Master of Music in Church Music

The Master of Music in Church Music is designed to provide advanced training in church music and an applied concentration. Additionally, the degree provides a strong foundation in biblical and theological studies. Three concentrations are available in the M.M.C.M. to prepare students for local church ministry or more specialized careers in education, performance, music missions, or denominational leadership.

All students in the School of Church Music and Worship are required to minister in the music program of a local church or organization during the time they are enrolled in their degree programs.

Entrance Requirement

A Bachelor of Arts in Music or a Bachelor of Music degree from an accredited college or university. Students who were not music majors in college should pursue the M.A.C.M. program.

Concentrations

In addition to the theology, worship, and music courses in the M.M.C.M. Common Hours, students will choose an applied area of concentration, which is the equivalent of a second major, from the following:

Guitar Performance and Pedagogy
Piano Performance and Pedagogy
Voice Performance and Pedagogy
For admittance into the concentration, students are required to audition in advance of matriculation, either in person on the Fort Worth campus or by submitting a digital audition. Please consult the Prospective Music Students page of the School of Church Music and Worship website for details on scheduling or submitting an audition.
For a voice audition, the student should sing from memory three selections from art song, opera, and oratorio literature, one of which must be sung in English. The other two selections should represent two other languages from the following: Italian, German, and French.

For a piano audition, the student should perform from memory at least two pieces from different periods and styles, representing the highest level of achievement.

For a guitar audition, the student should perform at least two contrasting pieces or etudes demonstrating the ability to perform at a graduate level.

In addition, for all concentrations the student should provide recital programs and recordings for review if available.
For their respective applied concentration, students should show transcript evidence of pedagogy and literature courses, and, for voice concentrations, courses in English, Italian, German, and French diction. Such coursework not on the transcript must be taken at Southwestern as leveling courses.

Grades

M.M.C.M. students must maintain an overall grade point average of 2.00.

Time Limit

The Master of Music in Church Music degree requires at least four semesters for completion. The degree must be completed within a period of seven years from the time of admission. Extensions may be granted to students who are serving in an international mission field.

Comprehensive Examinations

Written and oral comprehensive examinations are required to complete the degree and are normally given about four to six weeks before graduation. If the student does not pass comprehensive examinations, they may be retaken.

To be permitted to take comprehensive examinations, the M.M.C.M. student must satisfy the following requirements:

Satisfactory completion of all leveling courses with a grade of "C" or better
Passing of voice and piano proficiencies before registering for comprehensive examinations
Satisfactory completion of all music courses (or concurrent enrollment in all remaining courses)
Attainment of required grade point average (2.00)
Completion of preliminary recital
Enrollment in M.M.C.M. Comprehensive Examinations (MUMST 4990)