The Music Composition Diploma is a 70 credit hour program in our School of Music designed to lay a solid foundation for writing music.
For a shorter program see our Songwriting Certificate.
If you are seeking a 4 year program of study go to our Advanced Diploma or see our Degree Paths.
Career and Ministry Opportunities
- Church Staff – Music Arranger
- Lay Ministry – Worship Musician, Choir Member, Deacon/Elder of Worship
- Other – Composer/Songwriter
Program Goals
Upon graduation, the student will
- Have a general knowledge of the Bible and its doctrines.
- Understand how to develop a growing relationship with God, in Christ, through the Spirit.
- Be well rounded in General Studies including Communication, Mathematics, Fine Arts, Culture and Logic
- Understand basic music theory.
- Be able to compose music at a 2nd year college-level.
It is designed for those seeking part-time employment in church ministry or freelance musician. Those seeking to enter full-time Christian ministry or seeking a full time music career are encouraged to obtain a 4 year degree in music. We offer Degree Paths through our growing list of college partners.
General Education – 22 credits hours
Required Technology: TEC-110 Introduction to Worship Technology
Bible Core Classes – 18 credit hours
General Music – 12 credit hours
3 credit hours
Study of simple four part harmony. Learn figured bass, chord symbols, cadences, non-harmonic tones, voice-leading, dominant seventh chords and harmonic progression. Prerequisite: MUS-105 or permission of instructor. To be taken concurrently with MUS-115.
3 credit hours
Continued study of four-part harmony through writing and analysis of music literature. Further study of seventh chords as well as secondary and leading-tone chords. Learn procedures of modulation, how to realize figured bass, chord symbols and transposition for various instruments. Prerequisite: MUS 110.
3 credit hours
Continued study of four-part harmony through writing and analysis of music literature. Emphasis is placed on chromatic harmony, enriched tonal resources, and larger formal structures. Prerequisite: MUS 210.
1 credit hour
Learn to sing and dictate all intervals and scales. Identify major and minor triads. Develop rhythm awareness. To be taken concurrently with MUS-110.
1 credit hour
Continued study of sight-singing and dictation. Learn to dictate in four parts. Continued study of rhythm. Sight-singing in modes and tenor and alto clef. Prerequisite: MUS-115. To be taken concurrent with MUS-210.
Continued study of sight-singing and dictation as applied to chromatic tonal relationships. Prerequisite: MUS-215. To be taken concurrent with MUS-310.
Composition – 7 credit hours
2 credit hours
Individual instruction in Music Composition. Emphasis is placed upon technical mastery, performance preparation and literature study. An additional fee per semester is required.
3 credit hours
A practical look at the technique of writing a contemporary song. Melody, lyrics, hook, points of view and song logic will be covered. Solo writing and collaboration are studied. Prerequisite: MUS-210.
2 credit hours
Individual instruction in your chosen instrument. Emphasis is placed upon technical mastery, performance preparation and literature study. An additional fee per semester is required. Prerequisite: MUS 101.
Performance – 11 credit hours
2 credit hours
Individual instruction in your chosen instrument. Emphasis is placed upon technical mastery, performance preparation and literature study. An additional fee per semester is required.
Guitar Class
2 credit hours
Study basic acoustic guitar techniques, including tuning, strumming, picking, reading chord symbols, using a capo, and the most common chord progressions.
Piano Class
2 credit hours
Study basic piano techniques, including two hand coordination, five-finger patterns, scales, triad playing, reading chord symbols, pedaling and the most common chord progressions.
3 credit hours
An introduction to the basic conducting techniques with an emphasis on application in a choral setting. Master the standard beat patterns, learn to communicate cues, tempo, dynamics and mood.
2 credit hours
Select from any MUS-240 or MUS-250 course ensemble or MUS 260. Ensemble offerings may vary based upon available instrumentation.
2 credit hours
Preparation and performance of a public recital.