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Music

Description: 

Purpose and Objectives

The Music program is designed for students who want music ministry training. It seeks to prepare competent musicians for careers in church music, church music combined with another area (such as youth ministry, elementary education, or Christian education), intercultural music (missions), and contemporary Christian music ministry. A degree with a major in music is granted upon completion of 126 semester credits, the demonstration of required proficiency in piano (keyboard), and the presentation of a recital and/or demonstration of skills within the context of the internship.

In addition to the mission statement, general objectives, and requirements of the college, the objectives of the Music program are to develop in students the following skills and knowledge:

  • A working knowledge of music theory for the purpose of reading, writing, and analyzing music of various styles
  • A high degree of proficiency on their major instrument (piano, keyboard, voice, or guitar) along with the ability and sensitivity to use their skills to communicate the message of God’s Word
  • An understanding of the place of music in worship, while at the same time developing the heart of a worshipper
  • Appropriate skills for leading worship in the local church
  • Ability to understand, appreciate, and evaluate a great variety of musical styles and forms (including those of other cultures and subcultures) through classroom study, field experience, solo and ensemble performance, and chapel services
  • A formulation of a personal philosophy of music based on the application of biblical principles to a broad variety of musical styles and ideas. This includes developing an awareness of historical and contemporary philosophies of music and the ability to evaluate one’s own musical preferences.

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Course requirements and suggested program of study

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Opportunities: 
  • Church Music Ministry: The program prepares students to lead a local church in worship as a minister of music. Students receive a thorough training in church music, but also a major in Bible like all other undergraduates at CIU. The biblical training adds depth to the music ministry.
     
  • Contemporary Music Ministry: You may have an opportunity to use your music skills in a recording studio, in radio, or as a contemporary Christian artist. We offer private lessons in contemporary keyboard and contemporary voice. Courses such as \MIDI Techniques and Applications\ give students direct experience with recent technology.
     
  • Music in Missions: Imagine helping people of another culture to praise God in their own language and in their own \heart music.\ We prepare students to understand music in a different cultural setting than their own. We want our students to know that God can use their gifts anywhere in the world.
     
Featured Faculty: 
Alison Branham
Voice Instructor

B.Mus., Columbia College; M.Mus., University of South Carolina; doctoral candidate, University of South Carolina

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Chris Essig
Guitar Instructor

M.M. in Guitar Performance, University of South Carolina under the instruction of Christopher Berg; B.A. in Guitar Performance, Geneva College

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Daniel Kreider Daniel Kreider

M.Mus Church Music, Bob Jones University; B.Mus Piano Performance, Bob Jones University

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Rod Lewis Rod Lewis
Music Program Director

B.A. in Music Education, Alderson Broaddus College; M.M. in Guitar Performance, University of South Carolina;n D.M.A. in Guitar Performance, University of South Carolina

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David Osterlund
Prison Initiative Program Director

B.S., M.S., University of Wisconsin; Ed.D., University of Illinois

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Alena Pagal
Piano Instructor

B.Mus., Bowling Green State University; M.Mus., University of South Carolina

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