Music Performance - Sacred Music Appalachian State University

Overview

The Music Performance - Sacred Music at Appalachian State University offers a rigorous academic and practical foundation for students aspiring to serve in tradition-rooted and contemporary ministry settings. This degree integrates high-level musical training with a deep understanding of worship trends to prepare graduates for professional leadership.

Students benefit from an environment that welcomes all denominational backgrounds, focusing on the development of versatile skills. The curriculum emphasises the importance of liturgical music history alongside modern administrative abilities, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to manage complex music programmes within various community and religious organisations.

Why Music Performance - Sacred Music at Appalachian State University?

The university is home to the renowned Hayes School of Music, which serves as a vibrant cultural hub for the region. Students gain extensive performance experience by participating in approximately 200 concerts held annually, engaging directly with the local community through high-quality musical productions.

Appalachian State University is consistently recognised for its excellence, holding a Research 2 Carnegie Classification for its high research activity. It has also been ranked as a top five institution for innovation for nine consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting its commitment to forward-thinking education.

The institution is celebrated for providing exceptional value, with accolades from Money.com highlighting its quality, affordability, and positive student outcomes. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and modern equipment, ensuring they train in a professional environment that mirrors the standards of the global music industry.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 26512 per year
• National fee: USD 26512 per year
• Local fee: USD 8222 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Voice
• Keyboard
• Music History and Literature
• Conducting
• Accompanying
• Worship Traditions and Trends

Careers with Music Performance - Sacred Music

Graduates are prepared for a wide array of professional roles within the arts and religious sectors. Many alumni pursue careers as choir directors, conductors, or sacred music coordinators, while others find success in administrative and management positions within concert halls and musical organisations.

The diverse skill set acquired during the programme also opens doors to roles such as music editors, journalists, and private instrument teachers. Some graduates choose to work as composers, arrangers, or performers in theatre and opera, while others transition into specialised fields like music law or public relations.

The Career Development Center provides extensive support to students, offering coaching and job search assistance to help them secure positions in their chosen fields. While some roles may require further postgraduate study, the foundational training provided ensures graduates are competitive candidates in the global job market.