COURSES in the

Department of Church Music (MUCH)

at Ouachita Baptist University
 

Back to Rob Hewell main page

2002.   Foundations for Ministry through Music.
   
Biblical/philosophical fundamentals for ministry through music, various practical, administrative, and leadership dimensions, as well as clarification of role, self identity, and call in the life of the minister-musician. Music majors, or with permission of instructor. Spring.

2042.  Ministry of the Keyboard Musician.
   
The role and ministry of keyboard musicians in the church. The course will emphasize practical skills needed by pianists and organists including accompaniment, modulation, transposition, and the use of electronic keyboards. A survey of available resources is included. Prerequisite: Keyboard principal or permission of instructor.  Spring of even-numbered years.

3022.   Church Music Education 1.
   
A course designed to introduce the student to the graded choir program and its integration into the total church program. Materials and methods pertaining to pre-school through sixth grade will be presented. Music majors, or with permission of instructor. Fall, Spring.

3033.   Church Music Education 2.
   
A course dealing with methods and techniques for junior high, senior high and adult choirs. Emphasis is given to rehearsal procedures, repertoire, enlistment and the changing voice. Music majors, or with permission of instructor. Fall.

3052.  Worship Service Playing for the Church Pianist.
   
A practical survey of the techniques of service playing for church pianists. Hymn playing and expansion, contemporary worship music styles, improvisation, accompanying, and literature for various worship settings are included. Prerequisite: Piano principal or permission of instructor. On Demand.

3053.  Congregational Song.
   
A systematic study of the many varieties of song used by Christian congregations, highlighting the theological, historical, literary, and musical dimensions of “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,” with attention to relevance for the full range of congregational life. Open to all students without prerequisites. Fall of even-numbered years.

3062.   Worship Service Playing for the Church Organist.
   
A practical survey of the techniques of service playing for church organists. Hymn playing, hymn-based improvisation, vocal and choral accompaniment, and literature for the various services and seasons of the church are included. Organ construction and tonal design are studied briefly. Prerequisite:  Organ principal or permission of instructor. On Demand.

3101.  Theatre Arts in Worship.
   
A course designed to explore creativity as a venue for corporate and personal worship developing a foundation for utilizing theatre arts in various church settings and outreach ministries. Open to all students without prerequisites. Also listed as THEA 3101. Spring of odd-numbered years.

3141.  Visual Media Design for Worship.
   
An overview of the principles of design and visual presentation for printed and projected materials, along with projection techniques, with specific attention to application in corporate worship. Open to all students without prerequisites. Fall of odd-numbered years.

3171.  Technology in Worship.
   
An overview of the principles of sound reinforcement, MIDI software and digital sound resources, and broadcast technology in relation to corporate worship. Open to all students without prerequisites. Spring of even-numbered years.

3702-3792. Studies in Church Music.
   
Courses offered upon demand or as announced; open to all students unless specified otherwise. Topics will vary, as may possible prerequisites; students may take more than one special study course provided the topics are different. As announced.

4003.  The Worshiping Church.
   
A study of the elements and acts of Christian worship, interpreting current issues, worship leadership, and future implications for evangelical congregations in light of biblical and historical practices, culture, music, the arts, and nature of the church. Open to all students without prerequisites. Fall of even-numbered years.

4013.  Instrumental Music Ministry.
   
A course designed to expose Bachelor of Music in Church Music majors to concepts of teaching and rehearsing woodwind, brass, percussion and stringed instruments, and provide experiences in arranging for and conducting instrumental ensembles in the context of the local church and other music ministry settings. Prerequisites: MUED 2021, 2031, 2041, 3161, and 3121. Spring of odd- numbered years.

4052.   Advanced Worship Service Playing for the Church Pianist.
   
A continuation of MUCH 3052 emphasizing more advanced skills and techniques. Prerequisite: MUCH 3052. On Demand.

4062.   Advanced Worship Service Playing for the Church Organist.
   
A continuation of MUCH 3062 emphasizing more advanced skills and techniques. Improvisation in imitative forms and free improvisation are introduced. Prerequisite: MUCH 3062. On Demand.

4071.   Field Experience.
   
Bachelor of Music in Church Music majors must work in a local church ministry setting for one semester in their senior year. This supervised, structured experience requires a weekly meeting with a collegium group and written reports, along with a final evaluation by a supervisor in the local church. The church and assigned ministry role must be approved by the Department Chair. For Church Music majors only. Fall, Spring.

4092.   Church Music Literature.
   
A survey of solo and choral literature for the church. An organized chronological approach of small and large forms, including oratorio, cantata and performance practice, with emphasis on style, excellence and tradition. Music majors, or with permission of instructor. Spring.

  Return to the top of this page.