The Music program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership positions in the church and society as worship leaders, ministers of music, accompanists, performers, and choral or instrumental directors. The curricular structure, content, and time requirements shall enable the students to develop the range of knowledge, skills, and competencies required for acceptance into post-graduate degree programs. All curricula stress sound musicianship and active musical experience.
All students enrolling in the Music major are required to attain a certain level of performance ability in addition to the completion of the required course units. Students will perform a music jury at the completion of each year’s study. The purpose of the jury is to assess the level of competence attained. All Music majors must pass a piano proficiency exam before graduation and are required to perform a senior recital in the senior year.
In order to assure that WJU graduates reflect the mission and educational philosophy of the University, the Music Department adheres to the transfer policy established by the Faculty Senate. In addition, up to two units of Applied Lessons and two units of performance group may be transferred. Other courses that must be taken at WJU include Music Organization and Leadership, Music and Worship, and Music Internship.
The Music Department has a unique ministry focus, as we seek to prepare students to meet the challenge of serving in leadership positions in church and parachurch music programs. Students who complete the course of study should demonstrate:
- ability to perform competently as a vocal or instrumental musician with a proficiency in piano or other keyboard instrument;
- acquisition of a broad knowledge of music literature, both sacred and secular, through study and performance;
- acquisition of a foundation of theoretical and practical ministry skills including the theology of worship, integration of music and worship styles, music and worship program design, and sound systems and MIDI programming;
- ability to develop and maintain an effective music program or ministry based on sound biblical and educational concepts;
- knowledge of the history of music and worship and its relationship to contemporary music ministry and worship design;
- ability to analyze, compose, and arrange music for various vocal and instrumental media with a proficiency in music theory and ear training competencies.
