The Worship Arts Certificate program prepares university and community musicians for ministry in the church as pastoral musicians.  Rooted in traditional liturgical training, students focus on contemporary forms of musical expression in the liturgical training, students focus on contemporary forms of musical expression in the liturgy.  The Worship Arts Certificate is a wonderful opportunity for current music majors, aspiring professionals, or church volunteers wishing to refine skills or find real-world opportunities in service to the modern church.  

Learning Objectives: Worship Arts Certificate

1. Perform at the certificate required level on the major instrument from a cross-section of the appropriate repertoire.
2. Demonstrate the skills necessary to work as a leader and in collaboration on matters of musical interpretation through performance. 
3. Sight read music at the certificate required proficiency level.
4. Apply knowledge of musical religious practice including orders of worship, hymnology, administrative structures and procedures, and the relationships between sacred music and the music of general culture through professional practicum experiences. 

Admission to the worship arts certificate program is based on the successful completion of an audition for the music faculty.  If an understanding of basic music theory is not demonstrated at the audition, SMU127 Fundamental of Music Theory would be required as a co-requisite to first year certificate study.  Auditions are scheduled by appointment throughout the academic year.

The certificate assessment includes successful completion of coursework and assignments: successful completion of juries in the applied major; completion of the Service Music Exam and the Sacred Music Practicum.

Audition requirements for program (piano and voice)

The candidate should perform two pieces of Sacred Music and a hymn or psalm demonstrating their current abilities.