Requirements
Program Overview
The Master of Music (M.M.) in church music degree program provides an opportunity for church music professionals to perfect musicianship and to enhance specific expertise in the fields of church music and worship studies. The program supports and advances the mission of William Carey University which is to provide quality professional education programs within a caring Christian academic community, encouraging the individual student to develop his or her highest potential in scholarship, leadership and service.
Program Objectives
The M.M. degree in church music program aims at improving music and worship ministry competencies to the following areas:
- Quality development of fully graded music and worship communities in the local church or denominational and missional settings;
- Competent expertise as a collaborative accompanist
- Contribute to the collective body of music for worship through composition and arranging of music for the purpose of corporate worship;
- Provide expertise at guiding and directing work of a church in the area of electronic studio technology;
- Individual performance artistry in voice, piano, organ, guitar, band and or orchestral instruments;
- Develop exceptional skills as a conductor or choral and instrumental ensembles
Admission
In addition to the general admission requirements stated in the graduate catalog, entrance into the M.M. program in church music is based on the following requirements:
- Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree in music from an institution accredited by NASM (National Association of Schools of Music) and must provide official transcripts as documentation.
- Entering students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 over their last 64 credit hours of coursework.
- Students must submit an essay of no less than 500 words describing learning and professional goals.
Degree Requirements
Continuance toward degree completion is based on the following requirements:
- The degree requires a minimum of one academic year.
- Students must complete all required coursework within a period of six years from date of enrollment into the program.
- Students must complete a minimum of 32 hours in the M.M. degree in church music.
- All students are required to take Graduate Survey of Music Theory; Graduate Survey of Music History; and Research and Writing in Church Music; (other studies in music)
- Students must complete a minimum of 11 hours of a major area
- Students must complete a minimum of 11 hours in an emphasis area (church music ministry, collaborative accompaniment, electronic studio, choral conducting, instrumental conducting, or a performance area
- Students may take electives as desired
- All students will complete comprehensive review exams in their major area.
- All students will complete a final project (thesis, documented recital, lecture recital, or documented performance project) based on the specific major area of study. Final projects must be approved by the student’s graduate committee.
Program Features
NAMS Standards
The curriculum for the M.M. in church music, in compliance with the standards of NASM, provides substantial development in the student’s major area through courses in research, advanced studies in the major field, and support courses. A variety of elective courses provides students the opportunity to enhance particular musical and professional skills. The program requires advanced study in music theory, history, and literature.
Distance Learning
All courses for the M.M. in church music degree will be available synchronously and asynchronously.
Breadth of Competence
The requirements for the M.M. in church music degree affords each student an opportunity to expand competencies in performance, music and worship skills, investigate trends in worship, and develop research skills appropriate to the field of church music and at least one major area of study. Students will have the opportunity to study with faculty who are practicing experts in their respective fields of study.
Emphasis Areas (11 hours)
Emphasis area options include: church music ministry, collaborative piano/accompanying, composition and arranging, conducting (choral or instrumental), performance, music and worship ministry, or electronic studio.
Electives
Students may choose electives as desired. Some major areas do not require elective hours. Students are encouraged to take elective hours to supplement deficiencies and to support the major area of study.
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