School of Music FAQs

Audio Technology

I want to study audio technology. What options does KCU offer for this?

There are four ways you can study audio technology at KCU:

1. As a music business major with audio technology as your emphasis
2. As a general music business major, taking AT classes as music electives
3. As an audio technology minor
4. As general electives in whatever degree program you choose

What does a minor or music business AT emphasis prepare me to do?

Our program is designed to give you skills and supervised experience in live sound and recording studio situations. We also include a class in multi-media skills that are relevant to worship and other public assembly applications.

We expect graduates from our programs to fill the many new openings in churches and businesses where these skills are in demand. Some of our graduates may work in recording studios or with production companies, while still others will become entrepreneurs.

Music Business

How long does it take to complete the music business degree?

This degree is designed to be completed in 4 years:

• General music business emphasis: seven semesters at KCU and one semester at the Contemporary Music Center in Nashville, TN
• Audio Technology emphasis: eight semesters at KCU, with an additional optional semester at the Contemporary Music Center in Nashville, TN

What is the CMC?

The Contemporary Music Center is a one-semester program offered by the Coalition of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). It is a part of their Best Semester program in which students take an intense immersion experience in one of twelve disciplines (in this case, music business). See the CMC web site at: http://www.bestsemester.com/cmc/

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.