B.Mus. Church Music
Major
Church MusicFeatured Courses
As a student in the church music major at Concordia Nebraska, you’ ll have the opportunity to take specialized courses related to various aspects of the church music profession. These classes, designed to equip you for leadership and service in various church music careers, are taught by some of our esteemed faculty who have extensive experience in their fields.
MU 103
Music Theory I 3 credits
The procedures of writing and analyzing music in the common practice idiom. Topics include notation practices (manuscript and using computer), triads and seventh chords, figured bass, lead sheet notation, setting texts to music, transposition, voice leading, part writing using triads, and cadences. A grade of C or higher in this course is required in order to register for MU 105.
MU 202
Aural Skills III 1 credits
A continuation of MU 104. Content includes local chromaticism, melodic and harmonic modulations to closely related keys, and aural identification of these elements within the context of larger excerpts. Methods include sight singing, melodic dictation, harmonic dictation and analytical listening.
CHMU 221
Introduction to Church Music 2 credits
An introduction to the vocation of church musician. Topics include the philosophy of church music; the role of the church musician; working with children, youth, and adults; the church year and lectionary; ensemble directing; and professional organizations and resources. The course, which includes ten hours of fieldwork, is intended primarily for individuals preparing to be church musicians.
MUAP 385
Service Playing I 1 credits
A practical course designed to develop skills in leadership of the congregation’s song from the organ.
THEO 361
Christian Doctrine I 3 credits
This course examines Lutheran doctrine and applies it to the work, worship, and life of the Christian community. The topics are the nature and authority of Scripture, the nature of God, creation, the nature of man under grace and law, and the person and the work of Christ.
MU 493
Senior Project 2 credits
The capstone experience in the undergraduate study of music. It contains two parts: the planning, preparation, and public performance of a recital, and the research and development of a supporting written project. Enrollment is limited to fourth year music majors.
Church MusicSample Schedule of Courses
The following sample course of study is an example of the sequence of courses you might take in order to receive your degree. Please plan to discuss your actual course of study with your advisor, who can help you stay on track to meet your academic and professional goals.
Semester 1
MU 102
Aural Skills I 1 cr.
MU 103
Music Theory I 3 cr.
MUSC XX
Principal Instrument 1 cr.
MUSC XX
Secondary Instrument 1 cr.
GEN ED
Electives & Ensembles 12 cr.
18 Total Credits
Semester 2
MU 104
Aural Skills II 1 cr.
MU 105
Music Theory II 3 cr.
MUSC XX
Principal Instrument 1 cr.
MUSC XX
Secondary Instrument 1 cr.
GEN ED
Electives & Ensembles 12 cr.
18 Total Credits
Semester 3
MU 202
Aural Skills III 1 cr.
MU 203
Music Theory III 3 cr.
MU 251
Conducting I 2 cr.
MUSC XX
Principal Instrument 1 cr.
MUSC XX
Secondary Instrument 1 cr.
GEN ED
Electives & Ensembles 9 cr.
17 Total Credits
Semester 4
MU 204
Aural Skills IV 1 cr.
MU 205
Music Theory IV 3 cr.
CHMU 221
Introduction to Church Music 2 cr.
MUSC XX
Principal Instrument 1 cr.
MUSC XX
Secondary Instrument 1 cr.
GEN ED
Electives & Ensembles 7 cr.
15 Total Credits
Semester 5
MU 211
Music History to 1750 3 cr.
MUAP 385
Service Playing I 1 cr.
CHMU 411
Christian Liturgy 3 cr.
THEO 241
Interpretation of Selected Old Testament Prophetical Books 3 cr.
MUSC XX
Principal Instrument 1 cr.
MUSC XX
Secondary Instrument 1 cr.
GEN ED
Electives & Ensembles 4 cr.
16 Total Credits
Semester 6
MU 212
Music History since 1750 3 cr.
MU 213
World Music 3 cr.
MU 303
Arranging 2 cr.
MUAP 386
Service Playing II 1 cr.
MUSC XX
Principal Instrument 1 cr.
MUSC XX
Secondary Instrument 1 cr.
GEN ED
Electives & Ensembles 7 cr.
18 Total Credits
Semester 7
CHMU 313
Christian Hymnody 2 cr.
CHMU 325
Organ Literature and Design 2 cr.
CHMU 390
Service Project in Church Music 1 cr.
THEO 361
Christian Doctrine I 3 cr.
MUSC XX
Principal Instrument 1 cr.
MUSC XX
Secondary Instrument 1 cr.
GEN ED
Electives & Ensembles 6 cr.
16 Total Credits
Semester 8
CHMU 421
Church Music Administration 2 cr.
MU 493
Senior Project 2 cr.
THEO 362
Christian Doctrine II 3 cr.
MUSC XX
Principal Instrument 1 cr.
MUSC XX
Secondary Instrument 1 cr.
GEN ED
Electives & Ensembles 9 cr.
18 Total Credits
Church Music Faculty
As experts in church music, our faculty and instructors bring years of experience to the classroom.