Courses
Undergraduate Courses
CM141 Practicing Church Musician I: Introduction (3)
An introduction to the vocational needs, professional relationships, administration styles, and teaching roles of the church musician.
CM142 Practicing Church Musician II: Worship and Theology (3)
Acomparative study of worship in the principal historic Christian traditions, in which questions of historic context, theological content, and musical function are discussed within the framework of common elements of liturgical form, and with a view to practical application.
CM158 Introduction to Handbell Leadership Training (1 credit, 2 hours per week)
For students with little or no previous handbell experience. Instruction includes how to initiate a handbell program, basic ringing techniques, positioning of bells and ringers, beginning repertoire, and leadership training.
CM211 Jubilee Singers I (1 credit, 2 hours per week)
This auditioned ensemble is devoted to the performance of sacred music from the African-American tradition.
CM212 Jubilee Singers II (1 credit, 2 hours per week)
Acomprehensive survey of sacred music from the African-American religious experience, the course begins with its West African roots and traces the evolution of such genres as spirituals and gospel music. In addition to exploring the influence of jazz, particular attention will be paid to the role of the Black church in America and the psychology of the worship experience. Performance practice issues will be studied and supported by historic and contemporary recordings, video materials, contemporary resources, and classroom participation.
CM241 Practicing Church Musician III: Church Year Repertoire (3)
A survey of congregational, choral (adults, youth, and children’s), and vocal solo repertoire, examined for quality and suitability for congregations of varying sizes and abilities.
CM340 Church Field Education (3)
A practical program in which students take responsibility for the music program of an assigned affiliate church. Under supervision, students exercise the skills and concepts learned in the classroom. Enrolled students also meet in a weekly preceptorial. Sacred Music majors must take two consecutive semesters, normally in the junior year. Prerequisites: CM141, 142.
CM354 Hymnody and Psalmody (3)
A study of the origins and development of Christian song. The first part of the course deals with the nature of the Psalms in their Biblical setting and their use in the worship of different traditions. The second part of the course deals with the history of congregational hymnody – texts, tunes, styles and functions – from the 16th century to the present. The course aims to develop an awareness of the textual and musical treasures available for both congregational and choral use.
CM358 Concert Handbell Choir I (1 credit, 4.5 hours per week)
A choir selected by audition from the most experienced and capable bell ringers among the student body at large. This ensemble utilizes advanced repertoire and techniques, aiming primarily at presenting concerts both on and off campus, including a two-week annual tour.
CM368 Concert Handbell Choir II (1 credit, 2 hours per week)
Open by audition to students who have had previous handbell experience. Intermediate to advanced repertoire, with opportunities for concert performance.
CM454 German Church Music (3)
A study of church choral literature by German composers from the 16th century to the present focusing on the pre-Bach and post-Bach cantata. Class performances of selected works. Complements CM455.
CM455 Bach Cantatas (3)
A study of the history, performance practices, and liturgical setting of the cantatas of J.S. Bach. Class performances of selected cantatas. Complements CM454.
CM456 The Organ in Worship (3)
A practical study of the role of the organ in worship. Topics covered include anthem accompaniment, hymn playing, the service music of major denominations and solo organ repertoire for liturgical use.
Graduate Courses
CM521 Oratorio Solo Literature (3)
A performance course surveying solo and ensemble portions of oratorios, masses, passions, and cantatas from the early Baroque period to the present, with emphasis on appropriate performance techniques for stylistic integrity.
CM540 Choir Training for Young Singers (3)
Apracticum combined with study designed to teach students how to organize and direct a children’s choir program that emphasizes musical training as a basic requirement. The course focuses on teaching children good vocal techniques and sight-reading skills and includes practice teaching in a local school under instructor supervision. Other areas covered include musical readiness skills, voicechange problems, and repertoire.
CM640 Liturgies (3)
A study of the origins of liturgy, its development in the main Christian traditions, and its relation to ecclesiastical history, with particular attention given to the differing styles and traditions of liturgical music. Contemporary liturgies are viewed against this historical background.
CM641 Hymnology (3)
A study of the origins and development of Christian hymnody, with reference to the theological emphases of various periods from the beginnings to the present, aiming to arouse interest in the textual and musical content of hymns and in their effective use in worship.
CM654 German Church Music (3)
Same as CM454; for graduate students.
CM655 Bach Cantatas (3)
Same as CM455; for graduate students.
CM656 The Organ in Worship (3)
Same as CM456; for graduate students.
CM660 Church Music Foundation I (3)
Study, research, and instruction covering the period from Biblical times to 1750, including the music of temple and synagogue; music in the development of the early liturgy and its music; Gregorian chant, organum and early polyphony; Franco-Flemish polyphony; Reformation music and the congregational hymn; polychoral music of Catholic Italy and Spain; the concerted music of Lutheran Germany; the anthem of Anglican England; and the metrical psalm of Reformed Europe.
CM661 Church Music Foundation II (3)
Study, research, and instruction in sacred music of the United States from colonial times to the present, including: Billings and the New England group; the Moravians of Pennsylvania; Black spirituals and their influence; 19th-century romanticism and sentimentality; gospel hymns; and 20th-century eclecticism and experimentation. Prerequisite: CM660
CM662 Church Music Foundation III (3)
Study, research, and instruction in sacred music of Britain and Canada from the foundation of the Church of England (1549) to the present, including: anthems, canticles, communion settings and hymns of the Tudor, Stuart, Restoration, and Hanoverian dynasties; the rise of Methodism and its influence on hymnody; romanticism and sentimentality of the Victorian era; the Oxford Movement and its influence on liturgical music; the English Hymnal and its influence; and post-World War II experimentation. Prerequisite: CM660.
