The School of the Arts, through its Division of Music, provides graduate studies in three major fields: church music, music education, and piano performance and pedagogy. Each of these programs has a strong vocational focus, equipping students to serve in music ministries, teach music in the classroom setting, or perform and teach music in the private studio.  Beyond the areas of specialization, the Division of Music through its graduate programs aims to prepare well-rounded professionals who demonstrate a high level of musicianship, competence in solo performance and conducting, a secure knowledge of historical and analytical approaches to music literature, and the ability to do research and writing appropriate to the vocational areas.

Church Music

Graduate study in church music is available in two degree programs. The Master of Music degree, with a major in church music, is a 38-credit program. This degree, which also includes studies in the Beeson School of Divinity, is administered by the School of the Arts. The Master of Divinity degree, with an emphasis in church music, is a 96-credit program. Administered by the School of Divinity, it includes within the larger context of the M.Div. degree the same professional studies in church music as the M.M. program. A student may pursue M.M. and M.Div. degrees simultaneously though a dual degree program.

Music Education

Graduate study in music education leads to the Master of Music Education degree. Two distinct programs are available. The 32-credit traditional program, which can be pursued through studies in evenings and summers, is designed for persons who hold a teaching certificate in music. The fifth-year non-traditional program, which includes 39-43 credits, serves those who have completed a baccalaureate degree in music but whose previous study did not qualify them for certification. This is a full-time program that includes a semester of supervised teaching. Both programs lead to the Alabama Class A teaching certificate.

Piano Performance and Pedagogy

Graduate study in piano performance and pedagogy leads to the Master of Music degree.  The 32-credit program prepares persons to be proficient performers and scholarly musicians who are ready to pursue professional careers as performers and teachers of piano.  Emphasis is placed on musical artistry and pedagogical professionalism, together with developing students' research skills.

Performance

Though the Division of Music does not offer a major solely in performance at the graduate level, it seeks to help each student enhance skills in individual and ensemble performance. A student who has the ability and the desire to pursue studies in performance beyond those required for a graduate degree in church music or music education may apply to pursue a course of study that leads to the Graduate Certificate in Performance.

Program Distinctives

The small size of the graduate program in music enables individual attention in all curricular areas and in professional and personal development. At the same time, each graduate student has access to the resources of the Division of Music and the School of the Arts, such as ensembles of various sizes; to related professional areas, including the School of Divinity and the School of Education and Professional Studies; and to the wider resources of the University.

Contact Information

For information about any aspect of graduate study in music, contact
Moya Nordlund, Director of Graduate Studies in Music

School of the Arts

Samford University

800 Lakeshore Drive

Birmingham, AL 35229

e-mail: mlnordlu@samford.edu

telephone: 205-726-2651

fax: 205-726-2165

Application Forms

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