Program Overview
Shenandoah University's Undergraduate Certificate in Church Music enhances music skills for professional work as a church musician. The program offers flexibility to tailor studies in liturgical organ playing, conducting, and congregational song. Students benefit from performance opportunities, faculty mentorship, and potential employment opportunities at local churches during summer studies.
Program Outline
Undergraduate Certificate in Church Music at Shenandoah University
Degree Overview
This program aims to refine your existing music skills and prepare you for professional work as a church musician. The certificate provides a flexible option to tailor your studies toward your specific interests within church music. The program's core classes are offered over the summer, allowing for completion in three years.
Program Objectives:
- Enhance performance and conducting abilities.
- Develop understanding of historical and contemporary church music and liturgy.
- Equip students with the skills and knowledge to direct music programs for various denominations.
Outline
This program's curriculum revolves around three primary areas:
Liturgical Organ Playing:
- Develops proficiency in organ performance for liturgical settings.
- Develop conducting techniques specific to the demands of church music.
- Gain experience leading rehearsals and preparing ensembles for performances.
Congregational Song:
- Focuses on hymns and liturgy used within church communities.
- Develop the skills to lead congregational singing effectively in various settings.
- Explore the history, theology, and practice of congregational song within the church.
Performance Opportunities
- Shenandoah boasts over 400 annual performances, providing students a platform to showcase their talents and gain practical experience.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities including theaters, concert halls, recital halls, studios, and more.
- Collaboration opportunities with distinguished guest artists and fellow students.
Faculty:
- Learn from renowned professionals in their respective fields, offering expertise, guidance, and mentorship.
- Diverse faculty with experience in various musical styles and denominations within the church music landscape.
Admission:
- Admission to Shenandoah Conservatory is considered extremely competitive.
Other programs
- Bachelor of Music in Church Music (Organ or Voice Emphasis)
- Bachelor of Music in Performance (Guitar, Organ, Piano, Wind, Strings, Percussion or Voice)
- Master of Music in Performance
- Master of Music in Church Music
- Graduate Certificate in Church Music
Career Opportunities and Potential
The program prepares students for various roles within church ministries, including:
- Leading traditional worship services as organists, music/choir directors, or solo musicians.
- Teaching music to students within the church, from beginners to advanced levels.
- Working alongside clergy to develop skills related to worship planning and musical elements in church settings.
- The Church Music Institute is held annually during the summer, focusing on a specific aspect of music ministry each year: liturgical organ playing, conducting, or congregational song.
- The institute provides intensive study of music skills and knowledge applicable to church musicians and consists of a three-year cycle covering different areas each year.
- This program offers potential opportunities for students to secure employment at local churches during their summer studies, providing further practical experience alongside the theoretical and technical knowledge gained within the certificate program.
Conclusion
Careers:
(See above)
Other:
(See above)
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Entry Requirements
Domestic Students (US Citizens and Permanent Residents)
High School Completion:
Applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school or have a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
Coursework:
Applicants should have completed coursework in the following subjects:
- English (4 units)
- Mathematics (3 units), including Algebra I and Geometry
- History/Social Studies (3 units)
- Science (3 units), including at least one lab course
- Foreign Language (2 units) in the same language
- Electives (7 units)
GPA:
Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Standardized Testing:
Applicants are required to submit scores from either the SAT or ACT.
- SAT: A minimum score of 1100 is recommended.
- ACT: A minimum composite score of 24 is recommended.
Additional Requirements:
- Applicants may be required to submit a portfolio of music or performance related materials.
- An audition may be required for some applicants.
- A personal statement is required.
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 80 on the internet-based test (iBT) is required.
- IELTS: A minimum score of 6.5 is required.
- PTE Academic: A minimum score of 58 is required.
- Duolingo English Test: A minimum score of 105 is required.
International Students:
- International students whose native language is not English must meet the English language proficiency requirements listed above.
