Church Music Concentration | West Coast Baptist College

Church Music Concentration

Total Credit Hours: 
129

Average Completion Time: 
4 years

This concentration includes study in general musicianship, worship theology, music education, and performance proficiency. Every music major selects either a Church Music or Music Education concentration and a musical proficiency in voice, piano, or another instrument of choice.

The Church Music concentration focuses on theology, ministry leadership, musicianship, and the organizational skills needed for music ministry. Once accepted into West Coast Baptist College, prospective music students must submit a video audition and a music teacher’s/music pastor’s reference for admission to the Music Program.

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About the Program
Interesting Courses

Choral Conducting 1

MU 315

Credit Hours: 2


This course introduces the student to the art and mechanics of choral conducting. The course explores the basic conducting patterns, left hand technique, non-verbal communication, leadership, musical terminology, expressive gestures, and score study. This course will develop important conducting techniques necessary for choir directors and congregational song leaders in local church ministry. Prerequisite: None

Philosophy of Church Music

MU 402

Credit Hours: 2


This course explores the biblical teachings about music and worship and equips the Christian leader with the critical thinking, reasoning, and communication skills necessary to form a biblical philosophy of worship. Students will engage in a variety of readings and critiques as they explore difficult questions surrounding the topic of music and worship in the church music setting. Prerequisite: EN 102

Church Music Seminar 1

MU 481

Credit Hours: 3


This course is the first of two capstone courses for the Church Music program and covers a variety of topics related to church music and worship leadership. In addition to the helpful discussions, each student will serve a sort of internship in the music departments of WCBC and Lancaster Baptist Church for a certain number of hours per semester. Prerequisite: EN 102, MU 131, MU 133, MU 150, and MU 316

Course ID Credit Hours Course
AP 101 3

Apologetics

This course is designed to give the student a system of principles to defend his faith, as well as present evidences that support the authenticity of the Christian faith. Prerequisite: None

AP 301 2

Science and Faith

The purpose of this course is to give the student a greater appreciation of both the Bible and science. Furthermore, this course will demonstrate that there is no need for compromise in order to make the Bible fit modern “scientific” discoveries. The student will be taught that true science will always validate God’s word. Prerequisite: EN 102

AP 402 2

Biblical Ethics

This course looks at six historical approaches to ethical conflicts. Students will be required to know these approaches as they represent how people think in culture today. Students will evaluate each of these in light of scripture to determine a biblical approach to the ethical issues in life and ministry. Prerequisite: EN 102; 32 credits earned

BC 101 2

Introduction to Biblical Counseling

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of basic biblical counseling, emphasizing scriptural prescriptions for man’s physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Prerequisite: None

BI 101 3

Old Testament Survey

This class will give each student an overview of the Old Testament. We will walk through each book, learn its significance, key words, key verses, key truths, and understand its broad outline and application for New Testament believers. Special emphasis is placed upon authorship, date, and purpose. Passages of particular doctrinal significance will be examined and discussed. As this is a survey, it is merely introductory in nature. Prerequisite: None

BI 102 3

New Testament Survey

This class will give each student an overview of the New Testament. Special emphasis is placed upon authorship, date, and purpose of each book. The student will develop a broad outline for each book. This course will also examine the background and content of each book. Briefly mentioned will be the intertestamental period in order to place the ministry of Jesus Christ into a historical context. Prerequisite: None

BI 201 3

Life of Christ

This course is an in-depth look at the harmonizing of the Gospels. It looks at the major chronological periods in the life of our Lord. The Lord’s life and teachings will be examined with special emphasis on the crucifixion week. Prerequisite: None

BI 211 2

Acts

This course covers a history of the early church and the spread of the gospel. The book will be outlined as the Great Commission is fulfilled in the first century. The course will look at the development of Christianity and its doctrines. Prerequisite: None

BI 212 2

Romans

This course will be an expository study of both the book as well as its applications to the doctrines of the Christian life. Students will be given a general outline of the important doctrinal passages that will be discussed. Prerequisite: None

BI 231 2

Introduction to Dispensationalism

Dispensationalism is a theological system borne out of the literal, historical-grammatical interpretation. At its core, Dispensationalism understands that there is a distinction between Israel and the Church and understands the purpose of God in this earth to be doxological. This class will investigate the theological framework of this system, explaining its origins, and its developments. Additionally, it will present a case for declaring this system the most consistent hermeneutical tool in studying the Scriptures. Prerequisite: None

BI 241 2

Ruth and Esther

The biblical books of Ruth and Esther provide wonderful examples of God’s sovereignty and offer encouragement for Christians to trust His goodness and provision. This course is designed to give a better understanding of who God is, as we study His presence and work in the stories of both Ruth and Esther. As we also learn from the individual characters in these books, we will discover their rare courage, commitment, and risk-taking love for God and His people. Ladies Only. Prerequisite: None

BI 361 3

Theology 1

This course is an in-depth study of Bibliology and Theology. Prerequisite: EN 102

BI 362 3

Theology 2

This course is an in-depth study of Christology and Pneumatology. Prerequisite: EN 102

BI 363 3

Theology 3

This course is an in-depth study of Hamartiology, Anthropology, and Soteriology. Prerequisite: EN 102

BI 364 3

Theology 4

This course is an in-depth study of Ecclesiology, Angelology, and Eschatology. Prerequisite: EN 102

BI 371 3

Theology 1

This course is an in-depth study of Bibliology, Theology Proper and Pneumatology. Prerequisite: EN 102

BI 372 3

Theology 2

This course is an in-depth study of Anthropology, Hamartiology, Christology, and Soteriology. Prerequisite: EN 102

BI 373 3

Theology 3

This course is an in-depth study of Angelology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology. Prerequisite: EN 102

EN 101 3

Grammar and Composition 1

This course teaches English grammar and foundational writing concepts on a college level. Because clear writing is developed through good English basics, this class aids the student in development of clear writing and grammar skills that will be further developed in EN 102. Prerequisite: EN 100 or test scoring requirement met

EN 102 3

Grammar and Composition 2

This course is designed to teach the creative art of composition, along with the study and review of word usage and the action of the parts of speech in the written composition. Communicating in a clear, effective, and appropriate manner and writing a collegiate research paper are the objectives of this class. Prerequisite: EN 101

HI 283 3

US History 1

This course examines the development of the United States from the colonial period through the Civil War. It gives special emphasis to Christianity’s influence on the development of the United States. It will also look at how Christian men and women have made a significant impact on the development of our nation. Prerequisite: None

HI 284 3

US History 2

This course is a continuation of HI 283, and it examines the development of the United States from the aftermath of the Civil War to modern America. It gives special emphasis to Christianity’s influence on the development of the United States. It will also look at how Christian men and women have made a significant impact on the development of our nation. Prerequisite: None

MA 100 3

College Math

MA 100 is an introduction to the basics of mathematics. This course is intended to prepare students for beginning algebra and college level courses and programs. Students will be introduced to the language of algebra and learn how to evaluate algebraic expressions and solve first degree equations. Prerequisite: None

MU 111 1

Private Music Lesson Elective

These lessons are designed for students who are not in the music program. Lessons will be tailored to the individual ability of the student, and target improvement in personal musicianship. These lessons are not able to be substituted as a replacement for a private lessons requirement as part of the music program. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

MU 121 3

Music Theory 1

This course is a study of the scales, diatonic chords, part writing, music typesetting, and arranging structured in a way to reflect the unique needs of church musicians. Students must demonstrate the ability to compose an original gospel song in the 19th-century style. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 100 with a grade of a “C” or higher, or test scoring requirement met; Corequisite: MU 123

MU 123 1

Sight Singing and Ear Training 1

Sight singing, aural training, dictation, rhythm, and keyboard skills coordinated with the curriculum of Music Theory 1. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 100 with a grade of a “C” or higher, or test scoring requirement met; Corequisite: MU 121

MU 131 3

Music Theory 2

A continuation of Music Theory 1, this course introduces a more detailed study of harmony, writing piano accompaniments, and an introduction to the ambiguities of analytical systems. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 121 with a grade of a “C” or higher, and MU 123; Corequisite: MU 133

MU 133 1

Sight Singing and Ear Training 2

A continuation of MU 123. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 121 and MU 123; Corequisite: MU 131

MU 150 1

Voice Class

Group work in the fundamentals of good singing, including breathing and posture, tone, pronunciation, repertoire, interpretation and stage presence are covered in this class. Students gain practical experience by singing several solos for a grade. Prerequisite: None

MU 202 2

Survey of Western Music

Developing listening skills and a basic understanding of Western music through the study of music literature. Students will be introduced to the basic instruments, structures, forms, and composers from the major style periods, with emphasis on the music from 1600-1950. Prerequisite: None

MU 221 3

Music Theory 3

A continuation of Music Theory 2, this course continues a study of music theory from the church musicians’ point of view, but introduces more complex harmonic vocabulary and the complex ideas associated with modulation and their implications for both arrangers and analysts. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 131 with a grade of a “C” or higher, and MU 133; Corequisite: MU 223

MU 223 2

Music Technology

This course explores the technological side of music and music ministry, exploring the characteristics of sound, acoustics, MVAI composing, sound engineering, sound systems, and the accompanying software for these activities. A brief introduction is given for the major software companies such as Finale, ProTools, and Sibelius. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 131 with a grade of a “C” or higher, and MU 133; Recommended corequisite: MU 221

MU 231 3

Music Theory 4

A continuation of Music Theory 3, this course covers advanced work in part writing, analysis, arranging, composition, and music typesetting for the church musician. Introductory concepts for orchestration are also included. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 221 with a grade of a “C” or higher, and MU 223; Corequisite: MU 233

MU 233 1

Keyboard Harmony

This course is a continuation of the musicianship courses accompanying music theory. This course focuses on developing key technical and analytical skills on the keyboard coordinated with the curriculum of Music Theory 4. These skills include, but are not limited to, playing from a lead sheet, playing from a figured bass, and properly voicing chords. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 221 and MU 223 ; Corequisite: MU 231

MU 301 1

West Coast Choir and Orchestra

The West Coast Choir and Orchestra is an audition group made up of students from all programs of study. In it, you will form a community of performers and artists, sing incredible and challenging music in worship, participate in various activities and events, record on the new college album, and serve a variety of musical functions throughout the school year. Auditions happen once a semester. New members and first year members have an entrance and an exit audition before and after their first year in the choir. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

MU 301 1

West Coast Choir

The West Coast Choir (WCC) is an audition choir made up of students from all programs of study. In it, you will form a community of performers and artists, sing incredible and challenging music in worship, participate in various activities and events, record on the new college album, and serve a variety of musical functions throughout the school year. Auditions happen once a semester. New members and first year members have an entrance and an exit audition before and after their first year in the choir. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

MU 301 1

West Coast Orchestra

The West Coast Choir (WCC) is an audition choir made up of students from all programs of study. In it, you will for a community of performers and artists, sing incredible and challenging music in worship, participate in various activities and events, record on the new college album, and serve a variety of musical functions throughout the school year. Auditions happen once a semester. New members and first year members have an entrance and an exit audition before and after their first year in the choir. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

MU 302 2

History of Western Music

This course is a survey of the major historical trends that have defined Western music for the last 2,000 years. Through the study of music literature, students will be introduced to composers, music terminology, the basic structures, forms, and instrumentation and performance practices from the major style periods. Prerequisite: EN 102 and MU 202

MU 315 2

Choral Conducting 1

This course introduces the student to the art and mechanics of choral conducting. The course explores the basic conducting patterns, left hand technique, non-verbal communication, leadership, musical terminology, expressive gestures, and score study. This course will develop important conducting techniques necessary for choir directors and congregational song leaders in local church ministry. Prerequisite: None

MU 316 2

Choral Conducting 2

This course explores the essentials of choral rehearsal and performance, the role of the conductor in both, the effective use of rehearsal technique, the identification and correction of vocal faults, and the communicating of musical concepts to a volunteer choir with little or no formal music training. Prerequisite: MU 315 with a grade of a “C” or higher

MU 371 1

Ensemble

Students in the music department are required to participate in a performing group every semester during their studies. The student may choose to continue with the West Coast Choir and Orchestra to fulfill this credit. Otherwise, the student will be assigned with a performance group that will meet throughout the semester for rehearsal, development, and performance. Admission to this course is at the discretion of the Music Department. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

MU 401 2

Sacred Music Literature

This course is designed to expose students to the variety of genres related to “sacred” music history. While not occupying too much time on historical events, this course will examine historical musical pieces from the early church to the present. The main activities will be musical listening, analysis and function for worship. Prerequisite: EN 102

MU 402 2

Philosophy of Church Music

This course explores the biblical teachings about music and worship and equips the Christian leader with the critical thinking, reasoning, and communication skills necessary to form a biblical philosophy of worship. Students will engage in a variety of readings and critiques as they explore difficult questions surrounding the topic of music and worship in the church music setting. Prerequisite: EN 102

MU 411 2

Arranging and Composition

This course explores various composition and arranging techniques relevant to church music. Students will engage in stylistic analysis of both classical and modern forms, moving from analysis to style-specific arranging. Additionally, students will engage in “from scratch” composition in a variety of vocal formats. This course requires a working knowledge of Finale or other notational software and/or MIDI sequencing software. This course should not be attempted until successful completion of Music Theory 1-4. Prerequisite: EN 102, MU 231, and MU 233

MU 412 2

Orchestration and Scoring Techniques

This course explores various composition and arranging techniques relevant to church music, particularly for instrumental music. The course will cover all the orchestral instruments, ranges, dynamic ranges, and any pertinent information relevant to the composition process. This course requires a working knowledge of Finale or other notational software and/or MIDI sequencing software. This course should not be attempted until successful completion of Music Theory 1-4 and Arranging and Composition. Prerequisite: EN 102, MU 231, and MU 233

MU 431 1

Private Voice Lessons

Private voice lessons give students the opportunity to receive individual, personalized instruction in solo vocal performance. Half hour weekly lessons will include segments on scales and other exercises, breathing and posture, tone, pronunciation, repertoire, and music study and rehearsal skills. Students will demonstrate their progress with presentations during the Vocal Performance Class. Alternate course codes for registration are as follows: MU 161, MU 162, MU 261, MU 262, MU 361, MU 362. A fee of $264 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MU 150

MU 471 1

Senior Music Recital

This course functions as the seventh required semester of private lessons. As opposed to jury requirements, the student uses this semester solely to prepare for the Senior Music Recital, given in the same semester this course is taken. All the guidelines, fees, and schedule requirements related to Private music lessons apply equally to the Senior Music Recital course. A fee of $264 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Private Piano 6 or Private Voice 6; 96 credits earned

MU 481 3

Church Music Seminar 1

This course is the first of two capstone courses for the Church Music program and covers a variety of topics related to church music and worship leadership. In addition to the helpful discussions, each student will serve a sort of internship in the music departments of WCBC and Lancaster Baptist Church for a certain number of hours per semester. Prerequisite: EN 102, MU 131, MU 133, MU 150, and MU 316

MU 482 3

Church Music Seminar 2

This course is a continuation of the Church Music program capstone course, Church Music Seminar 1 and covers a variety of topics related to church music and worship leadership. In addition to the helpful discussions, each student will serve a sort of internship in the music departments of WCBC and Lancaster Baptist Church for a certain number of hours per semester. Prerequisite: EN 102 and MU 481

MUSIC 1

Piano Performance Class (Private Piano Lessons)

Lessons will be tailored to the individual ability of the student. A fee of $264 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

MUSIC 1

Voice Performance Class (Private Voice Lessons)

Private voice lessons give students the opportunity to receive individual, personalized instruction in solo vocal performance. Half hour weekly lessons will include segments on scales and other exercises, breathing and posture, tone, pronunciation, repertoire, and music study and rehearsal skills. Students will demonstrate their progress with presentations during the Vocal Performance Class. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MU 150

OR 101 2

Principles of Christian Living

This course is a class required for all freshmen as they enter school. It teaches students skills regarding study habits, character, library and reading skills, personal devotions, Bible memorization, and prayer. It is designed to help the student adjust from high school to college life here at West Coast. Prerequisite: None

PT 100 1

Practical Theology

This course is taught by Dr. Chappell to equip young men for the work of local church ministry. Students will gain both biblical and practical insights in areas such as Baptist church planting, discipleship, contemporary theology, servant leadership, staff training, and the administration of local church work. Prerequisite: None

PT 111 2

Personal Evangelism

This course is designed to help the individual student be an effective witness for the Lord. Instruction will be given on how to reach the lost with the gospel. Students will be required to memorize key verses for bringing sinners to Christ and giving them biblical assurance of salvation. Every student must participate in the TEAM soulwinning program of Lancaster Baptist Church. Prerequisite: None

PT 125 2

Evangelistic Songleading

This course is an introduction to music in a church worship service. Students will learn the basics of song leading as well as platform technique. Prerequisite: None

PT 311 2

Christian Marriage and Home

This course provides the student with the biblical ingredients to a godly marriage and family. It will attempt to provide the student with the discernment needed to be able to provide a biblical balance in his family life and ministry. Prerequisite: None

SPCH 101 2

Freshman Speech

This course is designed as an introduction to speech communication. It will give the student the skills needed to properly prepare and deliver an effective speech. Prerequisite: None

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Key Faculty

Rica Silbol

Instructor—Music

Alis Odenthal

Instructor—Music