The Church Music Diploma entails 38 hours of courses in a program of study offered through the College providing the equivalent of an undergraduate music major for students who have an undergraduate degree but did not pursue an undergraduate degree in music. Music credits from other institutions may be applied to this diploma if such courses correspond to those in this diploma. Upon completion of the diploma program, students are eligible to pursue the Master of Church Music degree in the Seminary.
At the time of admission, the student’s proficiency in music will be evaluated by the music faculty to assess readiness for entry into various components of the diploma program. In some instances, students will be able to bypass portions of the program via testing or transcript evidence of comparable achievement at some other institution.
Upon entrance into the program, the student will sing or play for the music faculty a piece of representative repertoire in his/her chosen performance skill area. An accompanist will be provided if necessary. This hearing is not an audition, per se; rather, it is an opportunity to demonstrate one’s level of accomplishment and competence in his/her chosen performance skill area.
During this initial orientation period, students will also demonstrate piano proficiency (vocal and instrumental students) and vocal proficiency (keyboard and instrumental students). Music students are required to be enrolled in Piano Class (MUS 1534 -MUS 1535 )or private piano study until piano proficiency is passed. Keyboard and instrumental students not prepared to meet the vocal proficiency requirement upon entrance to the program are required immediately to enroll in Voice Class (MUS 1530 -MUS 1531 ) and remain enrolled until the proficiency requirement is met.
Church Music Diploma students may bypass via testing 17 hours of Structure in Music courses, 4 hours of Music History and Literature courses, 2 hours of Conducting courses, 5 hours of Applied Music Study, and 4 hours of Secondary Applied. This coursework must be completed prior to taking any graduate level music courses. As a part of applied study in voice/organ/keyboard/instrumental, each student will present a recital. In addition to piano and vocal proficiency, all Church Music Diploma students must complete a sight-singing/ear-training proficiency. Further information about the recital and proficiency requirements are available in the “Handbook for Church Music Students” issued during orientation and available at any time upon student request.
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