Master of Ministry in Music and Worship Leadership
The three-year 45-credit-hour programme is designed to train and mentor experienced music and/or worship ministry leaders in Asian contexts for effective spiritual and musical leadership, to be effective catalysts for the greater growth of God’s church.?
It is designed for experienced music and/or worship ministry leaders in Asian contexts who need to continue their current ministry as they study. They may be leaders in a local church, parachurch ministry, or community outreach centre.? They may be lay music/worship pastors, deacons, committee heads, choir conductors, church’s music school principals or teachers, who seek to provide spiritual and musical leadership in their ministries.? They may also be Bachelor of Church Music graduates who wish to update their knowledge and skills.
The programme is founded on biblical and theological principles and church history, with training in musical and leadership skills, for practical and spiritual ministry integration through group learning and individualized study.
Areas of Specialisation
Students can choose to major in:
- Ministry Leadership (for those who lead music and/or music ministries)
- Choral Leadership (for those lead the choir ministry)
- Worship Team Leadership (for those who lead worship teams)
Educational Methods
Classes will be offered online for international students. Singapore residents may opt to take the courses on-site, when offered.
Learning will be offered in various educational delivery methods:
- 5 daily weeknight preparatory course
- 6 and 8 weekly evening courses
- 5 full day intensive courses
- Guided studies
- Supervised individual projects/recitals
- Field education
Programme Length and Annual Commitment
The programme requires three years of study to complete from the time of admission.
Jul – Nov semester
- Guided study
-
8 weekly evening classes
Mid-July to mid-September -
Field education
Mid-July to end of October -
5 daily evening preparatory course
(for new students)
Last week of June -
Project/recital I proposal
Year 2 students only -
Project/recital II proposal
Year 3 students only
Jan – May semester
-
5 full day intensive class
2nd Thursday to 3rd Monday of January -
6 weekly night classes
First week of February to mid-March -
Field education
Mid-January to end of April -
Project/recital I
Year 2 students only -
Project/recital II
Year 3 students only
Language
Worship and music courses will be in English. However, students may choose to take the Bible courses in English and Chinese.
Prerequisites for Programme Admission
Academic Requirements
- Must be a worship/music ministry leader, choral conductor, or worship team leader for at least three years
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or seminary, not necessarily in music
- Must have a ministry team/choir/worship team under his/her leadership to fulfil some post-course assignments
- Exhibit musical proficiency through entrance exam and audition recordings. The major-specific item in the entrance exam and audition recordings are as follows:
- Exhibit proficiency in reading choral scores vertically and horizontally in staff notation and/or transcribe staff notation to number/solfege notation
- Submit video recordings of (1) the applicant’s conducting performance of 2 contrasting choral pieces (10 minutes max for both); and (2) the applicant teaching a choral piece for the first time, preferably in English (10 minutes max)
- Exhibit proficiency in sight singing/playing music in staff notation and, if needed, transcribing staff notation to number/solfege notation through an entrance exam
- Submit video recordings of (1) the applicant singing or playing on a musical instrument 2 contrasting pieces (10 minutes max for both); and (2) the applicant leading a musical portion of a worship service, choir or band rehearsal, preferably in English (10 minutes max)
- Exhibit proficiency in transcribing melody and chords from a given recording or a 4-part hymn score through an entrance exam.
- Submit video recordings of ONE song: (1) a wide-angle view of the applicant leading the song in a worship team rehearsal (5 minutes max); and (2) a close-up view of the applicant’s actual leading the song in a worship service (5 minutes max)
General Requirements
- At least 24 years of age
- Baptised Christian for at least four years
- Evidence of involvement and leadership in ministry
- Evidence of call to ministry and leadership
- Endorsement by church leadership or a mature Christian in the applicant’s current church/organization
English Language Minimum Requirements
- TOEFL 69-70 (IBT) or
- IELTS 5.5
Graduation Requirements
- Satisfactory completion of 45 credit hours as required in the programme
- Meet the minimum grade point average as required
- Faculty approval with regard to Christian character
Curriculum
CORE COURSES (30 credit hours)?
| Course Title | |
|---|---|
| Christian Worship | Church Music Administration |
| Worship Design and Leadership | Age-Specific Music Ministry Methods |
| Audiovisual Engagement | Field Education I–VI |
| Congregational Song | Old Testament Survey |
| Theology of Music and Creativity | New Testament Survey |
| Emotional Health of a Church Musician | Systematic Theology and Music |
| Spiritual Leadership | |
MINISTRY LEADERSHIP MAJOR COURSES (15 credit hours)?
| Course Title |
|---|
| Survey of Music Ministries |
| Songwriting and Arrangement |
| Worship Team |
| Creative Arts Ministry |
| Worship Resources |
| Church Music Literature |
Project I and II (choose two):
|
CHORAL LEADERSHIP MAJOR COURSES (15 credit hours)?
| Course Title |
|---|
| Score Study |
| Vocal and Choral Pedagogy |
| Rehearsal Techniques |
| Repertoire and Programming |
| Choral Literature I |
| Choral Literature II |
Project I and II (choose two):
|
WORSHIP TEAM LEADERSHIP MAJOR COURSES (15 credit hours)?
| Course Title |
|---|
| Training Design |
| Worship Team Management |
| Rehearsal Leadership |
| Worship Team Arrangements I |
| Worship Team Arrangements II |
| Worship Team Arrangements III |
Project I and II (choose two):
|
Note: Course offerings are subject to change.
Blended Learning at SBC
At SBC, we seek to build up our community through blended learning: designing synchronous and asynchronous learning activities using both physical and online platforms. Students may expect to be enriched with a variety of face-to-face and online learning experiences during their studies at SBC.
