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Parish Music, B.A.

  • Application Deadline
  • 48 months
    Duration
Concordia University Wisconsin
Mequon, WI, United States
If you’re interested in the Parish Music program of Concordia University Wisconsin, you likely already have a love of music and Christian worship. Combine the two for a bountiful career serving your faith.
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Overview

Give the gift of music

As a part of our Lutheran heritage, parish music is worth studying for the sake of teaching the faith. What does this degree look like after graduation? Discover the many ways you can serve: playing the liturgy or worship music, organizing special music for feast days, directing adult and children vocal choirs, directing handbells, working with the pastor to support the structure of the Divine Service with music, arranging hymns, and assisting with music education in Lutheran schools.

The Parish Music program of Concordia University Wisconsin consists of the standard music major with additional classes in church music. Learn from practicing church musicians and enjoy the opportunity to participate in handbell choirs, vocal choirs, orchestra, band, and organ performances. Learn to lead the congregation in song, direct choirs and instrumental groups, choose theologically sound music, and work with a pastor to structure music in worship. Because of CUW’s location, you have access to rich variety of musical events in the Milwaukee area. If you are a member of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, you can take additional theology classes to be placed on the church worker roster for the LCMS.

What to expect

Plan on dedicating significant energy to practicing piano or organ. Regardless of your current skill level, we have experienced tutors available to help improve your technique in a one-on-one setting. General music elements of this program include composing and arranging, music history and theory, aural skills, choral and organ literature, and conducting. You’ll also focus on how music connects with the theological aspects of worship.

Careers

  • Music Therapist
  • Music Director
  • Musician

Detailed Programme Facts

  • More details:

    Plan to apply 3-4 months prior to your intended start date.

  • Programme intensity Full-time
    • Full-time duration 48 months
  • Credits
    120 alternative credits
  • Languages
    • English
    Get a free IELTS practice test
  • Delivery mode
    On Campus

Programme Structure

Courses include:

  • Concert/Recital Attendance
  • Music Theory
  • Beginning Conducting
  • Music History
  • Advanced Conducting
  • Composing and Arranging

English Language Requirements

  • Minimum required score:

    61

    The TOEFL iBT ® measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The test has four sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), each with a score range of 0-30, for a total score range of 0-120.

  • Minimum required score:

    6

    The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

    Get a free IELTS practice test

  • Minimum required score:

    55

    PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) is a language test that enables students to demonstrate their writing, listening, speaking, and reading skills when applying to study in English. Delivered and marked by computer, it reports on a scale between 10 and 90.

Academic Requirements

You need the following GPA score:

Required score: 2.5

Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to 2.5 on a US 4.0 grading scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on a 4.0 scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).

Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).

General Requirements

  • Graduation from the equivalent of US high school 
  • GPA equivalency of a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Proof of English language proficiency with minimum scores of 61 TOEFL, 6 IELTS or 55 PTE (students without these scores can still apply for conditional admission)
  • ACT or SAT is not required for admission, but a result will increase scholarship options

Tuition Fee

  • International

    30060 USD/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 30060 USD per year and a duration of 48 months.

  • National

    30060 USD/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 30060 USD per year and a duration of 48 months.
We've labeled the tuition fee that applies to you because we think you are from and prefer over other currencies.

Living costs for Mequon

  • 1621 - 2690 USD/month
    Living Costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.

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