Church Music Bachelor of Music

What will I study?

The Church Music major provides preparation for using music in the overall ministry of a local church (e.g. congregational singing, adult choir and vocal ensembles, youth-children' s choir, instrumental music, music in evangelism). It establishes a strong foundation in music with a core curriculum of music theory, music history and literature, and performance (including platforms and recitals of standard literature). To this foundation it adds a core curriculum of church music courses leading to a culminating practicum in a local church. This program consists of a minimum of 59 credits in the major and supports the University' s mission of building Christlike character in the student.

Orchestral Instrument principals include: bassoon, cello, clarinet, double bass, euphonium, flute, guitar, harp, horn, oboe, percussion, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, or violin.

Program Learning Outcomes
The student will ...
-- survey the historical development of congregational song in gathered Christian worship.
-- administrate various musical aspects of Christian worship (e.g., congregational singing, vocal ensembles, instrumental music, music library).
-- perform with satisfactory technique and artistry as a voice, keyboard (piano or organ), guitar or orchestral principal.

Entrance Requirements

All students studying in the Division of Music are required to audition. This audition is used to evaluate your background and determine your potential as a music student. The audition is taken when you arrive for your first semester.

What classes will I take?

• Orchestral Instrument Principal
• Organ Principal
• Piano Principal
• Voice Principal

Future Careers

Graduates of the BJU church music program are serving in local churches across the United States. Some serve as music teachers in Christian schools. Several serve the Lord in foreign countries as they assist missionaries with a music ministry. Young ladies, some as wives of laymen or of pastors, provide invaluable assistance to local ministries as church pianists, organists, children’s choir directors, and music coordinators.

Students can network with a variety of employers through our online placement service, CareerCentral. A multitude of employment opportunities are posted annually. In addition, over 60 businesses and 150 Christian schools/mission boards/Christian organizations come on campus to recruit students in a variety of majors through on-campus interviews and job/ministry fairs. The Career Services office also helps students by holding seminars on resume preparation and interview techniques.

Career Services can help you prepare for job hunting and networking with employers.

View Gainful Employment data for this major