Music Education

This program is constructed to meet all requirements of the Tennessee State Department of Education for licensure to teach music in grades K-12. Licensure also requires successful completion of the Praxis II Assessments, including the Specialty Area test in Music, according to minimum scores set by the Tennessee State Department of Education.

Given the full range of professional training included in this program (in music, education, biblical studies, and general education), a student will need to plan for completion in five years, not four. This is not uncommon in music education, and the College’s program offers the added dimension of a biblical perspective that serves to prepare the music teacher for an effective witness and ministry.

The objectives of this program include those stated for the Theological Studies Major, Arts and Sciences Core, and the Professional Education Core common to all teacher education programs. The graduate should also be able to demonstrate:

(1) The music skills and techniques that are demanded in the various disciplines cultivated in this program of study;

(2) Understanding and appreciation for the development of the music of the Western civilization as related both to life in general and to the music of the school and church;

(3) Ability to teach either  vocal and general music, or instrumental music in grades K-12 and efficiently organize and direct elementary, middle, and secondary music programs in either Christian or public schools;

(4) Ability to evaluate music needs and arrange or compose choral music to meet those needs;

(5) Understanding of the historical, philosophical, and sociological foundations underlying music education in America, whether in public or Christian education; and

(6) Ability to perform with skill.

Requirements: 147 hours (vocal/general/conducting) or 144 hours (instrumental), with a 2.75 g.p.a. overall, in all majors for licensure, and the Professional Educational Core, which is required for admission to the program, admission to Student Teaching, graduation, and licensure. Otherwise, a minimum 2.00 g.p.a. is required in each segment of the degree. 

(1) Theological Studies Major, 32 hours:

• BIB 1100. Introduction to Biblical Studies, 2
• BIB 1250. Evangelism and Discipleship, 2
• BIB 1011, 1031, 2032, 2062. Bible Survey, 10
• IDS 1902, 3101, 4101. Christianity, Culture, and Worldview, 6 (for content purposes, these courses are shared with the A/S Core)
• PHL 3602. Christian Philosophy, 3 (for content purposes, this is shared with the A/S Core)
• THE 3101. Christian Doctrines, 3
• THE 3102. Christian Ethics, 3
• BIB Elective, 3 (must be at the 4000 level)

(2) Arts and Sciences Core, 38 hours:

• BIO 1001, 1011. Systems in Biological Science and Lab, 4
• BUS 1150. Microcomputer Applications, 0
• ENG 1111, 1122. Grammar and Composition I, II, 6
• ENG 2111, 2122. Masterpieces of World Literature I, II, 6
• HIS 1011, 1022. History of Western Civilization I, II, 6
• IDS 1501. Leadership and Calling: Personal Development and Leadership Principles, 2
• IDS 2102. Foundations for Civic Engagement, 2
• MAT 1101. College Algebra, 3
• PHE 2100. Lifetime Fitness and PHE Activity Elective, 3
• SPE 1000. Fundamentals of Speech, 3
• SSC 3101. Marriage and Family, 3

(3) Music Major, either 47 hours (vocal/general/conducting) or 44 hours (instrumental):

(a) Vocal/General/Conducting, 47 hours:

• MUS 1011, 1022, 2031. Music Theory I, II, 9
• MUS 1111, 1122, 2131. Aural Theory I, II, 3
• MUS 1201. Introduction to Music Education, 2
• MUS 1271, 1282. Class Piano, 4 ( students must enroll in piano until proficiency is passed)
• MUS 1630. Class Conducting, 1
• MUS 2313, 2326. Diction for Singers, 2
• MUS 3031. Music History and Literature I, 3 or MUS 3062. Music History and Literature II, 3
• MUS 3266. Choral/Instrumental Conducting, 2 or MUS 2650 Private Conducting, 2
• Major Applied Music: Voice, Piano, Instrumental or Conducting, 8
• Secondary Applied: Voice, Piano, Instrumental, or Conducting, 2
• Ensembles: MUS 1040. Choral Union, MUS 3040. College Choir, MUS 4060. Chapel Choir, or Instrumental Ensembles (2 each semester), 10 (instrumental ensembles will only count as ensemble credit for students who are studying their instrument as an applied area)
• MUS 4447. Senior Recital, 1

(b) Instrumental, 44 hours:

• MUS 1011, 1022, 2031. Music Theory I, II, 9
• MUS 1111, 1122, 2131. Aural Theory I, II, 3
• MUS 1201. Introduction to Music Education, 2
• MUS 1271, 1282. Class Piano, 4
• MUS 3031. Music History and Literature I, 3 or MUS 3062. Music History and Literature II, 3
• MUS 3266. Choral/Instrumental Conducting, 2 or MUS 2650. Private Conducting, 2 (students majoring in conducting do not have to take MUS 3266)
• Major Applied Music: Instrumental, 8
• Ensembles: MUS 1040. Choral Union, MUS 3040. College Choir, MUS 4060. Chapel Choir, or Instrumental Ensembles (2 each semester), 10
• Secondary Applied: Voice, Piano, or Conducting, 2
• MUS 4447. Senior Recital, 1

(4) Professional Education Core, 30 hours:

• EDU 2001. Introduction to Education, 2
• EDU 2102. Educational Psychology, 2
• EDU 3801. The Exceptional Child, 3
• EDU 4201. School Assessment, 2
• EDU 4401. History and Philosophy of Education, 2
• EDU 4450. Introduction to Student Teaching, 1
• EDU 4500. Student Teaching Seminar, 2
• EDU 4700. Enhanced Student Teaching, 10
• MUS 4242. Music Methods and Materials, 3
• PSY 2402. Lifespan Development, 3

Note: Post-baccalaureate students seeking teacher licensure in music will be required to take both MUS 1201 Introduction to Music Education and MUS 4241 Music Methods and Materials.

This two-year program is recommended for those who plan to enter any area of music performance, music education, or worship ministry. Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared to continue studies in music education, music performance, or worship ministry and have the basic skills to assist in music ministry positions.  This will fulfill requirements of the associate of fine arts in music. In addition to meeting the specific objectives stated elsewhere for Theological Studies, Arts and Sciences, and the Music core, the graduate will also meet specific objectives for the certificate in foundations of teaching:

(1) Will attain the basics of music theory and music reading skills to help assist in a variety of music ministry settings in the local church;

(2) Will be prepared to pursue further music studies leading to the worship ministry, music performance, and music education degrees;

(3) Will demonstrate proficiency in applied music and experience in ensemble groups; and

(4) Will develop a Christian worldview in the fine arts in regards to vocational and cultural settings.

All graduates of this program will have the following outcomes:

(1) A basic understanding of music theory;

(2) Beginning piano skills;

(3) Training in an applied music performance area; and

(4) Experience in musical ensembles

Requirements: 74 hours, with a 2.00 g.p.a. overall. Otherwise, a minimum 2.00 g.p.a. is required in each segment of the degree.

(1) Theological Studies Major, 16 hours:

• BIB 1100. Introduction to Biblical Studies, 2
• BIB 1250. Evangelism and Discipleship, 2
• BIB 1011, 1031, 2032, 2062. Bible Survey, 10
• IDS 1902. Christianity, Culture, and Worldview, 2 (shared with A/S Core)

(2) Arts and Sciences, 35 hours:

• BIO 1001, 1011. Systems in Biological Science and Lab, 4
• BUS 1150. Microcomputer Applications, 0
• ENG 1111, 1122. Grammar and Composition I, II, 6
• ENG 2111, 2122. Masterpieces of World Literature I, II, 6
• HIS 1011, 1022. History of Western Civilization I, II, 6
• IDS 1501. Leadership and Calling: Personal Development and Leadership Principles, 2
• IDS 2102. Foundations for Civic Engagement, 2
• MAT 1101. College Algebra, 3
• PHE 2100. Lifetime Fitness and PHE Activity Elective, 3
• SPE 1000. Fundamentals of Speech, 3
• SSC 3101. Marriage and the Family, 3

(3) Music, 20 hours:

• MUS 1011, 1022. Music Theory I, 6
• MUS 1111, 1122. Aural Theory I, 2
• MUS 1271, 1282. Class Piano, 4
• MUS Applied Music, 4
• Ensembles: MUS 1040. Choral Union, MUS 3040. College Choir, MUS 4060. Chapel Choir, or Instrumental Ensembles (2 each semester), 4

Students may attach a Music Minor to any Welch College bachelor’s degree program. This program provides opportunity for any degree candidate to develop general musical abilities and interests as much as possible within the limitations of a minor concentration. The minor may not have more than one-third of the course-hours in common with the declared major. Program objectives will include those for the given major(s), as well as those stated for the Arts and Sciences Core.

Requirements: 28 hours:

• MUS 1011, 1022. Music Theory I, 6
• MUS 1111, 1122. Aural Theory I, 2
• MUS 1271, 1282. Class Piano, 4 (or until student passes a proficiency based on 2 semesters of Class Piano)
• MUS 1630. Class Conducting, 1
• MUS 3031. Music History and Literature I, 3 or MUS 3062. Music History and Literature II, 3
• MUS Applied Music, 4
• Ensembles: MUS 1040. Choral Union, MUS 3040. College Choir, MUS 4060. Chapel Choir, or Instrumental Ensembles (2 each semester), 8