Church Music
Orchestral Instrument, Organ, Piano, & Voice Principals
The Church Music major is designed for those who desire to become music directors, accompanists, or children's choir specialists in the local church. The program's main focus is the preparation of assistant pastors who will specialize in ministry through music.
The core of your instruction will be in your performance field, whether it be voice, piano, organ, or one of the standard orchestral instruments. With an intensive three-year music theory requirement and three semesters of music history and literature, the degree provides a solid foundation in music fundamentals. (Music instruction is given without additional cost above the regular tuition.) To this core curriculum, the church music major adds classes which specialize in the ministry of music in the local church. Over twenty semester hours of Bible and church administration are included in the degree.
Curriculum Highlights
- Freshman
- Basic Harmony I & II
- Basic Aural Skills I & II
- Sophomore
- Advanced Harmony I & II
- Advanced Aural Skills I & II
- Introduction to Music Technology
- Junior
- History of Music I & II
- Elements of Conducting
- Choral Conducting
- Church Music Administration
- Senior
- History of Music III
- The Christian Musician
- Choral Writing & Arranging
- Congregational Song Leading
For further details see complete major information:
Church Music Personal Opportunity Profile
You may also contact Admissions (1.800.BJ.AND.ME) to receive a printed copy of this information.
Key Courses
Hymnology This course examines the use of music in both the Old and New Testaments and traces its development throughout church history. A fascinating study of hymns and the men who wrote them.
Church Music Administration In this course you will study church music philosophy, staff relationships, music budgets, organizational techniques, rehearsal techniques, and repertoire for the adult choir, children's choir, and instrumental program.
Congregational Song Leading This course is designed to help you develop leadership and motivational skills in leading people to praise God with song.
Church Music Internship After completing your junior year, you will work as an assistant to an experienced music director in a local church. You will have an opportunity to apply your classroom knowledge in a "real life" situation!
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the BJU church music program are serving local churches across the United States as assistant pastors and music directors. Some serve as both a church music director and music teacher in a Christian school. Several serve the Lord in foreign countries as they assist missionaries with a music ministry.
The School of Religion extension office will assist you in finding positions for Christian service. Pastors, camp directors, mission board directors, and other recruiters often visit the campus to find personnel for their ministries.