Courses

Group instruction of fundamental piano skills to be used in live worship service settings. Focus on scales, basic chord structures, improvisation, chord chart realization, and accompaniment skills.(1 unit; Fall/Spring)

Beginning group instruction on drum set as applied to commercial music studies. Students with a drum set as their primary instrument may substitute one-unit of voice. (1 unit; Fall)

Introduces students to foundational elements of guitar study. Students will learn how to play chords in open positions, major and pentatonic scales in all keys, note reading, basics of fingerstyle and plectrum technique, improvisation, and ensemble playing. Special emphasis will be placed on worship based applications of guitar playing. May be repeated for credit. (1 unit; Fall)

Group instruction of intermediate piano skills to be used in live worship service settings. Content will continue from MUS 015 - Class Piano for Worship Arts and Commercial Music I and focus on more advanced chord structures, improvisation, chord chart realization, and accompaniment skills. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: MUS 015. (1 unit; Fall/Spring)

Beginning group instruction on bass and guitar as applied to commercial music studies. Students with guitar or bass as their primary instrument may substitute one-unit of voice. (1 unit; Spring)

Expounds upon foundational elements in MUS 017 by introducing intermediate guitar skills and worship applications. Students will learn how to play closed chord forms, including inversions and extended chords, major and pentatonic scales in all keys, note reading beyond first position, applications of fingerstyle and plectrum technique in worship, improvisation, and ensemble playing. Special emphasis will be placed on worship-based applications of guitar playing. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: MUS 017 (1 unit; Fall)

While building community and culture for Worship Arts and Ministry students, this class focuses on the methodology and theology of effective corporate worship leadership, coaching students in platform presentation, rehearsing music ensembles, recruiting teams, and reaching worshipers, in the context of their local church internship. May be repeated for a maximum of four (4) units. (1 unit; Fall/Spring)

Private Instruction is offered with material and performance of increasing difficulty as the student develops. Students must arrange a lesson time before or during the first week of classes in the School of Music office or with the instructor. Twelve (12) half-hour lessons will be offered per unit. Students are expected to perform in Student Recitals and a Jury Exam. May be repeated for credit. Additional private instruction fee. Prerequisite: Declared Music Major or Minor. (1-2 units; Fall/Spring)

While building community and culture for Worship Arts and Ministry students, this class focuses on the methodology and theology of effective corporate worship leadership, coaching students in platform presentation, rehearsing music ensembles, recruiting teams, and reaching worshipers, in the context of their local church internship. May be repeated for a maximum of six (6) units. Prerequisite: MUS 054. (1 unit; Fall/Spring)

Private Instruction is offered with material and performance of increasing difficulty as the student develops. Students must arrange a lesson time before or during the first week of classes in the School of Performing Arts office or with the instructor. Twelve (12) half-hour lessons will be offered per unit. Students are expected to perform in Student Recitals and a Jury Exam. May be repeated for a maximum of twenty-four (24) units. Additional private instruction fee. Prerequisites: MUS 081, declared Music major or minor, and successful completion of Applied Music Proficiency. (1-2 units; Fall/Spring)

Exploration of musical styles and traditions of music for worship in small ensemble settings. The ensembles will primarily perform repertoire in contemporary worship band models. Rehearsals will emphasize instrumental and vocal skill development, worship leadership, and spiritual formation. Students will form individual worship bands that will lead worship and perform in campus and community events. Students must be enrolled in at least one ensemble for full credit each semester. Additional ensembles may be taken for zero (0) units. Repeatable: May be repeated for a maximum of twelve (12) units. (1 unit; Fall/Spring)

Exploration of musical styles and traditions of music for worship in small ensemble settings. The ensembles will primarily perform repertoire in contemporary worship band models. Rehearsals will emphasize instrumental and vocal skill development, worship leadership, and spiritual formation. Students will form individual worship bands that will lead worship and perform in campus and community events. Students must be enrolled in at least one ensemble for full credit each semester. Additional ensembles may be taken for zero (0) units. Repeatable: May be repeated for a maximum of twelve (12) units. (1 unit; Fall/Spring).

A review of music fundamentals, intensive study of basic concepts of music theory for the music major, introduction to music notation software. Concert attendance requirement. Concurrent requisite: MUS 115. (3 units; Fall)

Introductory experiences in sight-singing and ear-training. Concurrent Requisite: MUS 114. (1 unit; Fall).htm

Thought and discussion on the true heart of a worship leader. Special emphasis will be given to the call and role of a worship leader and the practical elements of worship arts ministry. This course is designed to introduce students to the Worship Arts and Ministry program and provide the foundational elements of worship, which will prepare them for academic and career success. (1 unit; Fall, even years)

Development of skills in analyzing and writing music involving diatonic voice leading principles and harmonic progressions. Examples are drawn from art, sacred and popular music. Concurrent Requisite: MUS 125. Prerequisite: MUS 114. Concert attendance requirement. (3 units; Spring)

Continued development of aural skills and introduction to keyboard harmony and improvisation. Prerequisite: MUS 115; Concurrent requisite: MUS 124. (1 unit; Spring)

Emphasis on musical instruments, and be able to describe their significance in a culture's folklore, religion and history; fundamental elements of music and how they vary in different traditions; the effects of cultural influences such as gender and ethnically on the perception, interpretations and performance of music; forces of nationalism, acculturation, and westernization and their effect on musical traditions. (2 units; Fall/Spring)

Advanced writing and analysis of music involving chromatic and extended harmonies, and an introduction to 16th century polyphony and 18th century counterpoint. Examples are drawn from art, sacred and popular music. Prerequisite: MUS 124; Concurrent Requisite: MUS 215. (3 units; Fall)

Advanced training in ear-training, sight-singing and keyboard harmony involving chromatic exercises. Prerequisite: MUS 125; Concurrent Requisite: MUS 214. (1 unit; Fall)

This course is a study of the development of musical styles and idioms in the context of selected historical periods and their connection with the cultural evolution of Western civilization. (3 units; Fall)

A more intensive application of MUS 120 in the Music for Worship Arts and Ministry program. Students will gain practical experience in a ministry context under the direction of a Faculty supervisor. Students will demonstrate proficiency in administration, leadership, and pastoral ministry. Prerequisite: MUS 120. (1 unit; Spring)

A more intensive application of MUS 302 in the Music for Worship Arts and Ministry program. Students will gain practical experience in a ministry context under the direction of a Faculty supervisor. Students will demonstrate proficiency in worship technology utilized in production, audio-visual applications, and music making. Prerequisite: MUS 302. (1 unit; Fall)

This course is designed to explore the craft and heart of ministry in the church. It will equip future worship leaders/pastors with the practical, ministerial, and management skills needed to build, organize, and manage a thriving multi-dimensional, biblically based, worship ministry in the context of the local church worldwide. (3 units; Fall)

Basic conducting skills, principles, and rehearsal techniques for choral and instrumental music. Observations of choral and instrumental ensemble rehearsals. Prerequisite: MUS 214. (2 units; Fall)

Instruction in arranging for vocal and rhythm section in popular music genres. (2 units, Spring)

An examination of the development of worship and musical practices in the church, focusing on congregational engagement and singing. Students will study the biblical and historical practices of the church to effectively serve in worship arts and ministry. (3 units; Spring)

Practical instruction in rehearsal techniques and leadership of worship ensembles. Special attention is given to musical leadership for vocal ensembles and worship bands, creating and executing rehearsal plans, vocal and instrumental pedagogy in ensemble settings, and conducting techniques as applied to the music rehearsal. Prerequisite: MUS 312. (2 units; Spring, odd years)

An examination of Scripture in order to develop a biblical theology of worship and its application in the local church. Students will learn about the development of worship practices from the Old and New Testaments and learn to apply hermeneutical principles to understanding present-day worship applications. (3 units; Fall, even years)

Worship Technology covers the various skills needed for the technical aspects of modern church worship service. Included in the course will be techniques on lighting, sound, multi-media, and emerging technologies that will enhance corporate worship. The student will learn the various skills needed for these areas as well as the ability to communicate with professionals in the technical field. (3 units; Spring)

A more intensive application of MUS 303 in the Music for Worship Arts and Ministry program. Students will gain practical experience in a ministry context under the direction of a Faculty supervisor. Students will demonstrate proficiency and critical thinking in various discipleship strategies and methodologies. Prerequisite: MUS 303. (1 unit; Spring)

A more intensive application of MUS 402 in the Music for Worship Arts and Ministry program. Students will gain practical experience in a ministry context under the direction of a Faculty supervisor. Students will demonstrate proficiency in musical and ensemble leadership in rehearsal and worship leadership experiences. Prerequisite: MUS 402. (1 unit; Fall)

This course is designed to equip the aspiring worship leader/pastor with administrative, organization, and management skills essential for success in the environment and structure of the local church. Prerequisite: MUS 304. (2 units; Spring)

This course will equip worship leaders with tools and strategies to weave numerous musical and artistic elements together to design creative, coherent, and powerful worship experiences. Also covered will be vocal and instrumental scoring and arranging for worship contexts. (3 units; Spring, even years)

Worship Arts and Ministry students must plan, organize, lead, and execute a 60-minute senior recital or project. The vision of the event will be modeled after a "Night of Worship" setting and include select creative elements outside of music such as lighting, video, staging, and/or other artistic expressions. Prerequisite: Senior status and successful completion of Applied Music Proficiency. (1 unit; Fall/Spring)

This course is designed to be a capstone academic experience for seniors in the Worship Arts and Ministry Degree, and preparation for graduate level work in the field. This class is in-depth study of contemporary issues related to music and worship ministry. The course gives students an opportunity to integrate theology, history, philosophy, and artistic knowledge into a rotating topic in the field of worship studies. Rotating topics to include: liturgical theology, studies in contemporary worship music, cultural expression, aesthetics and Christian worship, Pentecostal influence on worship music, and multiethnic worship. (1 unit; Spring)

This class provides a theological and philosophical foundation for studying the performing arts. This course examines the relationship between beauty, the arts, and the Christian life and worship. It is primarily designed as an examination of the aesthetic, cultural, and creative components of the performing arts, but it will also explore other art forms, philosophies of culture, and the arts' capacities for spiritual formation. Giving particular attention to music and theatre, this course will examine the role that the arts play in society, in the church, and in Christian worship. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

A survey of the books of the Old Testament and their theological contribution to the overall storyline of the Bible. Attention is also given to the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel. Fulfills general education requirement for non-Christian Studies majors. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

A survey of the books of the New Testament and their contributions to the overall storyline of the Bible. Special attention is given to the life of Jesus and the development of the early church in their historical, cultural, and theological settings. Fulfills general education requirement for non-Christian Studies majors. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

A historical and theoretical consideration of interpretative methodology as illustrated by and applied to selected texts from various portions of the biblical materials. Core requirement for Christian Studies majors and minors. Prerequisite: Previous Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units; Fall, Spring, & Online)

A survey of the development of the Christian church from the close of the New Testament period to the present time, with special attention to the origin of various denominations. Core requirement for Christian Studies majors and minors. (3 units; Fall, Spring, & Online)

An exploration of the biblical truths of Scripture, God, humanity, sin, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the Christian life, the church, and the life to come. Students will examine each major doctrine and understand its place in the biblical story. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

This course will examine the emergence of apologetics within the life of the church, highlight various approaches, arguments, and central figures, and the role of apologetics in development of a Christian worldview. Prerequisite: HON 100, PHI 213 or WLD 181. (3 units; Fall)

An exploration of the application of various metaethical theories to ethical questions and issues that arise in various arenas of life. The study involves both the examination of methods as well as cases. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

This course is an introduction to the major religious traditions of the world, particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The historical development and key figures, as well as major doctrines and practices are explored. (3 units; Fall, Spring, & Online)