Theology: MSM Revised Course of Study

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Master of Sacred Musci Course of Study
Revised May 2007

Outcome Objectives for the MSM Degree:

MUSICAL, THEOLOGICAL, AND LITURGICAL DISCERNMENT. The abilities necessary to make sound judgments on the musical quality of works performed, on the theological validity and quality of the texts sung, and on the liturgical appropriateness of music used in worship.

MUSICAL SKILLS. Professional-level accomplishment in either organ or choral/vocal studies with a competence in the other area. These skills will be informed by a solid foundation that includes the history and bibliography of music, aural and analytical skills, and a knowledge and application of current technologies.

EDUCATIONAL PROCESS. An understanding of pedagogical processes needed for teaching choirs of all ages and developing musical participation by the congregation.

UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROPHETIC NATURE OF SACRED MUSIC. Understanding the liturgical role music plays in attuning the emotions to the spirit of worship and in proclaiming the Gospel message.

Requirements for the MSM Degree
The requirements for the M.S.M. total 48 term hours, normally completed in three years, and are distributed as follows:

1. Twelve term hours in Theological Studies¹

a.	Six term hours of Bible
	OT-6301 Interpretation of the Old Testament I
	NT-6301 Interpretation of the New Testament I
b.	WO-6313 (Thjree term hours) Word & Worship²
c.	ST-6300 (Three term hours) Introduction to Theology or HX-6305 The Christian Heritage I.
d.	Participation in a Spiritual Formation Group for two terms during the first year

2. Ten term hours of Church Music Study.

a.	CM-8330 (Three term hours) Church Music Colloquium I.
	[Church music for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany; includes hymnody, anthem literature for all age groups, and master works, along with conducting experience]
b.	CM-8331 (Three term hours) Church Music Colloquium II.
	[Church music for Lent and Easter; includes hymnody, anthem literature for all age groups, and master works, along with conducting experience]
c.	CM-8332 (Three term hours) Church Music Colloquium III.
	[Church music during Pentecost and common liturgical time; includes hymnody, anthem literature for all age groups, and master works, along with conducting experience]
d.	CM-8120 (One term hour) Supervised Practicum³

3. Six term hours of study in professional skills and methods4

a.	MUTH 6330 (Three term hours) Analytical Techniques, MUTH 6300, Music of the 20^th Century, MUTH 6360, Analysis of Tonal Music, MUTH 6326 Seminar in Music Theory (Select one course)
b.	MUHI 6335 (Three term hours) Introduction to Graduate Studies
c.	Participation for two consecutive terms within the same academic year in a Meadows Choral Ensemble, as determined by placement audition PERE 6013 or 6014
d.	MUAS 6010 Recital Attendance (Enrollment for four terms)

4. Elective Hours in Meadows or Perkins

Six hours.These hours will be determined in consultation with the student’s advisor on the basis of the outcome objectives of the MSM program and the student’s competency to meet these objectives.⁵

5. Hours in Performance Concentration and Proficiency

Organ Concentration (14 hours)

Choral/Vocal Concentration (14 hours)6

a.	ORG 6200 (Eight term hours) Organ (private study)
b.	PERB 6212 (Two term hours) Improvisation and Service Playing
c.	MUHI 6320 (Three term hours) Organ History and Literature
d.	CM 8108 (One term hour) Cantoring in Worship

a.	MUCO 6307 (Three term hours) Conducting I⁷
b.	MUCO 6209 (Two term hours) Choral Conducting 2 or MUCO 6210 Seminar: Major Choral Works
c.	MUCO 6211 (Two term hours) Instrumental Techniques for the Choral Conductor
d.	MUCO 6252 (Two term hours) Vocal and Choral Techniques
e.	MUHI 6348 (Three term hours) Survey of Choral Literature (or an appropriate music history course as determined in consultation with the student’s advisor)
f.	CM 8108 (One term hour) Cantoring in Worship⁸
g.	PERB 6112 (One term hour) Introduction to the Organ

¹For United Methodist students pursuing Deacon’s Orders, these twelve hours may count toward the 24 hour requirement. It may be possible to use elective hours (#4 below) to satisfy more of the 24-hour requirement.

² The prerequisite course, XS-6310 The Church in Its Social Context, is not required for the MSM degree.

³ The Supervised Practicum includes musical/liturgical leadership in a local congregation and a relationship with a church music mentor.

⁴ Placement exams in music history and theory will be administered during the week before classes begin in Meadows School of the Arts.

⁵ For the organ concentration, a portion of these hours may be used for choral conducting depending on the placement evaluation. Not more than three elective hours of applied study in Meadows may be counted toward the degree requirements.

⁶ Candidates in the M.S.M. Choral/Vocal Concentration must take a keyboard proficiency exam before classes begin during their first year. Those who are unable to pass the proficiency exam must take PERB 5107/5108 Keyboard Skills for Choral conductors. Information on the exam will be sent to all incoming students in this concentration.

⁷ As determined by placement evaluation with the Director of Choral Activities.

⁸ Private vocal instruction for M.S.M. students will be offered only for those who have also been accepted into the M.M. in Voice major as a concurrent degree program or by audition with the voice faculty. Private vocal instruction for M.S.M. students is subject to the availability of voice faculty.