Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Diploma
Major
Music | Music Education | Music Performance
Area of study
Arts
Course Language
English
About Program
Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Church Music from Shenandoah Conservatory equips students to lead and direct music programs in various Christian denominations. The program focuses on practical application, developing well-rounded musicianship, and integrating historical and contemporary practices. Students benefit from individual instruction, group lessons, and access to world-class facilities. Graduates are prepared for careers as organists, choir directors, music ministers, and more.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objectives:
- Equip students to be well-rounded church musicians who can direct music programs for various Christian denominations.
- Enhance student abilities in performance and conducting.
- Provide an understanding of historical and contemporary practices in church music and liturgy.
Program Description:
- The Graduate Certificate in Church Music equips students with the skills and knowledge to plan, teach, and conduct meaningful church services.
- The program is offered through Shenandoah Conservatory's Church Music Institute, held for two weeks each summer as part of a three-year cycle.
- Each summer focuses on a different aspect of music ministry: liturgical organ playing, conducting (adult/children/handbell choirs), congregational song (hymns and liturgy).
- The program is designed to be an adjunct to other related degree programs, like performance (organ, piano, or voice), music education, or conducting.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Liturgical organ playing
- Conducting (adult, children's, and handbell choirs)
- Congregational song (hymns and liturgy)
- Historical and contemporary practices in church music and liturgy
- Non-musical aspects of music ministry: program building and administration, staff relations
Structure:
- Two weeks each summer for three years
- Each summer focuses on a different aspect of music ministry
Course Schedule:
- Available online (see link below)
Individual Modules:
- Liturgical Organ Playing: Course focuses on developing skills and knowledge for playing the organ in church services.
- Conducting: Course covers conducting techniques for adult, children's, and handbell choirs.
- Congregational Song: Course explores the role of music in congregational worship and provides guidance on selecting and leading hymns and liturgy.
- Historical and Contemporary Practices in Church Music and Liturgy: Course examines the history and development of church music and liturgy, and introduces contemporary trends and practices.
- Non-Musical Aspects of Music Ministry: Course covers topics such as program building and administration, staff relations, and other aspects of successful music ministry programs.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Coursework assignments
- Performance evaluations
- Final projects
Assessment Criteria:
- Technical proficiency
- Musicianship
- Understanding of church music and liturgy
- Ability to plan and lead worship services
- Communication and interpersonal skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Individual instruction
- Group lessons
- Masterclasses
- Workshops
Faculty:
- Experienced and qualified faculty with expertise in church music
- Guest artists and practitioners
Unique Approaches:
- Focus on practical application of skills and knowledge
- Emphasis on developing well-rounded musicianship
- Integration of historical and contemporary practices
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Organist
- Choir director
- Music minister
- Studio teacher
- Accompanist
Opportunities:
- Churches of all denominations
- Christian schools and organizations
- Music publishing companies
- Private studios
Outcomes:
- Graduates are prepared to lead and direct music programs in various church settings.
- They possess the skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen career path.
Other:
- The program is offered in a beautiful and historic setting on the campus of Shenandoah University.
- Students have access to world-class facilities and resources, including the Ohrstrom-Bryant Music Center.
Links:
- Church Music Institute: https://www.su.edu/conservatory/areas-study/church-music/church-music-institute/
- Full Church Music Curriculum: https://www.su.edu/conservatory/areas-study/church-music/graduate-certificate-church-music/classes/
- Conservatory Graduate Application Information: https://www.su.edu/conservatory/admissions/graduate/
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