Music Performance: Instrumental (BMus)
Degree: Bachelor in Music
Majors: Biblical Studies, Music Performance (Instrumental), also available as a minor
Program Description: The instrumental performance program blends musicianship, theory and technique training within a thoroughly integrated biblical worldview. Students begin performing in their first year of study as they are mentored by seasoned artist-teachers, participate in weekly music performance forums, perform in solo recitals their junior and senior years, and have ample opportunities to perform with local, well-respected arts organizations.
Major Mission: The Music Performance major is designed to facilitate a high level of artistic training that, paired with the students' biblical and worship studies, will produce cross-cultural leaders uniquely prepared to influence the world of performing arts with grace and truth and to serve the local body with their gifts and talents.
Major Outcomes:
- Technical: Demonstrate basic musicianship skills in sight-singing, dictation, conducting, voice and piano.
- Faith Integration: Describe and demonstrate the integration of Biblical faith in life and career as artists.
- Synthesis: Apply historical and theoretical understanding to the analysis, performance, and creation of musical forms, processes, and structures found in representative examples from the western music tradition.
- Demonstrate professional skills on a primary instrument.
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the important composers and their works for a primary instrument.
Continuation in MWPA Programs
Upon completion of 42 credits and/or during the second semester Sophomore year, the MWPA Faculty will vote on the student’s formal acceptance into the specific program leading toward graduation.
Criteria for formal acceptance:
- Satisfactory evaluation of jury performance (2 semesters)
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 (C average)
- Professional GPA of 2.7 (B- average)
- Applied GPA of 3.0 (B average)
- Attendance at required departmental events
- Participation in and attendance at departmental performance events
Probation
For freshmen, if applied GPA is between 2.0-3.0 and/or professional GPA is between 2.0-2.7, student will be on probation for sophomore year.
For sophomores, if applied GPA is between 2.0-3.0 and/or professional GPA is between 2.0-2.7, student will meet with the department chair to determine continued action plan.
If applied and/or professional GPA is below 2.0, students will be asked to find another major.
The curriculum sheet identifies the courses for this program. Music Performance: Instrumental (BMus) Curriculum Sheet
For the course descriptions related to this program, see the courses section of the catalog.
Program Director:
Paul Thorlakson, Doctor of Musical Arts. As a seasoned performer, conductor, church musician, educator, and administrator, Paul Thorlakson brings breadth of experience to his role of advisor to this program
Faculty List:
Paul Thorlakson, Doctor of Musical Arts
Rachel Sidebothom, Master of Music Education