School of Music FAQs

Music Business

How long does it take to complete this degree?

This degree is designed to be completed in 4 years (seven semesters at KCU and one semester at the Contemporary Music Center in Nashville, TN).

How does this degree work?

At KCU you will take classes in business and music - as two separate disciplines. During the last semester of your study you will attend a special school for music business (a Coalition of Christian Colleges and Universities program at Martha's Vineyard, MA) which will integrate the two disciplines into one with a semester of hands on learning and application. Once you have completed this semester, you will be ready to go into music business as an intern in your chosen area of work.

Are internships available?

Yes. The School of Music has been involved in the music industry for a number of years and has a number of contacts in Nashville, Tn. The Dept. will place you in an internship or will consider an internship you wish to pursue.

Is there anything I can do to prepare myself to enter the Music Business program at KCU?

Yes! Stay involved with your high school band and/or choir. Take advantage of as many musical opportunities as you can (solo and ensemble contests, personal performance, concert attendance). Listen to many different types and styles of music. Take advantage of any opportunity to be a helper or leader for a group (musical or otherwise) at your church, school, or elsewhere in your community. Finally, try to locate someone in your community (high school band or choral director, private teacher) who can teach you the fundamentals of music theory (scales, chords, intervals, reading notation, musical terms, and symbols). Although not a requirement, understanding the fundamentals of music theory before you enter any music program will ensure greater success in your study of music.

Music Performance

How long does it take to complete the Music Performance degree?

This course of study can be completed in 8 semesters (four years).

What job opportunities exist for a person with a Music Performance degree?

As with other professional performers and artists, performers of music nearly always must find sources of income on their own. Such sources include teaching private lessons, free-lancing as a performer, or serving as an accompanist. In addition, many job openings do not specify a certain college degree as a qualification. Some companies value candidates with background in the arts, and will value any music degree.

It is advisable for students seeking a Music Performance degree to be ready to attend graduate school immediately upon completing the undergraduate degree. Once graduate studies (especially the doctorate) are complete, one can find opportunities for employment teaching on the collegiate level. Just like positions for professional athletes, professional performance jobs are rare.

Is there anything I can do to prepare myself to enter the Music Performance program at KCU?

YES! Stay involved with your high school band and/or choir. Take advantage of as many musical opportunities as you can (solo and ensemble contests, personal performance, concert attendance). Listen to many different types and styles of music. Take advantage of any opportunity to be a helper or leader for a group (musical or otherwise) at your church, school, or elsewhere in your community. Take private lessons in voice and/or piano. Finally, try to locate someone in your community (high school band or choral director, private teacher) who can teach you the fundamentals of music theory (scales, chords, intervals, reading notation, musical terms, and symbols). Although not a requirement, understanding the fundamentals of music theory before you enter any music program will ensure greater success in your study of music.

Worship

How long does it take to complete the Worship degree?

This course of study can be completed in 9 semesters (four and one-half years) - which includes an 8-month internship.

What job opportunities exist for a person with a Worship degree?

There is still a shortage of worship ministers in the churches. Worship ministers are some of the most sought after ministers today. The demand is high and the supply falls short of fulfilling that need. Therefore, job opportunities are at a premium for worship leaders.

Is there anything I can do to prepare myself to enter the Worship program at KCU?

YES! Stay involved with your high school band and/or choir. Take advantage of as many musical opportunities as you can (solo and ensemble contests, personal performance, concert attendance). Listen to many different types and styles of music. Take advantage of any opportunity to be a helper or leader for a group (musical or otherwise) at your church, school, or elsewhere in your community. Take private lessons in voice, guitar and/or piano. Finally, try to locate someone in your community (high school band or choral director, private teacher) who can teach you the fundamentals of music theory (scales, chords, intervals, reading notation, musical terms, and symbols). Although not a requirement, understanding the fundamentals of music theory before you enter any music program will ensure greater success in your study of music.