Bachelor of Arts in Church Music

Combining passions for music, leadership, and Christian worship

As a part of our Lutheran heritage, Church Music is worth studying for the sake of teaching the faith. In what types of contexts can you do this, you ask? You might find yourself playing the liturgy or worship music, directing vocal choirs, working with the pastor to support the structure of the Divine Service, composing or arranging hymns and other works: The list goes on!

Credits 120

On-campus

All courses offered face-to-face on Ann Arbor's campus.

Financial Aid

The average undergraduate student award is $16,603.

Learn about financial aid

Scholarships

Scholarships of $1,500 are available to students to participate in a Concordia musical ensemble

Find out more

Program Overview

The Church Music program consists of the standard music major with additional classes in church music. You may choose from either a Traditional or a Contemporary Track. You'll learn from practicing church musicians and have the opportunity to participate in contemporary or traditional worship, orchestra, band, and organ performances. You'll learn the art of leading congregation in song, direct student worship bands, choose theologically sound music, and work with a pastor to structure music in worship. Because of CUAA’s location, you will have access to a rich variety of musical events in the area.

A Church Music major also provides students with an option to serve the Church as church musicians. Graduates may be solemnly called to positions in congregations or recognized service organizations of the church, and may be eligible to be placed on The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod roster with the designation “Minister of Religion Commissioned – Director of Parish Music.” Application to the Church Music major involves steps in addition to application to the university. To be placed on the roster, students must receive a call from a congregation.

What to Expect

Plan on dedicating significant energy to practicing in your primary area: organ, piano or voice on the Traditional track, or piano, guitar, or voice on the Contemporary Track. Regardless of your current skill level, we have experienced faculty available to help improve your technique in a one-on-one setting. General music elements of this program include composing and arranging, music history and theory, aural skills, and conducting. You’ll also focus on how music connects with the theological aspects of worship.

Locations

Ann Arbor

How to Apply

Undergraduate Application Steps

It’s time to help you become a Cardinal! Just follow these simple steps to complete your application.

For first-time freshman:

Submit your online application
Have your school send your official high school transcripts. Transcripts may be mailed or sent via a transcript processing service to:
Concordia University Ann Arbor
Admissions Office
4090 Geddes Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Send your official ACT or SAT scores.

Scores on your high school transcript will be considered official. If your school does not put scores on transcripts, please contact ACT or College Board.

For transfer students:

Submit your online application
Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended

*Transfer students with less than 60 college credits completed will also submit official high school transcripts. Students who have less than 30 college credits also need to submit official ACT or SAT scores. Scores on your high school transcript will be considered official.

Minimum Requirements

A minimum GPA of a 2.5/4.0 (C average) or higher
ACT composite of 18 or above
SAT equivalent of 940 or higher for combined math and evidence-based reading and writing (for tests taken after March 2016).

*If your GPA or ACT score falls below the minimum for acceptance, your admissions counselor may ask you to retake the test or supply additional documents, such as an essay or letters of recommendation, to complete the application.

Required Academic Coursework in High School

A minimum of 16 units of high school (secondary school) work is required, of which at least 11 should be in basic liberal arts areas. Units should be distributed as follows:

English: At least three units, but four are strongly recommended.
Mathematics: Two units of college-prep math, preferably one each in Algebra and Geometry.
Natural Science: Two units, preferably one each in Biology, Physics or Chemistry.
Social Studies: Two units, preferably one each in world history and American history.
Liberal Arts: Two units of the same foreign language or additional units in one or more of the other listed subjects or in fine arts.
Other Electives: Five units from any area of academic study, but ideally from the areas listed above.
German or Latin is recommended for pre-seminary students.