Director of Parish Music Program

The Director of Parish Music program is grounded in the belief that music is a gift of God and that the task of church musicians is to offer their special abilities to praise God and lead the peoples song in worship. The program builds upon the rich musical heritage of the Lutheran church while incorporating the best of contemporary music idioms. Among the distinctive features of the program are:

• a strong liberal arts foundation.
• a church music major which equips each student with knowledge and skills for leading parish music.
• a minor in Confessional Lutheranism.
• separate emphases for organ, piano, choral or guitar.
• field experience in a local parish.

Completing the following requirements leads to certification for service to the church as a parish musician.

Admission to Field Experience

1. Minimum of 96 semester hours credit.
2. Cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above.
3. Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above in Church Music Major.
4. Qualifying performance on organ, piano, voice or guitar.
5. Approval of Music Department based on evaluation of student portfolio and recommendation of applied music and conducting instructors.

Requirements for Graduation
In addition to general requirements for graduation the candidate will:

1. Complete 128 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above.
2. Complete the Church Music Major with cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above.
3. Complete the Confessional Lutheranism Minor (including THY460 Worship for Lutherans).
4. Submit a completed portfolio for Music Department approval.
5. Take the Sr. Music Outcomes Exam in their 4th year.
6. Pass the Keyboard Proficiency Exam.