Music

The William Jessup University Music Department provides opportunities for student, faculty and staff involvement in musical activities. Participating in a WJU music group is a great way to make new campus friends, experience excellent musical training, perform, and serve the University. The campus community is welcome to perform in any of the performing groups and ensembles:

• University Choir: open to all WJU students.
• University Instrumental Ensemble: open by audition to all WJU instrumentalists.
• University Singers: a touring ensemble of mixed voices, open by audition to all WJU students.
• Awaken: a five member touring worship band, open by audition to all WJU students.
• University Alumni and & Community Choir: an evening community choir, open to the general public, alumni, faculty, staff. Auditions may apply.

Non-music majors can register for performance groups through their departmental advisor. Audition information is available from the Music Department Chair or from the appropriate group director.

Music Department degrees and concentrations are designed, in agreement with the William Jessup University mission statement, to prepare graduates for leadership positions in the church and society as worship leaders, teachers, performers, ministers of music, accompanists, music industry personnel, and choral or instrumental directors. The curriculum structure, content, and time requirements enable students to develop the range of knowledge, skills, and competencies required for successful careers in the field of music and acceptance into post-graduate degree programs. The curriculum stresses sound musicianship and active musical experience.

All students enrolling in the Music major are required to attain a high level of performance ability as they complete their required course units:

• Students are required to perform a music jury at the completion of each year’s study in their designated juried applied area of specialization (voice, piano, guitar, drums, composition, other). The purpose of the annual jury is to assess levels of competence attained and to track the student’s progress in preparation for the performance of the required senior recital (see Applied Levels Rubric).
• All Music majors must pass a piano proficiency exam before graduation.
• Music majors must fulfill additional recital performance and attendance requirements as established by the Department.

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. Non-transferable Courses: Music Organization and Leadership,Senior Recital, Music and Worship, and Music Internship.