Church music is not merely a technical skill, but a ministry that connects theology, worship, spirituality, and community. The Master’s and Doctoral programs in Church Music are designed to cultivate worship leaders who, grounded in a deep theological foundation, combine professional musical excellence with pastoral sensitivity.

Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Church Music Admissions Guidelines

1. Programs Offered

         ① Master of Church Music (MCM)

• • Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
  • Credits Required: 48 credits
    • Theological Studies (12 credits / 4 courses)
      Church Music Theory (8 credits)
      • Worship Studies
      • History of Church Music
      • Hymnology
      • Choral Conducting
    • Applied Music (28 credits)
      • Major Performance
      • Harmony with Emphasis on Worship Music
      • Music Analysis with Emphasis on Worship Music
      • Western Music History I
      • Western Music History II
      • Ensemble I
      • Ensemble II
      • Graduate Recital
  • Graduation Requirement: Graduation recital

          ② Doctor of Church Music (DCM)

• • Duration: 2–3 years
  • Credits Required: 32 credits
    • Required Major Courses (20 credits)
      • Theology and History of Church Music
      • Biblical Interpretation and Music
      • Worship and Music Leadership
      • Advanced Conducting Seminar
      • Major Performance
    • Elective Major Course (3 credits)
      • Praise and Spiritual Formation
      • Contemporary Worship Music Studies
      • Church Music Pedagogy
      • Community Music Ministry
    • Research and Dissertation (9 credits)
      • Research Methodology
      • Lecture Recital
      • Doctoral Dissertation
  • Graduation Requirements: Doctoral dissertation, graduation recital, or research project

Tuition

• • • Master’s Program: $250 per credit (unit)
    • Doctoral Program: $500 per credit (unit) 
    • Lesson fees are determined separately according to established policies.

2. Areas of Concentration

• • Instrumental Performance: Organ, Piano, Orchestral Instruments (Violin, Cello, Flute, etc.)
  • Vocal Performance: Oratorio, Art Song, Opera, etc.
  • Composition/Theory: Composition, Counterpoint, Harmony, Orchestration, etc.
  • Conducting: Choral Conducting, Orchestral Conducting

※ Programs and concentrations are subject to change.

3. Admission Requirements

■ Master’s Program

• • Bachelor’s degree (completed or expected) from an accredited institution
  • Major in music or equivalent musical proficiency
  • A clear Christian faith and calling to church music ministry

■ Doctoral Program

• • Master’s degree from an accredited graduate institution (in Church Music or a related field)
  • Demonstrated professional-level performance or research ability in the major field
  • Preference given to applicants with church music ministry experience

4. Required Application Materials

• • Completed application form
  • Official transcripts and degree certificates
  • 1–3 letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement of faith
  • Curriculum vitae (including musical and ministry experience)
  • Recorded audition video or live audition
  • Research proposal (Doctoral applicants only)

5. Admission Process

• • Document review
  • Audition (by concentration)
  • Music theory or written examination (if required)
  • Interview

6. Application Timeline

• • Application Period: Announced separately
  • Audition & Interview: Individually notified
  • Notification of Admission Decision: Individually notified

7. Contact Information

Henry Appenzeller University – Admissions Office
Tel: USA (213) 386-0080 / Korea Prof. Woong-Hee Lee: 010-6418-2087
Email: info@hau.edu