Master of Arts Degree in Music [M.A.]

The purpose of this degree is to equip the student with musical skills to honor the Lord.

Objectives: Graduates of this program will be able to

1. minister through music in the local church with their instrument or voice, leading both children and adult groups and coordinating or directing special events involving music;
2. teach music students of various levels in the areas of technique, musicality, communication, literature, style characteristics, and stage poise;
3. pursue additional schooling in the various areas of music including, but not limited to, performance, church music, music education, pedagogy, music theory, and music history;
4. participate in local community organizations such as chorus, bands, orchestras, children’s music programs, and special community events or concerts.

Advanced technical training brings musical ability to its highest level, enabling the student to communicate and minister more effectively through music.

Residence Requirements

Pre-term, Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Spring: A minimum of 21 months of residence work beginning with a Pre-term session (Aug. 22–Sept. 2, 2011) is required. A public recital must be given before graduate work is completed.

See upcoming summer courses.

Music Proficiencies

Students must earn at least a “B” in private lessons.

All music graduate students must demonstrate basic keyboard skill before completing the degree program. Students may either take the Piano Proficiency Examination or opt for one year of piano.

One credit of private music instruction is required for each of three semesters. Music instruction is available in voice, piano, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, and choral conducting. MU 656 includes private music instruction. Ensemble credit includes Chamber Ensemble, Madrigal Singers, Orchestra, or piano accompaniment for a college performing group. Students with piano proficiency will take PI 505 Graduate Hymnplaying and only three ensemble credits. Students with an instrumental proficiency will take MU 537 Advanced Instrumental Church Music Arranging and only three ensemble credits.