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Director of Parish Music Program

The purpose of the Director of Parish Music certification program is to prepare students for professional Word and Service ministry which uses music to praise God, proclaim the Gospel and lead the song of the people in the life and worship of the Church.

The Director of Parish Music program is grounded in the belief that music is a gift of God and that the ministry of church musicians is to offer their special abilities to praise God, proclaim the Gospel in music, and lead the people's song in worship. The program builds upon the rich musical heritage of the Lutheran church while incorporating the best of contemporary music idioms. Among the distinctive features of the program are:

• a strong liberal arts foundation.
• a church music major which equips each student with knowledge and skills for leading parish music.
• a minor in Confessional Lutheranism.
• separate emphases for organ, piano, choral conducting, instrumental conducting, or guitar.
• field experience in a local parish.

Completing the following requirements leads to certification for service to the church as a parish musician.

Admission to Field Experience

1. Minimum of 96 semester hours credit.
2. Cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above.
3. Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above in Church Music Major.
4. Qualifying performance on organ, piano, voice, guitar, or other instrument appropriate to chosen track.
5. Approval of Music Department based on evaluation of student portfolio and recommendation of applied music and conducting instructors.
6. Pass the Keyboard Proficiency Exam.
7. Admission to program interview and portfolio review with representative of CVM faculty.

Requirements for Graduation
In addition to general requirements for graduation the candidate will:

1. Complete 128 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above.
2. Complete the Church Music Major with cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above.
3. Complete the Confessional Lutheranism Minor (including THY460 Worship for Lutherans).
4. Submit a completed portfolio for Music Department approval.
5. Take the Sr. Music Outcomes Exam after completing the core music theory/history sequence.