B.Mus. Church Music
Courses
132 credit hours
100% career outcome rate
1 degree option
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
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
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
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
A practical course designed to develop skills in leadership of the congregation’s song from the organ.
THEO 361
Christian Doctrine I
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
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
An in-depth study of the fundamentals of music theory with emphasis on the development of aural performance and perception. Content includes melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation, sight singing, and contextual listening and identification. A grade of C or higher in this course is required in order to register for MU 104.
credits
MU 103
Music Theory I
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.
credits
MUSC XX
Principal Instrument
credits
MUSC XX
Secondary Instrument
credits
GEN ED
Electives & Ensembles
General electives from across the university
credits
Total Credits
18
Semester 2
MU 104
Aural Skills II
A continuation of MU 102. Content includes more advanced involvement in melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation, sight singing, and contextual listening and identification.
credits
MU 105
Music Theory II
A continuation of MU 103. Topics include non-chord tones, part writing and harmonization using seventh chords and secondary chords, modulations, and large-scale formal structures.
credits
MUSC XX
Principal Instrument
credits
MUSC XX
Secondary Instrument
credits
GEN ED
Electives & Ensembles
General electives from across the university
credits
Total Credits
18
Semester 3
MU 202
Aural Skills III
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.
credits
MU 203
Music Theory III
A continuation of MU 105. Topics include chromatic harmonies, borrowed chords, Neapolitan chords, augmented sixth chords, and extended and altered harmonies. Analysis and composition based on techniques of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
credits
MU 251
Conducting I
Conducting I is an introduction to the basics of conducting. Emphasis is placed on conducting patterns for the 2, 3 and 4 meters, preparatory beats/breaths, emphasizing the art of conducting, score preparation, basic baton technique, left hand independence, non-verbal communication, leadership, terminology and score reading.
credits
MUSC XX
Principal Instrument
credits
MUSC XX
Secondary Instrument
credits
GEN ED
Electives & Ensembles
General electives from across the university
credits
Total Credits
17
Semester 4
MU 204
Aural Skills IV
A continuation of MU 202. Content includes those from prior semesters, plus modal and atonal melodies, and mixed and asymmetrical meters. Methods include sight singing, melodic dictation, harmonic dictation and analytical listening.
credits
MU 205
Music Theory IV
A continuation of MU 203. Topics include analysis of and composition in the basic polyphonic techniques and procedures as found in the motet, invention, and fugue; analysis of significant larger forms of homophonic compositions as exemplified in theme and variations, rondo, and sonata–allegro; and analysis of and composition in the techniques and procedures of contemporary and electronic music.
credits
CHMU 221
Introduction to Church Music
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.
credits
MUSC XX
Principal Instrument
credits
MUSC XX
Secondary Instrument
credits
GEN ED
Electives & Ensembles
General electives from across the university
credits
Total Credits
15
Semester 5
MU 211
Music History to 1750
A survey of music literature and history from ancient times to about 1750.
credits
MUAP 385
Service Playing I
A practical course designed to develop skills in leadership of the congregation’s song from the organ.
credits
CHMU 411
Christian Liturgy
A history of Christian liturgy from earliest times to present with particular attention paid to Lutheran use. Includes a discussion of theological, textual, musical and cultural issues. Prior experience in music is not required.
credits
THEO 241
Interpretation of Selected Old Testament Prophetical Books
Particular attention is given to developing interpretative skills and preparing devotions. This course focuses attention on selected Old Testament prophetical books.
credits
MUSC XX
Principal Instrument
credits
MUSC XX
Secondary Instrument
credits
GEN ED
Electives & Ensembles
General electives from across the university
credits
Total Credits
16
Semester 6
MU 212
Music History since 1750
A survey of music literature and history from about 1750 to the present day.
credits
MU 213
World Music
A study of the unique musical styles and traditions associated with diverse world cultures, including Latin America, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Emphasis will be placed on the comparison of historical and contemporary performance practices.
credits
MU 303
Arranging
Problems of scoring for instruments, such as range, tone qualities, balance, and blend. Particular emphasis on arranging music suitable for school ensembles.
credits
MUAP 386
Service Playing II
A continuation of Service Playing I, this course will continue to develop skills in leadership of the congregation’s song in a variety of styles from the organ and piano.
credits
MUSC XX
Principal Instrument
credits
MUSC XX
Secondary Instrument
credits
GEN ED
Electives & Ensembles
General electives from across the university
credits
Total Credits
18
Semester 7
CHMU 313
Christian Hymnody
A historical study of the hymns of western Christianity. Although those used by Lutherans will be a particular focus, the course includes hymns from all traditions. Prior experience in music is helpful, but not required.
credits
CHMU 325
Organ Literature and Design
A study of repertoire for the organ from the Renaissance to the present, various principles of design and construction, and the intersection between literature, design, and music history.
credits
CHMU 390
Service Project in Church Music
This course relates church music to community service in a way that fulfills the university’s service learning component of general education. Students design, carry out, and assess projects under the direction of a faculty supervisor. Prerequisite: junior standing in the church music program and permission of instructor.
credits
THEO 361
Christian Doctrine I
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.
credits
MUSC XX
Principal Instrument
credits
MUSC XX
Secondary Instrument
credits
GEN ED
Electives & Ensembles
General electives from across the university
credits
Total Credits
16
Semester 8
CHMU 421
Church Music Administration
How to administer a comprehensive church music program. Topics include church music philosophy, music planning, budgeting, congregational education, recruiting, working with church staff and other musicians, and current theological and pastoral issues in church music. The course, which includes ten hours of fieldwork, is intended primarily for church music majors.
credits
MU 493
Senior Project
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.
credits
THEO 362
Christian Doctrine II
This course examines Lutheran doctrine and applies it to the work, worship, and life of the Christian community. The topics are the Church’s mission and ministry, the means of grace (Word and Sacraments), the person and work of the Holy Spirit, justification, the Church, Christian living, predestination, and eschatology.
credits
MUSC XX
Principal Instrument
credits
MUSC XX
Secondary Instrument
credits
GEN ED
Electives & Ensembles
General electives from across the university
credits
Total Credits
18
Church Music Faculty
As experts in church music, our faculty and instructors bring years of experience to the classroom.
Meet the faculty