Department of Christian Music

Introduction

The Department of Christian Music offers courses in music theory, musical traditions and practices of both Western and Africa, history of Christian music, form and analysis, musicology, hymnology, voice training/singing and musical instruments, musical composition, choral techniques and arranging, conducting, music in worship, evangelism,and church music administration. Instruments include various Western and African instruments such as drums, flutes, xylophones, and other idiophones, including the use of piano and guitars to enhance African worship. Emphasis will be placed on practicals such as Performance (Voice, Instruments and Conducting/Arranging) and Composition.

 

 

 

Objectives of the Department

The specific objectives of the Department are to:

  1. prepare music ministers that would organise and lead effective music for worship and evangelism in African Christian contexts;
  2. impart creativity in church music through direct practical acquaintance with various African styles and techniques of singing and instrumentation;
  3. equip students with tools to compose traditional and contemporary church and Gospel music that is truly African so as to be relevant to the needs of African societies;
  4. encourage the use of more African musical instruments in churches and other related institutions;
  5. train students to be able to professionally organise, train, direct/conduct and accompany choirs, congregations and Gospel musical bands/groups.

Philosophy of the Department

The philosophy of the programmes of training in Christian music is to provide quality music education, including biblical, theological, musicological, historical backgrounds and practical studies for those whose churches have attested to their evidence of God’s leading to serve in this specialised ministry; and to provide basic theological instruction for men and women preparing for other Christian music-related vocations.
The Department offers three programmes in Christian music at the undergraduate level, namely: Certificate in Christian Music, Diploma in Christian Music, and Bachelor of Christian Music (B.C.M); all with emphasis on Church or Gospel Music. The Certificate programme is two years, the Diploma is two years, while the degree is four years, all of which are aimed at producing quality Christian musicians. The programmes are designed to equip the students with various Christian musical skills, worked out in the context of a theological framework that builds on the rich musical heritage of the Christ Apostolic Church faith.

The Programmes / Entry Requirements

i. Certificate Programme:

The purpose of the Certificate in Christian Music programme is to give fundamentals of Christian music education to desiring candidates within two years. The programme is designed to equip the students with musical skills, and skills in worship leading in an African setting, worked out in the context of a theological framework that builds on the rich musical heritage of the Christian faith. Candidates who successfully complete the course will be qualified for entry into the Diploma programme in Christian music once the basic qualifications are met.

Entry Requirements:

All applicants to the Department must first fulfil the general prerequisites of the Seminary. However, specific admission requirements are as follows:

  • WASC or SSCE or GCE or NECO (O/L) with a minimum of three (3) credit level passes and at least a pass in English Language obtained at not more than two sittings; or
  • Grade II Teachers’ Certificate with a minimum of three merit passes and at least a pass in the English Language.

ii. Diploma Programme:

The purpose of the Diploma in Christian Music programme is to give fundamentals of church music education to desiring candidates within two years. The programme is designed to equip the students with musical skills, and skills in worship leading in an African setting, worked out in the context of a theological framework that builds on the rich musical heritage of the Christian faith. Candidates who successfully complete the course will be qualified for direct entry admission into the degree programme in church music.

Entry Requirements:

All applicants to the Department must first fulfil the general prerequisites of the Seminary. However, specific admission requirements are as follows:

  • WASC or SSCE or GCE or NECO (O/L) with a minimum of four (4) credit level passes and at least a pass in the English Language obtained at not more than two sittings; or
  • Grade II Teachers’ Certificate with a minimum of four (4) merit passes and at least a pass in the English Language.

iii. Bachelors’ Degree

The purpose ofBachelor’s Degreein Christian Music is to lay solid foundation for would-be teachers and leaders in Christian music at the Baccalaureate level. At the end of the programme, the products should have got enough practical skills with sound theoretical and theological principles that underlie Christian church music practice. The programme also prepares candidates for Postgraduate studies.

Entry Requirements:

All applicants to the Department must first fulfil the general prerequisites of the Seminary. However, specific admission requirements are as follows:

  • WASC or SSCE or GCE or NECO (O/L) with a minimum of five (5) credit level passes including English Language or six level passes at two sittings including English Language, four of which must be passed in one sitting.
  • Two GCE (AL) papers and three GCE or NECO (O/L) credit passes including English Language provided that no subject shall be counted at both ordinary and advanced levels.
  • Diploma in Christian Music (Dip. CM) with five credit passes including English Language at WASC or SSCE or GCE or NECO (O/L) to be passed as in ii(a) above, except a candidate had Division One Diploma Certificate. Credit may be given for above-average post-secondary theological studies.
  • NCE with a major in Music with a minimum of Merit plus either:
  • Three credit level passes as in ii(b) above, or
  • Grade II Teachers’ Certificate with a minimum of five (5) merit level passes,including English Language.

Credit may be given for some NCE work in Music subject to a critical evaluation of the candidate’s transcript of academic records and to passing a proficiency test in Music.

Proficiency Training

The department also offers special proficiency musical training for Children and adults (5 years and above) every summer during which interested enrollees can learn the rudiments of music and any musical instrument of their choice.