B.A. in Music

Overview

The B.A. in Music degree serves students with diverse musical backgrounds who choose music as the focus of a broader liberal arts education. Students receive a solid education in music along with a significant amount of study in other areas.

The program offers flexibility in focus and course content; students choose two concentrations from the following:

• Biblical Studies
• Business Studies
• Choral Studies
• Communication Studies
• Elective Music Studies
• Instrumental Studies
• Multiple Instrument Studies
• Music History & Literature Studies
• Music Theory Studies
• Music Writing Studies
• Piano Studies
• Vocal Studies & Worship Studies

Combined, these concentrations account for 36% of the total degree requirements. Performance requirements may be satisfied by a recital or a project. The wide range of learning, coupled with the discipline of music, opens doors to numerous music-related and non-music fields.

Music Core Courses

Academic Catalog

Degree Checklist

Total core + focus area courses:  67-69

• MU131 Piano Foundations I*
• MU132 Piano Foundations II*
• MU141A Music Theory I
• MU141B Aural Skills I
• MU142A Music Theory II
• MU142B Aural Skills II
• MU150 Staff Accompanist**
• MU160 Individual Instruction in Primary Instrument
• MU221 Digital Music Technology
• MU271 Basic Conducting
• MU295 Music and Art for Musicians**
• One of the following
  • MU310 University Singers
  • MU310O University Orchestra
  • MU330 Concert Attendance****
  • MU333 Worship and Songs of the Church
  • MU390 Performance Practicum
• One of the following
  • MU393 Music & History Literature I (3)
  • MU394 Music & History Literature II (3)
  • MU396 World Music (3)
  • MU406 Popular Music Since 1900 (3)
  • MU482 Senior Seminar
• One of the following
  • MU260.2 Half Recital (Senior)
  • MU490 Senior Capstone Project
  • Performing Ensemble
  • Upper Division Elective

*Testing out allowed for any or all semesters of Piano Foundations.
**Required for primary instrument: voice.
***Fulfills G.E. requirement for MU190.
**** Four semesters

Technical Labs & Facilities

The acoustically isolated and optimized recital hall hosts rehearsals, concerts, and recording sessions. An integrated recording studio is anchored by an Solid State Logic Origin inline mixing console and features an Avid Pro Tools HDX 2 system with a variety of plugins, outboard processing, and a MARA JH-110 ¼” 2 track machine. The studio is used for classes as well as school ensemble projects, giving music production and audio production students the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test in a real-world recording studio context. The music computer lab features ten Mac Studio workstations equipped with up-to-date composition, notation, sequencing, DAW, editing, production, and post-production software. The lab is configured to mix in Dolby Atmos centered around an AVID S6 console. Students also have access to practice rooms, pianos (including two nine-foot Steinway concert grand performance instruments), a two-manual tracker pipe organ, a harpsichord, and digital keyboards.

Performing Groups & Concerts

All university students are encouraged to perform in School of Music ensembles. Vocal groups include University Singers (a non-auditioned campus community choir) and two auditioned ensembles: The Master’s Chorale and TMU Opera Theater. Instrumental groups (open to all students by audition) include the Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Piano Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and a variety of chamber groups.

The School of Music presents multiple concerts and recitals each semester, including programs presented by each of its ensembles. At Christmas and during Passion Week, all music students and many non-majors work together to produce and perform diverse concert programs which typically include performances of major choral/orchestral works. The annual “Come Christmas Sing” concert series also typically features a variety of soloists and ensembles. Students taking private music lessons perform in practicum recitals each semester, and the school presents faculty and guest recitals and masterclasses. Most musical events are open to the university and the community.

Program Learning Outcomes & Careers

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music is designed for students with diverse musical backgrounds who want to integrate their passion for music within a broader liberal arts education. The program provides a solid foundation in music while allowing students to explore a wide range of other academic fields. With flexibility in course content, students can select two focus areas from the following options:

• Biblical Studies
• Business Studies
• Choral Studies
• Communication Studies
• Elective Music Studies
• Instrumental Studies
• Multiple Instrument Studies
• Music History & Literature Studies
• Music Theory Studies
• Music Writing Studies
• Piano Studies
• Vocal Studies & Worship Studies

Combined, the focus areas account for 36% of the total degree requirements. To fulfill performance requirements, students have the option to complete either a recital or a project. This blend of diverse academic learning and musical discipline equips students with skills and knowledge that can lead to careers in numerous music-related and non-music related fields.

1. Demonstrate a familiarity with the “grammar” of music, including notation, chord progressions, part writing, and melody harmonization.
2. Articulate a biblically based theology of music and worship.
3. Demonstrate musicianship either through the mastery of at least one musical instrument or through successful completion of a project.

A major in music requires discipline and fosters whole-brain learning that prepares the conscientious graduate for success in nearly any field. Music students acquire transferable skills such as the ability to think creatively and intuit patterns, to plan ahead, to manage time well and handle several projects at once, to take responsibility for outcomes, and to collaborate effectively with others. The School of Music strives to acquaint majors with musical careers by inviting successful practitioners from diverse sectors of the industry to share their experience with students. A music degree program prepares graduates for further study and/or practice in many fields/vocations, including for example the following:

• Film Music and/or Art Music Composer
• Music Business Manager
• School Music Teacher (Elementary and/or Secondary,
• Christian, Charter, Homeschool Coop, or Public)
• Orchestral Performer
• Private Music Instructor
• Studio Musician
• Recording Artist
• Audio Engineer/Mixer
• Audio Post Producer
• Studio Musician
• Worship Leader/ Worship Pastor
• Church Musician
• Musicologist/Ethnomusicologist