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SACRED MUSIC COURSE DESCRIPTIONS  (Four One-Semester Courses)

Michael Conrady, Adjunct Instructor | Joshua Taylor, Adjunct Instructor

The Sacred Music program at UNT is a unique program established to prepare students for music, worship, and arts leadership positions in today's church. It attracts a diverse array of students from a variety of denominational contexts and musical interests- organists, choral directors, vocalists, worship leaders, instrumentalists, and more. Its interdisciplinary and ecumenical approach is designed to foster critical thinking as students explore, analyze and engage Christian music in a variety of contexts. 

Recognizing the existence of several models of professional church music leadership, this program provides a wide range of training in performance, professional, and academic skills. Every course features opportunities to learn from and interact with guest lecturers from the DFW area who are experts in their respective fields. 

SEMESTER 1 Foundations of Sacred Music

An introduction to the historical, theological and biblical foundations of sacred music, including contemporary manifestations, and critiques of worship. The class will also explore the use of the lectionary and church year in planning along with suggested repertoire and resources.​

SEMESTER 2  Introduction to Congregational Song

This course will explore the theological foundations of congregational singing from ancient hymnody through contemporary, modern worship music, and songs of the global church. Additionally, students will practice song leading techniques.

SEMESTER 3   Music Ministry in the Post-Modern Context

What is the role of worship and music in the 21st Century? How will music ministry and the role of sacred music change with a changing church? This course will explore these subjects in addition to planning considerations for the church of today.

SEMESTER 4   Church Music Administration

This course will consider best practices in planning, professional concerns, denominational identity, clergy/musician relationships and budgeting for the professional church musician.