform in their emphasis area to be approved for a minor in music. After passing the platform, they will register for Music Repertoire each semester that they are in private lessons.