Liturgical Music

Designed for students who feel called to apply their musical gifts in a religious setting, the music major with a concentration in liturgical music combines foundational music courses with a focus on church music and conducting. The curriculum includes juries, performances, a senior project or recital, and an internship or field experience.

This concentration would be appropriate for students who enjoy performing music, but also feel called to practice their gift in a religious setting.

REQUIRED COURSES

Foundational Music Courses (18 credit hours)
Appreciation Course (3 credit hours)
  • MUS 274 Western Music History: An Overview (3 credit hours)
    • No prerequisite – May not be repeated for credit
Basic Skills Courses (6 credit hours):
  • MUS 101 Fundamentals of Music and Class Piano I (3 credit hours)
    • Pianists and guitarists are exempt
    • No prerequisite – May not be repeated for credit
  • MUS 277 Entrepreneurship for the Creative and Performing Artist (3 credit hours)
    • No prerequisite – May not be repeated for credit
Music Theory Courses (9 credit hours)
  • MUS 129 Rudiments of composition (3 credit hours)
    • No prerequisite – May not be repeated for credit
  • MUS 107 Music Theory I (3 credit hours)
    • Prerequisite MUS 129 – May not be repeated for credit
  • MUS 108 Music Theory II – Rotating Topic (3 credit hours)
    • This class MAY be repeated for credit
    • Prerequisite MUS 129
Applied Music Courses (12 credit hours)
  • Additional Fee Applies.
  • A minimum of six semesters private instruction in one of the following instruments: Guitar, piano, voice. The classes need to be as follows: two at 100 level, two at 200 level and two at 300 level. Students need 2 credit hours per semester of private instruction.
Ensemble Courses (4.5 - 6 credit hours)
  • MUS 292 Liturgical Chamber Singers (3 credit hours)
    • No prerequisite - May be repeated for credit
  • MUS 290 Liturgical Choir (1 credit hour)
    • No prerequisite - May be repeated for credit
    • Students have to participate in MUS 290 for a minimum of two semesters. The following course can be taken instead of the second semester of MUS 290, pending successful audition: MUSE 3930 Schola Cantorum at Concordia University Chicago (0.5 credit hours)
    • Audition required- May be repeated for credit
Targeted Skills Courses (7 credit hours)
  • MUS TBD Conducting Private Instruction (2 credit hours)
    • May not be repeated for credit
  • MUSE 1371 The Church Musician at Concordia University Chicago (1 credit hour)
    • May not be repeated for credit
  • MUSE 4362 Music Heritage of the Church at Concordia University Chicago (2 credit hours)
    • May not be repeated for credit
  • MUS TBD Pastoral Music Ministry (2 credit hours)
    • May not be repeated for credit

Additional Requirements

  • Internship/Field Experience (3 credit hours) - May not be repeated for credit
  • Performances bi-annually
  • Juries, annually
  • Senior Project/Recital (solo and chamber works, as well as conducting may be included)

Recommended Coursework

  • MUS 277 Entrepreneurship for the Creative and Performing Artist (3 credit hours)
    • No prerequisite- May not be repeated for credit
  • MUSE 4313 Music for the Contemporary Church (3 credit hours at Concordia University, River Forest)
    • May not be repeated for credit (Aural Skills prerequisite waived)
  • MUSE 3883 Basic Conducting (3 credit hours at Concordia University, River Forest)
    • May not be repeated for credit
  • MUSE 4512 Handbells in School and Worship (2 hours at Concordia University, River Forest, 1 credit hour)
    • Aural Skills prerequisite waived
  • MUSE 4512 University Handbells (1 credit hour at Concordia University, River Forest)
    • Audition Required
    • May be repeated for credit