Courses

Group work in the fundamentals of good singing, including breathing and posture, tone, pronunciation, repertoire, interpretation and stage presence are covered in this class. Students gain practical experience by singing several solos for a grade. Prerequisite: None

Developing listening skills and a basic understanding of Western music through the study of music literature. Students will be introduced to the basic instruments, structures, forms, and composers from the major style periods, with emphasis on the music from 1600-1950. Prerequisite: None

A continuation of Music Theory 2, this course continues a study of music theory from the church musicians’ point of view, but introduces more complex harmonic vocabulary and the complex ideas associated with modulation and their implications for both arrangers and analysts. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 131 with a grade of a “C” or higher, and MU 133; Corequisite: MU 223

This course explores the technological side of music and music ministry, exploring the characteristics of sound, acoustics, MVAI composing, sound engineering, sound systems, and the accompanying software for these activities. A brief introduction is given for the major software companies such as Finale, ProTools, and Sibelius. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 131 with a grade of a “C” or higher, and MU 133; Recommended corequisite: MU 221

A continuation of Music Theory 3, this course covers advanced work in part writing, analysis, arranging, composition, and music typesetting for the church musician. Introductory concepts for orchestration are also included. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 221 with a grade of a “C” or higher, and MU 223; Corequisite: MU 233

This course is a continuation of the musicianship courses accompanying music theory. This course focuses on developing key technical and analytical skills on the keyboard coordinated with the curriculum of Music Theory 4. These skills include, but are not limited to, playing from a lead sheet, playing from a figured bass, and properly voicing chords. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 221 and MU 223 ; Corequisite: MU 231

The West Coast Choir and Orchestra is an audition group made up of students from all programs of study. In it, you will form a community of performers and artists, sing incredible and challenging music in worship, participate in various activities and events, record on the new college album, and serve a variety of musical functions throughout the school year. Auditions happen once a semester. New members and first year members have an entrance and an exit audition before and after their first year in the choir. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

The West Coast Choir (WCC) is an audition choir made up of students from all programs of study. In it, you will form a community of performers and artists, sing incredible and challenging music in worship, participate in various activities and events, record on the new college album, and serve a variety of musical functions throughout the school year. Auditions happen once a semester. New members and first year members have an entrance and an exit audition before and after their first year in the choir. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

The West Coast Choir (WCC) is an audition choir made up of students from all programs of study. In it, you will for a community of performers and artists, sing incredible and challenging music in worship, participate in various activities and events, record on the new college album, and serve a variety of musical functions throughout the school year. Auditions happen once a semester. New members and first year members have an entrance and an exit audition before and after their first year in the choir. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

This course is a survey of the major historical trends that have defined Western music for the last 2,000 years. Through the study of music literature, students will be introduced to composers, music terminology, the basic structures, forms, and instrumentation and performance practices from the major style periods. Prerequisite: EN 102 and MU 202

An introduction to the fundamentals of vocal/physical anatomy, acoustics, and diction, with an emphasis on materials, methods, and procedures used in teaching basic principles of vocal production for both individuals and groups. Course will include regular listening and singing exercises, readings, in-class demonstrations, and presentations. Students will observe voice classes and private lessons. Prerequisite: EN 102, MU 150, and MU 431

This course introduces the student to the art and mechanics of choral conducting. The course explores the basic conducting patterns, left hand technique, non-verbal communication, leadership, musical terminology, expressive gestures, and score study. This course will develop important conducting techniques necessary for choir directors and congregational song leaders in local church ministry. Prerequisite: None

This course explores the essentials of choral rehearsal and performance, the role of the conductor in both, the effective use of rehearsal technique, the identification and correction of vocal faults, and the communicating of musical concepts to a volunteer choir with little or no formal music training. Prerequisite: MU 315 with a grade of a “C” or higher

Students in these traveling ensembles represent West Coast Baptist College in local churches around the country. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

This class is devoted to the profession of teaching students to play the piano. Various aspects of the profession are covered, from the practical (advertising, acquiring students, business practices) to the specific (teaching beginning students, surveys of several piano methods, technique and musicality). Prerequisite: EN 102, MU 121, 122, 131, and 132

This course is designed to help students learn principles of teaching elementary music in a classroom arena as well as how to prepare lesson plans and educational objectives. Students will teach sample lessons. Confidence in the classroom is emphasized in this course. Prerequisite: EN 102; 64 credits earned

Students in the music department are required to participate in a performing group every semester during their studies. The student may choose to continue with the West Coast Choir and Orchestra to fulfill this credit. Otherwise, the student will be assigned with a performance group that will meet throughout the semester for rehearsal, development, and performance. Admission to this course is at the discretion of the Music Department. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

This course is designed to expose students to the variety of genres related to “sacred” music history. While not occupying too much time on historical events, this course will examine historical musical pieces from the early church to the present. The main activities will be musical listening, analysis and function for worship. Prerequisite: EN 102

This course explores the biblical teachings about music and worship and equips the Christian leader with the critical thinking, reasoning, and communication skills necessary to form a biblical philosophy of worship. Students will engage in a variety of readings and critiques as they explore difficult questions surrounding the topic of music and worship in the church music setting. Prerequisite: EN 102

This course explores various composition and arranging techniques relevant to church music. Students will engage in stylistic analysis of both classical and modern forms, moving from analysis to style-specific arranging. Additionally, students will engage in “from scratch” composition in a variety of vocal formats. This course requires a working knowledge of Finale or other notational software and/or MIDI sequencing software. This course should not be attempted until successful completion of Music Theory 1-4. Prerequisite: EN 102, MU 231, and MU 233

This course explores various composition and arranging techniques relevant to church music, particularly for instrumental music. The course will cover all the orchestral instruments, ranges, dynamic ranges, and any pertinent information relevant to the composition process. This course requires a working knowledge of Finale or other notational software and/or MIDI sequencing software. This course should not be attempted until successful completion of Music Theory 1-4 and Arranging and Composition. Prerequisite: EN 102, MU 231, and MU 233

Lessons will be tailored to the individual ability of the student. Alternate course codes for registration are as follows: MU 141, MU 142, MU 241, MU 242, MU 341, and MU 342. A fee of $264 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

Private voice lessons give students the opportunity to receive individual, personalized instruction in solo vocal performance. Half hour weekly lessons will include segments on scales and other exercises, breathing and posture, tone, pronunciation, repertoire, and music study and rehearsal skills. Students will demonstrate their progress with presentations during the Vocal Performance Class. Alternate course codes for registration are as follows: MU 161, MU 162, MU 261, MU 262, MU 361, MU 362. A fee of $264 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MU 150

These courses explore the pedagogical approaches to each of the four instrument groups, two per semester. The first semester covers string and woodwinds. The second semester covers brass and percussion. Students will have the opportunity to perform on different instruments from each group, focusing on important technical and pedagogical approaches relevant to school bands, orchestras, and instrumental ensembles. Prerequisite: EN 102

These courses explore the pedagogical approaches to each of the four instrument groups, two per semester. The first semester covers string and woodwinds. The second semester covers brass and percussion. Students will have the opportunity to perform on different instruments from each group, focusing on important technical and pedagogical approaches relevant to school bands, orchestras, and instrumental ensembles. Prerequisite: EN 102

This course functions as the seventh required semester of private lessons. As opposed to jury requirements, the student uses this semester solely to prepare for the Senior Music Recital, given in the same semester this course is taken. All the guidelines, fees, and schedule requirements related to Private music lessons apply equally to the Senior Music Recital course. A fee of $264 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Private Piano 6 or Private Voice 6; 96 credits earned

This course is the first of two capstone courses for the Church Music program and covers a variety of topics related to church music and worship leadership. In addition to the helpful discussions, each student will serve a sort of internship in the music departments of WCBC and Lancaster Baptist Church for a certain number of hours per semester. Prerequisite: EN 102, MU 131, MU 133, MU 150, and MU 316

This course is a continuation of the Church Music program capstone course, Church Music Seminar 1 and covers a variety of topics related to church music and worship leadership. In addition to the helpful discussions, each student will serve a sort of internship in the music departments of WCBC and Lancaster Baptist Church for a certain number of hours per semester. Prerequisite: EN 102 and MU 481

This course is a prerequisite to the music education program capstone course, Music Education Seminar 2. This course covers a variety of topics related to music education and educational leadership. Students will examine current scholarship and issues in music education. In addition to the helpful discussions, each student will observe music classes at Lancaster Baptist School and/or approved external locations in preparation for the teaching portion of Music Education Seminar 2. Prerequisite: EN 102, MU 131, MU 133, MU 150, MU 316, and MU 368

This course is a capstone course covering a variety of topics related to music education and educational leadership. Students will examine current scholarship and issues in music education. In addition to the helpful discussions, each student will teach in general and specific music classes as part of Lancaster Baptist School and Antelope Valley Music Academy or other approved Christian school(s) for a certain number of hours each semester. A fee of $15 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: EN 102 and MU 491

Lessons will be tailored to the individual ability of the student. A fee of $264 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

Private voice lessons give students the opportunity to receive individual, personalized instruction in solo vocal performance. Half hour weekly lessons will include segments on scales and other exercises, breathing and posture, tone, pronunciation, repertoire, and music study and rehearsal skills. Students will demonstrate their progress with presentations during the Vocal Performance Class. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MU 150

This course is a class required for all freshmen as they enter school. It teaches students skills regarding study habits, character, library and reading skills, personal devotions, Bible memorization, and prayer. It is designed to help the student adjust from high school to college life here at West Coast. Prerequisite: None

This course is taught by Dr. Chappell to equip young men for the work of local church ministry. Students will gain both biblical and practical insights in areas such as Baptist church planting, discipleship, contemporary theology, servant leadership, staff training, and the administration of local church work. Prerequisite: None

This course looks at one of Israel’s greatest kings. From his life, principles are drawn to help us become people “after God’s own heart.” Prerequisite: None

This course looks at the life and times of the Apostle Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, and his journey from persecutor of the church to preacher and prisoner for Christ. Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to help the individual student be an effective witness for the Lord. Instruction will be given on how to reach the lost with the gospel. Students will be required to memorize key verses for bringing sinners to Christ and giving them biblical assurance of salvation. Every student must participate in the TEAM soulwinning program of Lancaster Baptist Church. Prerequisite: None

This course looks at the life and times of Joseph who was the favored son, but also the hated brother. Students will study the life of a man of integrity and forgiveness. Prerequisite: None

This course is an introduction to music in a church worship service. Students will learn the basics of song leading as well as platform technique. Prerequisite: None

This course explores the theological roots of effective leadership. The student will examine major leadership theories through a biblical lens. Special emphasis will be given to leadership lessons from the life and ministry of Jesus. Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to teach students about 600 signs to allow them to communicate with the Deaf. Students will also sign a song, story, Bible lesson, and the gospel. Prerequisite: None

This course is a continuation of PT 201. Students will learn how to better communicate with the Deaf using the tools from PT 201 as a foundation, “how to sign like the Deaf.” This will help the signer be more effective in communicating with the Deaf. Students will converse much and present projects in American Sign Language. Prerequisite: PT 201

Building upon the basic principles of Bible interpretation, this class will teach students how to create Bible messages. Students will learn how to write sermons that have purpose, textual integrity, unity, and clarity. Prerequisite: BI 291

This course is tailored for educators and missionaries. It covers topics ranging from medical emergencies in the classroom to common injuries and ailments. The training in conducting an interview with a patient and doing a basic physical exam will help the student in gospel presentations and counseling scenarios. Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to prepare ministerial candidates for the practical areas of the local church ministry as it discusses professionalism as a Christian, as a leader, and as a ministry staff member. Lectures and class notes will prove to be beneficial for future use in the ministry. Prerequisite: None

This course provides the student with the biblical ingredients to a godly marriage and family. It will attempt to provide the student with the discernment needed to be able to provide a biblical balance in his family life and ministry. Prerequisite: None

This course provides the basic tools required to prepare, organize, and communicate effectively the Word of God. Each student will be given the opportunity to practice delivering sermons in the classroom. Prerequisite: BI 291 and EN 102

This course is a continuation of PT 321 which emphasizes the proper interpretation of a passage and delivery of the message. Homiletics II concludes the material introduced in PT 321 with an emphasis on expository preaching and technique, Biblical genres, contextualization, and preaching to a postmodern audience. Prerequisite: BI 291, PT 292, and PT 321

This course is an advanced course dealing with special types of sermons for special occasions, holidays, and other specific settings. An emphasis will be placed upon practical application and development of introductions, conclusions, and illustrations. Instruction will be given on how to give invitations. Prerequisite: BI 291, PT 292, and PT 321

Building upon the basic principles of Bible interpretation, this class will teach students how to create Bible lessons. Students will learn how to write lessons that have purpose, textual integrity, unity, and clarity. Prerequisite: BI 291, EN 102