Music and Worship Courses
General Major: Music and Worship (12 courses)
Notes:
- Students are required to audition before entry into the program. Enrolment in the MUS-110 cognate may be waived on the basis of the audition results.
Completion of MUS-211 with a minimum B+ is required for continuance in the General Major and enrolment in MUS-332, MUS-380 and MUS-390.
- A placement test for keyboard skills will be administered at the time of the music audition for incoming students. RCM Grade VI is expected. Students who do not have RCM Grade VI will be placed in keyboard classes at Redeemer (MUS-104/105/106) based on the assessment. Students will pay an additional fee for the keyboard classes. Keyboard proficiency is expected of all music students.
- Students will pay an additional fee for lessons. These fees can be found on page 23 of the Academic Calendar.
Minor: Music in Worship (6.5 courses)
*requires MUS-201 as a pre-requisite
Notes:
- A placement test for keyboard skills will be administered at the time of the music audition for incoming students. RCM Grade VI is expected. Students who do not have RCM Grade VI will be placed in keyboard classes at Redeemer (MUS-104/105/106) based on the assessment. Students will pay an additional fee for the keyboard classes. Keyboard proficiency is expected of all music students.
- Students are required to audition before entry into the program. Enrolment in the MUS-110 cognate may be waived on the basis of the audition results. Students are strongly encouraged to take additional music lessons beyond the two required terms.
- Students will pay an additional fee for lessons. These fees can be found on page 23 of the Academic Calendar.
Course Details
Basic Musicianship (MUS-110)
A course designed to develop fluency and skill in the basics of music with reference to performance, worship music chording, theory, and ear training.
Applied Music Theory (MUS-121)
Study of basic materials of tonal music, triads, sevenths, non-harmonic tones, analysis of simple musical forms, melody writing, and four-part harmonization in eighteenth century classical style and jazz style.
Foundations of Worship (MUS-131)
This course will examine theological and musical foundations for corporate worship in the North American Christian church. It will consider current and historical developments in liturgical practices throughout different denominations and explore the role of music in corporate worship as covenant renewal. Students will be required to participate in the planning and leading of one chapel service during the term.
Worship Band Instrumental Skills (MUS-211)
This course will provide students with a basic introduction to prominent instruments in a worship band: keyboard, drums, guitar, and vocals. This skill-based course will assure competency for playing basic chords on the keyboard and guitar, rhythms on the drums, and basic strumming patterns. Recognizing that students will be taking lessons on their primary instrument (voice included) as a part of the program already, this course serves to ensure basic competency on other instruments.
Basics of Audio and Live Worship Music Production (MUS-241)
This course is a combination of lectures and in-studio workshops where students are introduced to the basic skills of audio production (recording, editing, and mixing) and live worship music production (setup, design of visual materials, media production, mixing, worship service design, and the use of software for worship planning). Students apply these skills through the creation of a simple worship song that includes components of studio recording, sound design, and music editorial and/or the design and implementation of a worship service.
Worship in the Christian Church (MUS-310)
This course is a survey of the music in worship from biblical times to the present. It provides an overview of religious music from Medieval, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary eras in Western music history.
Worship Music Leadership (MUS-332)
This course will consider different pedagogical approaches to worship music leadership, exploring the theological foundations for musical leadership within the church. Topics such as organizing a comprehensive music ministry including budgeting, programming, and staffing will be addressed. Students will have several opportunities to provide musical leadership and direction to worship musicians in the course. Students will also be required to attend the annual Calvin Symposium on Worship in January.
Conducting and Leading Church Choirs (MUS-334)
Study of elementary techniques of song-leading and conducting choral ensembles, as well as simple score reading, rehearsal techniques, and topics of composition and arranging with their focus on Christian corporate worship.
The Artist in Society and the Marketplace (MUS-368)
This course will be updated and cross-listed in the coming months and will provide students with additional resources for (financial, ethical and business) life as an artist.
Internship (MUS-380)
Gain music ministry experience working in a local church, school, or other organizational setting. Work 120 hours of such ministry under the direction of a musician or pastor in the ministry setting, meet regularly with a faculty supervisor, and submit relevant written work.
Independent Study (MUS-385)
Senior Recital/ Lecture Recital (MUS-390/490)
Students prepare for and perform a music/lecture recital.
Prerequisites:
MUS-390/490 is the Capstone Course for the Music Department and
is required for all majors in the 4th year. Requires permission of the department.
Philosophy of Music in the Church (MUS-460)
The relationship of music to the church’s worship, education, and outreach is examined with reference to Scripture, the historical practice of the church, and contemporary culture; a personal philosophy of music in the church..
Private Music Courses: Piano I (MUS-141-142)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Piano II (MUS-241-242)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Piano III (MUS-341-342)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Piano IV (MUS-441-442)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Organ I (MUS-143-144)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Organ II (MUS-243-244)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Organ III (MUS-343-344)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Organ IV (MUS-443-444)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Voice I (MUS-145-146)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Voice II (MUS-245-246)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Voice III (MUS-345-346)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Voice IV (MUS-445-446)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Percussion I (MUS-153-154)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Percussion II (MUS-253-254)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Percussion III (MUS-353-354)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Percussion IV (MUS-453-454)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Guitar I (MUS-155-156)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Guitar II (MUS-255-256)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Guitar III (MUS-355-356)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Private Music Courses: Guitar IV (MUS-455-456)
Private music lessons are arranged by the department and are taught by instructors hired by the Music Department. Students must register for the courses with the Registrar’s Office and make the arrangements for the lessons with the Music Department in the first week of classes.
Lessons progress in academic rigour in each term taken. A maximum of six credits (equivalent to two courses) may be credited to a four-year program. Please see page 23 of the Academic Calendar for information on music fees. (0.75 credits per term)
Contemporary Music Ensemble (MUS-167)
Members must take both terms in sequence (i.e. fall and winter).
(0.75 credits per term)
Admission Requirements
The Music program requires applicants to complete a music audition for proper course placement.
Applicants from Ontario will be considered for general undergraduate admission based on the following requirements:
- Successful completion of Grade 12 U English
- Five additional Grade 12 U or M level courses
- Minimum grade average of 65%
- No O-level courses or Co-op courses used
Not from Ontario?
Audition information
All prospective music majors and minors are required to complete a music audition during the application process. Auditions can be completed remotely or on a campus visit day.
Below is important information to consider for your music audition, including a description of the types of assessment we will do, as well as how you can prepare for them.
Theory Assessment
We will give you a short test that will assess your knowledge of basic theory including major and minor scales, key signatures, and intervallic relations. You will also have a basic ear training and rhythmic dictation test.
Primary Area of Study
As a music student, you will choose a primary area of study (instrumental, vocal, or piano). You will be able to elect to take lessons in another area but we require you to choose one area that you focus on at the beginning of your studies. If you are unsure of your primary area, please email Laura Benjamins at lbenjamins@redeemer.ca
Audition Preparation
Please come to your audition prepared to sing or play two pieces (preferably memorized). The two pieces should be contrasting pieces from larger movements or works (Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic periods). Please note that an accompanist will not be provided for your audition. If you do not have a classical music background, please prepare two contrasting worship or popular songs at your highest level possible.
Piano Proficiency Level
Upon entrance to Redeemer’s music program, you must have a base level of keyboard proficiency. For students whose primary area of study is not piano, they should have at least Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Grade 4. If a student does not enter the program with Grade 4 RCM proficiency, they will be assigned to a keyboard class at the time of their audition. We have a sequence of 3 levels of keyboard classes to help students achieve this proficiency. Students with no piano background, for example, will be placed in level I. During the first week of classes we will listen to you play a piece on the piano to place you in a keyboard class.
For students whose primary area of study is piano, they should begin with a minimum level of Grade 8 RCM.
Read more about requirements for admission to Redeemer University.
