The Music Curriculum
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From the outset, Evangel’s Music Department pointed strongly toward its mission of training vocational musicians for teaching, performing, and ministry. The music faculty was unified in desiring every music graduate to have three things:
- a good grasp of music fundamentals,
- a knowledge of music history and literature,
- and the skills to express herself or himself well in at least one performance area (voice and/or an instrument).
The curriculum was set up purposely to meet the high standards of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).(1) Students were required to meet the standards of each individual course and to be present for a significant number of concerts and recitals.
From their inception, Evangel’s music programs have been carefully designed to ensure that music students would build strong musical skills, gain professional training for specific music fields, and experience a wide range of musical activities. Since the founding of the school in 1955, the music curriculum has evolved to the extent that it now offers a variety of degree options – three of them under the banner of the Bachelor of Music degree and two Bachelor of Arts degrees in music. Each program has been designed to meet graduation requirements in four years and each leads to a baccalaureate degree recognized and approved by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Practicums and Internships (required where appropriate or elective when desired) are enhanced by the school’s close proximity to many fine public school districts, the Assemblies of God Headquarters, churches of all sizes, and the city of Branson. A sixth option (new in 2007 and yet to be approved by accrediting agencies), is a Bachelor of Science in Music Industry. This program, with a concentration in either Music Business or Recording Technology, prepares the student for positions in areas of music business, recording engineering, or other music technology fields.
A good curriculum and an outstanding Christian music faculty have consistently drawn a solid corps of talented students. For many years, there were “more teacher-certified graduates from Evangel than there were from any other private college/university in the state of Missouri.” (2)
The Bachelor of Music Degree
The Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree was, from the earliest years (and still is), the primary music degree offered by Evangel and the one, historically, most frequently chosen by students. It continues to prepare students to teach music at the K-12 levels in public and private schools. Teaching certification is granted by the Missouri State Department of Education. In addition to the approval of the NASM, the degree conforms to certification requirements of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Schools and meets the approval of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Students earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Education often pursue graduate studies in music. This is, of course, necessary for those wishing to teach at the university level.
The Bachelor of Music in Church Music, originally (1986) called a Bachelor of Sacred Music, prepares students for a church music position, such as a music pastor, choir director, orchestra director, or worship music leader. Students may also elect to go for a graduate degree in music.
The Bachelor of Music in Performance, added in December, 1986, prepares students to teach applied music lessons and to pursue graduate study in applied music (a frequent choice for those who eventually would like to teach at the college level). The emphasis is on applied music.
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music
The Bachelor of Arts(with a major in music) was initiated in the 1970’s for a brief period and then reinstated in the Fall of 1991. It is a broad-based program offering an option to students with a strong interest in music but not desiring to pursue specific preparation for teaching, ministry, performance, or commercial/business-related careers in music.
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre/Music is a recent addition to the curriculum available to students beginning the fall semester 2008. It is a program combining courses from the Music and Humanities departments. Students may earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with an emphasis in Theatre. The addition of this major will allow both the Music Department and Humanities Department to expand into new vocational areas within the broad field of music theatre. The degree will prepare graduates for occupations in music theatre, theatre technology, and other stage performance areas.
The Bachelor of Science in Music Industry Degree
A new program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Music Industry, was inaugurated in 2007. This focuses on a popular contemporary emphasis relating to music, technology, and business. Required are concentrations in Music Business or Recording Technology.
A Music Minor
A Music Minor (3) has, of course, been among the many options students not majoring in music have had available. It has been a favorite choice for those planning to teach at the elementary school level. There have naturally been periodic changes in music minor requirements over the years but requirements have usually included 24 hours of music courses, many of them designated. There are requirements for attendance at recitals and concerts and several semesters of band or choir are obligatory. Students with a music minor choose their own applied emphasis (6 credits necessary).
Additional music minor programs introduced in 2007 have recently been approved and are currently available to students. These are a Music Minor in Music Technology, and a Music Minor in Music Business and Theatre.