The ability to plan, teach and conduct the meaningful services for a variety of church services is at the core of the Graduate Certificate in Church Music program.
Shenandoah Conservatory’s Church Music Institute is held for two weeks each summer as part of a three-year cycle of intensive study of the skills and knowledge required of a musician working in the church. Each summer focuses on a different aspect of music ministry: liturgical organ playing, conducting (adult, children’s and handbell choirs) and congregational song (hymns and liturgy).
We’ll equip you to be a well-rounded church musician with the knowledge and skills to direct music programs for various Christian denominations. We’ll enhance your abilities in performance and conducting, and give you an understanding of historical and contemporary practices in church music and liturgy. We’ll also explore non-musical aspects of music ministry: program building and administration, staff relations and other components of a successful program.
Because the coursework for this program is covered during the summer, the certificate is a perfect adjunct to other related degree programs: performance (organ, piano or voice), music education or conducting.
Learn More About This Program
Lead traditional worship as an organist, become a choir director and learn the art of accompaniment.
Church Music is a field that has wide appeal for those who wish to combine a love of music with a career in a church setting. Church musicians work with people of all ages and abilities as they prepare the music needed in worship services. Church musicians possess specialized skills in organ, conducting, voice, children and adult choirs, and service playing. They must understand the role of music in worship and have a thorough understanding of the various denominational liturgies. The training that Shenandoah offers in church music is not focused on any one denomination, and graduates of this program are employed by all major denominations. Most Shenandoah graduates are employed in full-time positions as music ministers or organist/choirmaster in churches with multiple choir programs.
Shenandoah Conservatory’s Church Music Institute is held for two weeks each summer as part of a three-year cycle of an intensive study of the skills and knowledge required of a musician working in the church.
Career and Salary Possibilities
Lead traditional worship
You will know how to lead traditional worship as an organist, a music or choir director, studio teacher, or an accompanist.
Teach church music students of all ages and skill levels
We prepare you to work with and teach amateur choirs, no matter how much training they might or might not have. You will not only be able to help your students make music, but also think about and appreciate what and why they are playing.
Work with and train members of clergy
You will also be qualified to work professionally with members of clergy – who often have little or no training themselves – to help them develop their own skills in worship planning.
The Career Services Office provides a comprehensive range of services and resources to assist Shenandoah students in their career search. Services offered include resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, and professional dining etiquette workshops.
Application and Audition Information
Admission to Shenandoah Conservatory graduate programs is highly competitive and the audition schedule fills rapidly. Early application and audition registration is recommended.
Financial Aid & Assistantship Information for This Program
Students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Church Music program are currently NOT eligible to receive federal and state financial aid funds for study in this program. Please contact Shenandoah’s Office of Financial Aid with any questions, or to request additional information call 540-665-4538 or email finaid@su.edu.
Students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Church Music program ARE eligible to apply for Graduate Assistantships and Post-Graduate Fellowships. You will find further information about applying for these awards posted on the Financial Aid website.