School of Music
Vernon M. Whaley, B.A., M.C.M., M.A., D.Min., Ph.D.
Dean, School of Music
Professor of Worship and Music Studies
L. Lavon Gray, B.S., M.C.M., Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Center for Music and Worship
Chair, Department of Worship Studies
Associate Professor of Worship and Music
John D. Kinchen, III, B.M., M.M., D.M.A.
Associate Dean, Center for Music and the Performing Arts
Assistant Professor of Worship Studies
John L. Benham, B.M., M.A., Ed.D.
Chair, Department of Music in World Cultures
Professor of Worship and Ethnomusicology
John W. Hugo, B.Mus., M.M., M.M., D.M.A.
Chair, Department of Music
Professor of Music
Stephen P. Kerr, B.S., M.A., Ph.D.
Chair, Department of University Bands
Professor of Music
Paul Rumrill, B.A., M. M., D.M.A.
Chair, Department of Music Education and Applied Music Studies
Assistant Professor of Worship and Music
RESIDENTIAL FACULTY
Professor
Benham; Whaley, V.
Associate Professor
Beavers, S.; Gray; Hill; Suzano
Assistant Professor
Brennan; Greenawalt; Hahn; Kinchen; Rumrill; Suttles
DISTANCE EDUCATION FACULTY
Assistant
Whaley, R.
MISSION
The mission of the Liberty University School of Music is to train and equip musicians as Champions for Christ. While the School of Music has only one mission, two distinctly unique and focused purposes emerge: 1) The Center for Music and the Performing Arts – trains and equips musicians to serve as highly skilled performers and music educators in a variety of commercial and academic markets, secular and sacred; and, 2) The Center for Music and Worship – trains and equips highly skilled musicians to serve as worship practitioners and Christian Music industry specialists in the evangelical community.
Center for Music and the Performing Arts
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Center for Music and the Performing Arts is to serve the School of Music by providing opportunities for musical performance, academic study and training of students in Music, Music Education, Applied Music Studies, and Music in World Cultures.
The Center for Music and the Performing Arts achieves its purpose for music and music education by providing comprehensive training in music for those preparing for music careers (leading to a B.M. degree in choral or instrumental music with and without teacher licensure) as well as for those who wish to receive musical training on an elective basis.
Central to the Center’s purpose is the development of aesthetically sensitive musicians, music educators, music missionaries, and skilled music performers who, with their skills, knowledge, and professional attitudes, may glorify God in the world through the practice of their craft and the testimony of their lives.
The Department of Music serves the Center for Music and the Performing Arts by providing training and sequenced skill-based education in all levels of music theory, harmonic practices, aural skills, form and analysis, musicianship, conducting, composition, music history and discipline specific music pedagogy courses. Performance groups affiliated with the Department of Music include the University Chorale, The Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Percussion Ensemble, Guitar Ensembles, and Liberty University Symphony Orchestra.
The Department of Music Education and Applied Studies serves the Center for Music and the Performing Arts by providing training for students preparing for career opportunities in elementary and secondary school settings. The department provides opportunity for students learn how to apply learned principles of “Praxis methodology” to all areas of music education. The department also supervises the practice teaching program in area elementary and secondary schools. In addition, the department provides highly specialized training in undergraduate and graduate level voice, guitar, piano, and a variety of musical instruments.
The Department of Music in World Cultures specializes in giving students opportunity to study music of different ethnic and regional cultures. Students engage in field experience, ethnic ensembles and the discovery of regional music practices in various countries around the globe. The department supervises undergraduate and graduate degrees in world music.
The Department of University Bands represents the Center for Music and the Performing Arts through: The Liberty University Marching Band; The Liberty University Wind Ensemble; and, The Jazz Band. All three performing groups represent the university in various public relation capacities, including regular performances by the University Marching Band at Liberty University football games.
Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology (M.A.)
John L. Benham, B.M., M.A., Ed.D.
Program Director, Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology
Professor of Worship and Ethnomusicology
PURPOSE
The Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology equips students to work in a diverse global society using the medium of music, including: foundational scholarship (history and theory), skill development (analysis and technology), performance of non-Western music, and practical application through field experience and independent research. The program at Liberty University fits well with the institution’s emphasis on intercultural studies and its stated aim to “contribute to a knowledge and understanding of other cultures”. Music is a universal form of expression in which cultures of the world capture the essence of their worldview, and it is the system of memory in which cultural history and religious belief is recorded. The Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology provides musicians, social scientists, and worship leaders, music educators, ministers of music and church leaders an understanding of ethnic music culture that facilitates the use of indigenous music in cross-cultural communication, ministry, and research.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will be able to:
- Synthesize various historical and contemporary theories of ethnomusicology.
- Integrate Christian principles into the use of indigenous music in worship, discipleship and evangelism.
- Demonstrate knowledge of non-Western systems of music through cultural and theoretical analysis, including application of technology.
- Demonstrate acquisition of beginning to intermediate performance skill in a selected area of ethnic music.
- Apply ethnomusicology principles through practical experience and research.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology requires the completion of 45 hours of graduate coursework. Students complete their course of study using a blended delivery system of 16-week online courses combined with on campus summer intensives. Students who do not have an undergraduate course in world music must complete ETHM 511 – Introduction to Ethnomusicology in addition to the 42 hours required.
PROGRAM SPECIFIC ADMISSION PROCEDURES
In addition to the General Admission Procedures outlined in this Catalog, applicants to our Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology program must have:
- An earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (e.g., SACS, TRACS, ABHE, etc.).
- An undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale). Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be considered for enrollment in the program on a probationary basis. These students are required to take and pass GRST 500 – Introduction to Graduate Writing in their first semester.
- One recommendation.
- Students seeking admission to the program must perform an audition that demonstrates musical proficiency sufficient to meet the requirements of the degree.
- An interview with the Coordinator of Ethnomusicology.
- Statement of purpose essay.
- Students will need to verify accessibility of adequate technology to complete requirements as specified by Liberty University Online.
TRANSFER CREDIT
Transfer students will be required to submit transcripts for evaluation as per the normal process established by the University. Students may transfer up to nine hours of coursework. In addition, transfer students will be required to perform an entrance interview and audition with the Coordinator of Ethnomusicology. Credits from a prior degree earned through Liberty University are considered transfer credits.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
- Successful completion of all course and thesis requirements (45 semester hours). Students must complete all courses with a 3.00 or higher cumulative GPA.
- A minimum of 33 semester hours must be completed through Liberty University, not to include credit from a prior degree earned through Liberty.
- A maximum of 12 hours of transfer credit, including credits from a degree on the same academic level previously earned through Liberty, may be applied to the degree.
- No more than two (2) grades of C may be applied to the degree.
- No grade of D may be applied to the degree.
- Degree must be completed within seven years.
- All Online students are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
- Students must submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the end of the final semester.
Program of Study
| (M.A.) Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology (45 hrs) | ||
| Program Option: Online Format | ||
| Foundations Core (36 hrs) | ||
| ETHM 511 | Introduction to Ethnomusicology 1 | 3 |
| ETHM 512 | Field of Ethnomusicology | 3 |
| ETHM 513 | Anthropology of Music | 3 |
| ETHM 514 | Organology | 3 |
| ETHM 515 | Music, Orality and Storytelling | 3 |
| ETHM 530 | Worship and Culture | 3* |
| ETHM 531 | Resources and Materials in Ethnomusicology | 3 |
| ETHM 560 | Ethnic Music Performance 2 | 3 |
| ETHM 613 | Applied Ethnomusicology | 3* |
| ETHM 650 | Research Methods in Ethnomusicology | 3 |
| ETHM 688 | Field Experience in Ethnomusicology | 3 |
| ETHM 690 | Master's Thesis/Project Defense 3 | 3 |
| Elective Courses (9 hrs) | ||
| Choose one: | ||
| ETHM 500 | Ethnic Music Theory | |
| ETHM 600 | Transciption and Analysis of Non-Western Music | |
| Choose two: | ||
| ETHM 540 | Seminar in Ethnic Music: Islam | |
| ETHM 541 | Seminar in Ethnic Music: India | |
| ETHM 542 | Seminar in Ethnic Music: Native America | |
| ETHM 543 | Seminar in Ethnic Music: Africa | |
| ETHM 544 | Seminar in Ethnic Music: Latin America | |
| ETHM 545 | Seminar in Ethnic Music: Middle East | |
| ETHM 546 | Seminar in Ethnic Music: China | |
| ETHM 547 | Seminar in Ethnic Music: Southeast Asia | |
| ETHM 548 | Seminar in Ethnic Music: Indonesia | |
| ETHM 549 | Seminar in Ethnic Music: Eastern Europe | |
| *Summer Intensive Course | ||
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1 Students who have already taken ETHM 511 or an equivalent course prior to enrolling at Liberty University may substitute a course from the ETHM 540 series. 2 Ethnic Music Performance arrangements are made by the individual student (often in their country of service) and must be pre-approved by the Coordinator of Ethnomusicology who also supervises and evaluates student achievement according to the requirements specified in the syllabus. 3 Any student who is not ready for enrollment in ETHM 690 after completing ETHM 688 may be required, as determined by the student’s thesis/project chair, to take ETHM 689 until deemed ready for enrollment in ETHM 690 |
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Center for Music and Worship
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Center for Music Worship is to equip and train worship leaders for the evangelical community. This is accomplished through curricula development, local church ministry, publishing and recording, artist development and empirical research. The Department of Worship and Music Studies is a division of the Liberty University Center for Worship.
The purpose of the Department of Music and Worship Studies is to serve the Center as an academic, training agency solely committed to the mission of equipping worship leaders and church practitioners for ministry in evangelical traditions. The Department of Music and Worship Studies provides a platform for developing curricula, teaching and interacting with students and meeting academic requirements critical to successful communication and examination of the worship discipline.
IAACT AND CAF MEMBERSHIP
The Department holds membership with the International Association of Artists in Christian Testimony (IAACT), a missions-sending agency based in Brentwood, Tennessee. This agency endorses young artists, music ministries, worship leaders, and support personnel for local, regional, and international artistic service. Key to their mission is partnerships with worship institutions and evangelical organizations committed to training worship personnel for full time church related ministry.
In the spring of 2006, Liberty University was granted approval to host a student chapter of Christian Artist Fellowship (CAF). This is a national organization that encourages training, mentoring, advancement, career placement, and research related to individual and group artists.
PROGRAMS OF STUDY
Programs offered by the Department of Music and Worship Studies prepare students to meet the challenge of their profession with skill, insight, and intentionality.
Master of Arts in Music and Worship (M.A.)
L. Lavon Gray, B.A., MCM, Ph.D.
Program Director, Master of Arts in Music and Worship
Associate Professor of Worship and Music
PURPOSE
The Master of Arts in Music and Worship is a 45-hour graduate vocational degree program that equips and trains skilled musicians as worship pastors. It will allow students to study and practice context-specific biblical and theological competencies in worship, identify and develop music theories and skills through “praxis” experiences, worship theories practical to the local church and research to enhance individual leadership roles in music and worship. Students will receive training in qualitative and quantitative research methods. The end goal is to develop knowledge and expertise to function in a variety of music and worship cultures and contexts within the evangelical community.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will be able to:
- Evaluate theological, musical, cultural, and ecclesiastical standards for the worship leader.
- Analyze various roles for the worship leader.
- Design worship strategy based on the organizational, contextual, musical, and analytical skills needed for leading worship in the evangelical traditions.
- Apply outcomes of research methodology t the study of music and worship in the evangelical community.
- Demonstrate functional vocal, guitar, piano, arranging or conducting skills for worship leading.
PROGRAM SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the general admission procedures, applicants to Master of Arts in Music and Worship must meet the following requirements:
- An earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (e.g., SACS, TRACS, ABHE, etc.).
- Worship/Music Experience Record: those without a Bachelor’s in music or worship must show a minimum of five years life experience in leading music and worship in a church or para-church ministry. This form will be a requirement for all applicants.
- An undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale). Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be considered for enrollment in the program on a probationary basis. These students are required to take and pass GRST 500 – Introduction to Graduate Writing in their first semester.
- One recommendation.
- Statement of purpose essay.
- Students will need to verify accessibility of adequate technology to complete requirements as specified by Liberty University Online.
TRANSFER CREDIT
Transfer students will be required to submit transcripts for evaluation as per the normal process established by the University. Students may transfer a maximum of twelve hours of coursework, including credit from a degree on the academic level previously earned through Liberty University. Course work from other institutions must have been completed with the past 10 years to be eligible for transfer.
The following courses are not eligible for transfer credit: WMUS 525 and WRSP 690.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the other regulations governing graduation, graduates of the Master of Arts in Music and Worship program must meet the following requirements:
- Complete 45 hours.
- A minimum of 33 hours must be completed through Liberty University, not to include credits from a prior degree earned through Liberty.
- A maximum of 12 hours of transfer credit, including credits from a degree on the same academic level previously earned through Liberty, may be applied to the degree.
- Required 3.00 GPA.
- No more than two (2) grades of C may be applied to the degree.
- No grade of D may be applied to the degree.
- Degree must be completed within 5 years.
- All Resident students must enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
- All Online students admitted on Academic Probation are required to enroll in and pass GRST 500 in their first semester.
- Submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of the final semester.
Program of Study
| (M.A.) Master of Arts in Music and Worship (45 hrs) | ||
| Program Options: Online and Resident Formats | ||
| Foundational Studies (9 hrs) | ||
| WMUS 524 | Analytical Techniques for the Worship Leader | 3 |
| WRSP 510 | Biblical Foundations of Worship | 3 |
| WRSP 650 | Research Methodology in Music and Worship | 3 |
| Music Studies (18 hrs) | ||
| WMUS 515 | Graduate Conducting for the Worship Leader | 3* |
| WMUS 525 | Advanced Contemporary Arranging Techniques for Worship | 3 |
| WMUS 550 | Applied Music 1 | 3* |
| WMUS 610 | Tools and Techniques of Contemporary Worship | 3* |
| Choose two of the following: (6 hrs) | ||
| WMUS 600 | Music Resources and Literature for Worship Leading | |
| WMUS 630 | Principles of Worship Technology | |
| WMUS 670 | Principles of Music and Worship Pedagogy | |
| Worship Studies (15 hrs) | ||
| WRSP 502 | History and Philosophy of Worship | 3 |
| WRSP 520 | The Role of the Worship Leader | 3 |
| WRSP 540 | Current Issues in Worship | 3 |
| WRSP 635 | Building a Theology of Worship | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| WRSP 501 | The Dynamics of Corporate Worship | |
| WRSP 530 | Principles of Leadership for the Worship Leader | |
| WRSP 545 | Global Worship | |
| WRSP 551 | Building a Balanced Worship Ministry | * |
| WRSP 645 | The Role of the Pastor with the Worship Leader | * |
| Research Studies (3 hrs) | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| WMUS 687 | Music and Worship Ministry Project | |
| WMUS 690 | Worship Program Recital | |
| WRSP 690 | Master's Thesis/Project Defense 2 | |
| WRSP 699 | Graduate Worship Internship | |
| * Offered as an Intensive | ||
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1 Choose from the following: Voice, Piano, Guitar, Percussion, Songwriting, Arranging or Conducting 2 Any student who will not be able to complete and defend his/her thesis in the courses of a single semester may be required to take WRSP 689 – Thesis Proposal and Research and repeat the course each semester until deemed ready for enrollment in WRSP 690 |
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Highlighted text indicates a change from the official version of the catalog.
