Music Major
Bachelor of Arts Degree
A Graduate’s Perspective
I studied under many excellent music teachers during my four years at PCC. Their clear explanations of concepts in theory, as well as their training in sight singing and dictation, have enabled me to better understand music. Through the years, they built on what I knew, instructing me further through lecture, demonstration, and practice until I was equipped to do what may have once seemed impossible. My private lesson teacher assisted me in polishing music for performance, improving my own arranging ability, and developing my skills on instruments other than my proficiency.
— Marilyn, PCC 2009 Graduate
(not pictured)
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 skills. Both repertoire and techniques 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.
If space is available, music instruction may be taken for personal benefit in voice, piano, organ, strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion.
Proficiency: Students must demonstrate
sufficient talent and ability to pursue music courses. They
must also demonstrate superior
ability via placement test, platform, and recitals in one area of applied music and must take instruction
in this field every semester. This proficiency may be voice, piano,
organ, or one of the standard band or orchestral
instruments. Students
taking organ lessons must have at least 3 years of piano
background.
While natural gifts of voice and musicianship are expected, previous
voice training is not required of students with a voice proficiency.
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, after they pass their sophomore music platform. Voice proficiencies take MU 997. Piano and instrumental proficiencies and all minors take MU 999.
Piano secondary proficiency examination: Students
with a voice or instrument proficiency must have a secondary
proficiency in piano
and must pass the piano secondary proficiency examination or complete
two semesters of secondary piano. Organists must pass the piano
secondary proficiency examination before graduation.
Platform evaluation and recitals: Second semester sophomores must successfully complete MU 299 in their proficiency area to be approved for a major in music. A public recital is given during the senior year. Students must apply for senior recital procedures with the Productions Coordinator by 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, Madrigal Singers, Ladies’ Chorus, Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Handbell Choir, and Joy or Praise Singers (traveling ensemble). Students with an instrumental proficiency must be in Orchestra each semester. Majors with a piano or voice proficiency may count up to 4 credits of Joy or Praise Singers toward ensemble requirements. Piano proficiencies 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, organ, or hymnplaying 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 any given 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: See requirements for voice, piano, or instrumental. All music minors must participate in a performing ensemble 4 to 6 hours, including their last 4 semesters. Performing ensembles for voice and piano proficiencies include College Choir, Symphonic Choir, Madrigal Singers, Chamber Ensemble, and Ladies’ Chorus. Minors with instrument proficiency must be in Orchestra. Minors with a piano proficiency may earn up to 2 credits for Joy or Praise Singers (traveling ensemble). Piano proficiencies may count up to 2 semesters of Accompaniment Practicum, Handbell Choir, and/or Piano Tuning and Repair for ensemble credits. Minors with voice proficiency may earn up to 3 credits for Joy or Praise Singers. Music minors must demonstrate superior ability via placement test, platform, and recital in one area of applied music and will take Music Repertoire and instruction in this area for 6 semesters. Second-semester sophomores must successfully complete MU 298 in their proficiency area to be approved for a minor in music.
Music Education: Major; Second Field (Voice, Piano, or Instrument).
Voice Proficiency — Recommended Course Sequence
| BI |
101 |
New Testament Survey |
2 |
| EN |
101 |
English Grammar and Composition |
3 |
| MA |
|
Mathematics Elective |
3 |
| MU |
101 |
Freshman Music Theory |
4 |
| MU |
121 |
Vocal Class |
1 |
| SP |
101 |
Fundamentals of Speech |
3 |
| |
Ensemble1 |
1 |
| Total Hours |
17 |
|
| BI |
102 |
New Testament Survey |
2 |
| EN |
102 |
English Grammar and Composition |
3 |
| MU |
102 |
Freshman Music Theory |
4 |
| MU |
122 |
Vocal Class |
1 |
| SC/MA |
Science/Mathematics Elective |
3 |
| SP |
102 |
Fundamentals of Speech |
3 |
| |
Ensemble1 |
1 |
| Total Hours |
17 |
|
| BI |
201 |
Old Testament Survey |
2 |
| EN |
202 |
American Literature |
3 |
| HI |
101 |
History of Civilization |
3 |
| MU |
201 |
Sophomore Music Theory |
4 |
| MU |
221 |
Advanced Vocal Instruction |
1 |
| PI |
211 |
Secondary Piano |
1 |
| |
Ensemble1 |
1 |
| |
| Total Hours |
15 |
|
| BI |
202 |
Old Testament Survey |
2 |
| EN |
204 |
English Literature |
3 |
| HI |
102 |
History of Civilization |
3 |
| MU |
202 |
Sophomore Music Theory |
4 |
| MU |
222 |
Advanced Vocal Class |
1 |
| MU |
299 |
Sophomore Music Major Platform |
0 |
| PI |
212 |
Secondary Piano |
1 |
| |
Ensemble1 |
1 |
| Total Hours |
15 |
|
| BI/BB |
Bible or Bible Background Elective‡ |
2 |
| ML |
|
Modern Language2 |
3 |
| MU |
301 |
History of Music* |
3 |
| MU |
313 |
Communication in Song |
2 |
| MU |
315 |
Elements of Conducting |
2 |
| MU |
327 |
Vocal Methods and Materials |
1 |
| ST |
201 |
String Instruction I |
1 |
| VO |
321 |
Private Voice |
1 |
| |
|
Ensemble1 |
1 |
| Total Hours |
15 |
|
| BI/BB |
Bible or Bible Background Elective‡ |
2 |
| ML |
|
Modern Language2 |
3 |
| MU |
314 |
Communicating in Song |
2 |
| ST |
202 |
String Instruction II |
2 |
| VO |
322 |
Private Voice |
1 |
| |
Ensemble1 |
1 |
| |
Social
Science Elective |
3 |
| |
Minor or Elective |
2 |
| |
| Total Hours |
16 |
|
| BI/BB |
Bible or Bible Background Elective‡ |
2 |
| MU |
105 |
Beginning Hymnplaying |
1 |
| MU |
310 |
Choral Writing and Arranging |
2 |
| MU |
402 |
Church Music Philosophy and Administration |
2 |
| PE |
PE Activity Elective |
1 |
| ST |
301 |
String instruction III |
2 |
| VO |
421 |
Private Voice |
1 |
| |
Ensemble3 |
1 |
|
Minor or Elective |
4 |
| Total Hours |
16 |
|
| BI |
414 |
Revelation |
3 |
| ED |
430 |
Instructional Methods3 |
2 |
| MU |
231 |
Piano Accompaniment |
1 |
| MU |
308 |
Strings Methods |
2 |
| MU |
400 |
Choir Internship |
2 |
| MU |
418 |
Orchestration |
2 |
| MU |
486 |
Private Voice/Recital |
1 |
| PE |
PE Activity Elective |
1 |
| |
Ensemble3 |
1 |
| |
Minor or Elective |
1 |
| Total Hours |
16 |
|
1College Choir, Chamber
Ensemble, Symphonic Choir, Joy Singers, Praise Singers, Madrigal
Singers, or Ladies’ Chorus.
2Double majors also take ED 431.
3Choose from Symphonic Choir, Chamber Ensemble, Madrigal
Singers.
* This meets 3 hours of the social science requirement.
‡ At least 2 hours out of the 6 hours of BI/BB electives must have a BI
course number.
Piano Proficiency — Recommended Course Sequence
| BI |
101 |
New Testament Survey |
2 |
| EN |
101 |
English Grammar and Composition |
3 |
| MA |
Mathematics Elective |
3 |
| MU |
101 |
Freshman Music Theory |
4 |
| PI |
121 |
Piano Lesson |
1 |
| SP |
101 |
Fundamentals of Speech |
3 |
| |
|
Ensemble |
1 |
| Total Hours |
17 |
|
| BI |
102 |
New Testament Survey |
2 |
| EN |
102 |
English Grammar and Composition |
3 |
| MU |
102 |
Freshman Music Theory |
4 |
| PI |
122 |
Piano Lesson |
1 |
| SC/MA |
Science/Mathematics Elective |
3 |
| SP |
102 |
Fundamentals of Speech |
3 |
| |
|
Ensemble |
1 |
| Total Hours |
17 |
|
| BI |
201 |
Old Testament Survey |
2 |
| EN |
202 |
American Literature |
3 |
| HI |
101 |
History of Civilization |
3 |
| MU |
121 |
Vocal Class |
1 |
| MU |
201 |
Sophomore Music Theory |
4 |
| PE |
|
PE Activity Elective |
1 |
| PI |
221 |
Private Piano |
1 |
| |
Ensemble |
1 |
| Total Hours |
16 |
|
| BI |
202 |
Old Testament Survey |
2 |
| EN |
204 |
English Literature |
3 |
| HI |
102 |
History of Civilization |
3 |
| MU |
122 |
Vocal Class |
1 |
| MU |
202 |
Sophomore Music Theory |
4 |
| MU |
299 |
Sophomore Music Major Platform |
0 |
| PI |
222 |
Private Piano |
1 |
| |
Ensemble |
1 |
| Total Hours |
15 |
|
| BI/BB |
Bible or Bible Background Elective‡ |
2 |
| ML |
|
Modern Language |
3 |
| MU |
233 |
Hymn Keyboard Skills I |
2 |
| MU |
301 |
History of Music* |
3 |
| MU |
315 |
Elements of Conducting |
2 |
| OR |
131 |
Private Organ |
1 |
| PI |
151 |
Accompaniment Practicum |
1 |
| PI |
321 |
Private Piano |
1 |
| ST |
201 |
Strings Instruction I |
1 |
| Total Hours |
16 |
|
| BI/BB |
Bible or Bible Background Elective‡ |
2 |
| ML |
|
Modern Language |
3 |
| MU |
234 |
Hymn Keyboard Skills II |
2 |
| MU |
337 |
Instrumental Church Music Arranging |
2 |
| PI |
152 |
Accompaniment Practicum |
1 |
| PI |
322 |
Private Piano |
1 |
| ST |
202 |
Strings Instruction II |
2 |
| |
Social
Science Elective |
3 |
| |
| Total Hours |
16 |
|
| BI/BB |
Bible or Bible Background Elective‡ |
2 |
| MU |
310 |
Choral Writing and Arranging |
2 |
| MU |
400 |
Choir Internship |
2 |
| MU |
402 |
Church Music Philosophy and Administration |
2 |
| PE |
|
PE Activity Elective |
1 |
| PI |
421 |
Private Piano |
1 |
| ST |
301 |
Strings Instruction III |
2 |
| |
Ensemble |
1 |
| |
Minor or Electives |
2 |
| Total Hours |
15 |
|
| BI |
414 |
Revelation |
3 |
| ED |
430 |
Instructional Methods1 |
2 |
| MU |
308 |
Strings Methods |
2 |
| MU |
335 |
Piano Methods and Materials |
0 |
| MU |
401 |
Counterpoint |
2 |
| MU |
418 |
Orchestration |
2 |
| MU |
484 |
Private Piano/Recital |
1 |
| |
Ensemble |
1 |
|
Minor or Electives |
2 |
| Total Hours |
16 |
|
1 Double majors also take ED 431.
* This meets 3 hours of the social science requirement.
‡ At least 2 hours out of the 4 hours of BI/BB electives must have a BI
course number.
Instrument Proficiency — Recommended Course Sequence
(Strings, Brass, Woodwind, Percussion)
| BI |
101 |
New Testament Survey |
2 |
| EN |
101 |
English Grammar and Composition |
3 |
| MA |
Mathematics Elective |
3 |
| MU |
101 |
Freshman Music Theory |
4 |
| SP |
101 |
Fundamentals of Speech |
3 |
| ST |
141 |
Orchestra |
1 |
| |
Private Instrument |
1 |
| Total Hours |
17 |
|
| BI |
102 |
New Testament Survey |
2 |
| EN |
102 |
English Grammar and Composition |
3 |
| MU |
102 |
Freshman Music Theory |
4 |
| SC/MA |
Science/Mathematics Elective |
3 |
| SP |
102 |
Fundamentals of Speech |
3 |
| ST |
142 |
Orchestra |
1 |
| |
Private Instrument |
1 |
| Total Hours |
17 |
|
| BI |
201 |
Old Testament Survey |
2 |
| EN |
202 |
American Literature |
3 |
| HI |
101 |
History of Civilization |
3 |
| MU |
201 |
Sophomore Music Theory |
4 |
| PE |
|
PE Activity Elective |
1 |
| PI |
211 |
Secondary Piano |
1 |
| ST |
241 |
Orchestra |
1 |
| |
Private Instrument |
1 |
| Total Hours |
16 |
|
| BI |
202 |
Old Testament Survey |
2 |
| EN |
204 |
English Literature |
3 |
| HI |
102 |
History of Civilization |
3 |
| MU |
202 |
Sophomore Music Theory |
4 |
| MU |
299 |
Sophomore Music Major Platform |
0 |
| PI |
212 |
Secondary Piano |
1 |
| ST |
242 |
Orchestra |
1 |
| |
Private Instrument |
1 |
| Total Hours |
16 |
|
| BI/BB |
Bible or Bible Background Elective‡ |
2 |
| ML |
|
Modern Language |
3 |
| MU |
111 |
Voice Class |
1 |
| MU |
301 |
History of Music* |
3 |
| MU |
315 |
Elements of Conducting |
2 |
| ST |
201 |
Strings Instruction I |
1 |
| ST |
341 |
Orchestra |
1 |
| |
Private Instrument |
1 |
| |
Minor or Elective |
2 |
| Total Hours |
16 |
|
| BI/BB |
Bible or Bible Background Elective‡ |
2 |
| ML |
|
Modern Language |
3 |
| MU |
312 |
Instrumental Methods and Materials |
1 |
| MU |
337 |
Instrumental Church Music and Arranging |
2 |
| ST |
202 |
Strings Instruction II |
2 |
| ST |
342 |
Orchestra |
1 |
| |
Social
Science Elective |
3 |
| |
Private Instrument |
1 |
| |
| Total Hours |
16 |
|
| BI/BB |
Bible or Bible Background Elective‡ |
2 |
| ED |
430 |
Instructional Methods1 |
2 |
| MU |
310 |
Choral Writing and Arranging |
2 |
| MU |
402 |
Church Music Philosophy and Administration |
2 |
| PE |
|
PE Activity Elective |
1 |
| ST |
301 |
Strings Instruction III |
2 |
| ST |
441 |
Orchestra |
1 |
| |
Private Instrument |
1 |
| |
Minor or Electives |
3 |
| Total Hours |
16 |
|
| BI |
414 |
Revelation |
3 |
| MU |
231 |
Piano Accompaniment |
2 |
| MU |
308 |
Strings Methods |
2 |
| MU |
400 |
Choir Internship |
2 |
| MU |
401 |
Counterpoint |
2 |
| MU |
418 |
Orchestration |
2 |
| |
Private Instrument/Recital |
1 |
| ST |
442 |
Orchestra |
1 |
|
Minor or Electives |
4 |
| Total Hours |
16 |
|
1 Double majors also take ED 431.
* This meets 3 hours of the social science requirement.
‡ At least 2 hours out of the 4 hours of BI/BB electives must have a BI
course number.