Music Performance: Composition (BMus)
Credential: Bachelor of Music
Majors: Biblical Studies, Music Performance (Composition)
Certification/Licensure: This program is not intended to lead to certification/licensure.
Location: Lancaster
Program Director: Paul Thorlakson, Doctor of Musical Arts
Program Mission Statement: The Music, Worship, and Performing Arts Department exists to glorify God by preparing highly skilled artists to influence culture with grace and truth.
Program Description: In addition to a unique blend of Bible studies integrated throughout the music curriculum, students study under successful commercial and art music composers and enjoy masterclasses with superb performing artists and teachers. Students compose music in a variety of genres and styles –from songwriting to orchestral music and electronic composition. In addition to rubbing shoulders with music industry professionals, our composition students collaborate with other music majors to bring their pieces to life through performance and recordings.
Program Learning Outcomes: As a result of this program, students will:
1. Demonstrate basic musicianship skills in sight-singing, dictation, conducting, voice, and piano.
2. Describe and demonstrate the integration of Biblical faith in life and career as artists.
3. 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.
4. Demonstrate professional skills in musical composition.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse historic and modern compositional methods.
Experiential Learning: The Music Performance: Composition program requires two internship semesters which can be completed in any music-related area. The Practicum semester must be in work directly related to professional compositional practice (i.e. church music arranger, song writing project with a lyricist, film score, other media original score, etc.). The placement can be virtual or in person. Under the guidance and mentorship of the student’s major advisor, the student will be responsible to secure these placement opportunities.
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.
Curricular Structure and Degree Requirements
|
Curricular Structure
|
Credits
|
|
Bible & Theology Courses
|
33
|
|
Arts & Sciences Courses
|
37
|
|
Music Courses
|
61
|
|
LBC 100 Foundations Seminar
|
1
|
|
Christian Service CSV 201, CSV 202
|
0
|
|
Program Total
|
132
|
Bible & Theology Courses (33 credits)
| BIB 103 | Creation & Covenants: OT I | 3 |
| BIB 104 | Israel's Life & Literature: OT II | 3 |
| BIB 106 | Interpreting the Bible | 3 |
| BIB 203 | Life of Christ: NT I | 3 |
| BIB 204 | Early Church: NT II | 3 |
| BOT 210 | Psalms | 3 |
| THE 105 | Prelude to Biblical & Theological Studies | 3 |
| THE 223 | Christian Narrative I: Creation & Fall | 3 |
| THE 224 | Christian Narrative II: Redemption | 3 |
| THE 320 | Christianity and Culture | 3 |
BNT
| New Testament Elective | 3 |
Arts & Sciences Courses (37 credits)
| LAN 101 | Academic Writing, Research, and Rhetoric | 3 |
| LAN 104 | Public Speaking | 3 |
LIT
| Literature Core (100/200 Level) | 3 |
HIS
| History Core (100/200 Level) | 3 |
SCI
| Science Core (100/200 Level) | 3 |
SCI
| SCI Lab | 1 |
MAT
| Math Core (100/200 Level) | 3 |
| HUM 240 | Music History I | 3 |
| HUM 340 | Music History II | 3 |
| HUM 440 | Music History III | 3 |
| SOC 101, PHI 201, SOC 203, HUM 212, or POL 202 | 3 |
| Arts & Sciences Elective | 3 |
| Arts & Sciences Elective | 3 |
Music Courses (61 credits)
| MUS 100 | Music Fundamentals | 1 |
| MUL 100 | Piano Fundamentals | 0 |
| MWP 102 | Intro to Music, Worship, & the Performing Arts | 3 |
| MWP 400 | MWPA Cross Cultural Externship | 0 |
| MUS 101 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS 101L | Musicianship I Lab | 1 |
| MUS 102 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUS 102L | Musicianship II Lab | 1 |
| MUS 211 | Introduction to Composition | 3 |
| MUS 211L | Musicianship Lab III | 1 |
| MUS 301 | Music Theory IV: Adv. Harmony | 3 |
| MUS 301L | Musicianship Lab IV | 1 |
| MUS 212 | Contemporary Theory & Arranging | 3 |
| MUS 312 | Rhythm Section Methods | 3 |
| MUS 330 | Form & Analysis | 3 |
| MUS 331 | Counterpoint | 3 |
| MUS 332 | Orchestration | 3 |
| MUS 335 | Composition with Electronic Media | 3 |
ENS
| Ensemble (primary; 1 credit per semester) | 8 |
ENS
| Ensemble (secondary; 0 credit; 8 semesters) | 0 |
MAP ____
| Applied Lessons (any MAP course) | 1 |
MAP ____
| Applied Lessons (any MAP course) | 1 |
MAP ____
| Applied Lessons (any MAP course) | 1 |
MAP ____
| Applied Lessons (any MAP course) | 1 |
| MAP 100 | MPWA Forum | 0 |
| MAP 302 | Applied Music - Composition | 1 |
| MUL 101 | Piano Lab I | 1 |
| MUL 102 | Piano Lab II | 1 |
| MUS 221 | Conducting I | 2 |
| MPR 401 | Performance Career Seminar | 1 |
| MPR 399 | Junior Recital | 0 |
| MPR 499 | Senior Recital | 1 |
| MWP 301 | Worship & Performing Arts Internship I | 0 |
| MWP 302 | Worship & Performing Arts Internship II | 0 |
| MWP 450 | Worship & Performing Arts Practicum | 1 |
LBC 100 (1 credit)
Christian Service (0 credit)
Christian Service provides an important part of the overall education program of the college. Its function is to assist students in experiencing various forms of practical ministry, proclaiming Christ by serving Him in the Church and society.
CSV 201 and
CSV 202
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:
Paul Thorlakson, DMA
Bruce Gerlach, DMA