The innovative music curriculum at Erskine, which integrates Music History and Theory studies, is designed with minors and double majors in mind, while still providing a rigorous well-rounded music major.

The Music Major

Music majors at Erskine earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, which entails a broad spectrum of liberal arts courses across the curriculum in addition to courses specific to the major.  The major includes the six-semester sequence of music history, criticism, theory, and analysis, plus applied lessons, performance seminar, and participation in an ensemble.  Beyond the major, students may opt to concentrate in performance (vocal, piano, organ, woodwind, brass, percussion, strings, or guitar) or church music.  Moreover, uniquely designed concentrations are available with the approval of the faculty and the academic dean.

 

Core Music Courses
Music 090       Performance Seminar
                        Applied Music lessons (at least six semesters)
                        Ensemble (eight semesters)
Music 101       Music Theory I
Music 102       Music Theory II
Music 105       Aural Skills I
Music 106       Aural Skills II
Music 205       Aural Skills III
Music 206       Aural Skills IV
Music 207       History & Analysis:  The Rise of Counterpoint
Music 208       History & Analysis:  The Advent of the Concert
Music 209       History & Analysis:  An Age of Crisis
Music 310       Research & Criticism
Music 370       Recital (or equivalent approved project)
                        Nine semester hours of music electives or a specialized concentration:

Additional courses for Performance concentration
Two semesters of Applied Music lessons (for a total of eight, four of which are at the performance level)

Music 406       Literature of the Instrument (or Music 407)
Music 407       Piano Pedagogy (or Music 406)
Music 470       Recital
                       
Additional courses for Church Music concentration
Two semesters of Applied Music lessons on a primary instrument (for a total of eight), and two semesters of Applied Music on a secondary instrument

Music 311       History of Sacred Music
Music 312       Church Music Methods and Materials
Music 403       Conducting I
Music 404       Conducting II
                        Winter Term externship in Church Music
BR 312            Christian Education (or BR 325)
BR 325            Christian Theology:  Structures and Concepts (or BR 312)

 

The Music Minor

Although any qualified student at Erskine can enroll in applied study or audition to participate in music department ensembles, music minors have the benefit of a structured course of study, including also music theory and history courses.  The minor curriculum is designed with the maximum flexibility so that the student can develop individual abilities to the fullest in the all-too-brief college career.

Music 090       Performance Seminar
                        Applied Music lessons (six semesters)
                        Ensemble (eight semesters)
Music 101       Music Theory I
Music 102       Music Theory II
Music 105       Aural Skills I
Music 106       Aural Skills II
and any one of the following:
Music 207       History & Analysis:  The Rise of Counterpoint
Music 208       History & Analysis:  The Advent of the Concert
Music 209       History & Analysis:  An Age of Crisis

Master of Church Music Program

The Master of Church Music degree program is offered jointly by Erskine College and Erskine Theological Seminary. This program, which consists of a total of 60 semester hours, takes two years of full-time study to complete. Students in this program make their application and are enrolled through the seminary. More detailed information is available in the seminary catalog.
The purpose of the Master of Church Music program is to educate persons for the vocation of music ministry in the Christian church. The program is designed to produce church musicians who have developed a strong Biblical and theological foundation for music ministry, honed their musical skill and understanding at a high professional level, and thoughtfully considered the urgent issues facing the church‘s work and worship at this point in history.

The MCM audition and written entrance exams are not required as part of the admission process for Erskine College music majors. Further, a grade of B or higher in MU 311 is sufficient to exempt students from CM 170, Historical Survey of Church Music, in the MCM program

For a complete listing of the MCM curriculum and more information about the program, consult the seminary catalogue or here.