Music

The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and Music program is to equip students for a future in the field of music and to train them for graduate work in music and worship ministries. The program is designed to be completed within a minimum of four academic years, beginning with a fall semester.

Unique Entrance Requirements for Music Students

Based upon accrediting agency requirements, persons seeking admission to this program should (1) have the ability to relate musical sound to notation and terminology both quickly and accurately enough to undertake Basic Musicianship studies in the freshman year, and (2) have a level of achievement in musical performance that indicates the ability to be successful on the undergraduate level in music.

To determine abilities relating to music notation, each entering BACS/Music student will be required to demonstrate knowledge of basic music notation on a music theory entrance evaluation. To prepare for this, the student should purchase and complete the following workbook: Practical Theory Complete: A Self-Instruction Music Theory Course by Sandy Feldstein (ISBN-10: 0882842250; ISBN-13: 978-0882842257).

To determine performance aptitude, each student will demonstrate performance skills for the music faculty in voice or selected instruments. If needed, an accompanist will be provided. After the performance evaluation, the music faculty will recommend a performance concentration for the student’s applied study and identify courses necessary for completing vocal and piano proficiency requirements.

If deficiencies are indicated in either (1) music notation or (2) performance skills, remedial work will be required without undergraduate credit.

Degree Requirements

At the time of admission, each entering music student will, with faculty input and approval, select a primary performance concentration for applied study from the following: (1) Vocal Performance, (2) Keyboard Performance (piano or organ), (3) Instrumental Performance (guitar or orchestral instruments).

For secondary applied study, students with a Vocal Performance concentration are required to complete a piano proficiency requirement. Students with a Keyboard Performance concentration are required to complete a vocal proficiency requirement.

Students with an Instrumental Performance concentration are required to complete both a piano proficiency requirement and a vocal proficiency requirement. Students with concentrations in Vocal and Instrumental Performance must register for piano instruction each semester until their proficiency is passed by demonstrating designated piano skills during end of semester juries. Students with concentrations in Keyboard and Instrumental Performance complete their vocal proficiency requirement by successfully completing one semester of Voice Class. Once required proficiencies in piano and/or voice are complete, music majors may take additional private study in a performance area of their choice to fulfill remaining secondary applied credit requirements.

For performance specific selectives, students with a concentration in Vocal Performance must take Vocal Diction I and II during their first year of study. Students with a concentration in Keyboard Performance must take Keyboard Literature before their Recital Hearing. Students with a concentration in Instrumental Performance must take Instrumental Literature before their Recital Hearing.

Degree Assessment and Performance Recital

Undergraduate students seeking to graduate with the degree BACS/Music will be assessed in the following areas prior to the granting of the degree: (1) Performing Music, (2) Analyzing Music, and (3) Writing about Music. These skills will be demonstrated and assessed through the process of (1) an Upper Level Evaluation during applied study juries at the end of the fourth semester of study and (2) a Recital Hearing to take place during or after the seventh semester of applied study in the chosen performance medium. After a successful Recital Hearing, including approval of a Recital Program, the student will schedule a time and perform the recital for music faculty, students, friends, and family.