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B.A. in MusicPraising God Wholeheartedly
Through Music

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Music Major or Minor

Music has been a sacred medium of worship for centuries. At Cornerstone University, our music major prepares musicians to serve wholeheartedly using their God-given gifts. By giving their all as individuals taking lessons and as a group performing in ensembles, our students prepare themselves to become worship leaders, music teachers and composers. Our graduates change the landscape of the music industry and praise God all in one.

All music degrees require an audition for entrance into the program and scholarship eligibility. The audition occurs in the spring semester of the high school senior year or at the conclusion of the freshman fall semester.

Degree Type

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Minor

Format

  • On Campus
  • Residential

Location

  • Grand Rapids

Internships

Our music students intern across West Michigan during their time at Cornerstone. You’ll find Cornerstone interns at churches, symphonies and music centers, living out their purpose and finding new ways to praise God.

Opportunities

  • Calvary Church
  • Christ Memorial Church
  • Frontline Community Church
  • Lakeshore Baptist Church
  • Tabernacle Community Church

Careers

Graduates from Cornerstone’s music program go on to serve as worship leaders in churches, music teachers in schools and private music instructors at home. Their lives are marked by an unwavering devotion to God and their music.

Opportunities

  • Applied music teacher
  • Church musician
  • Community musician

90%

Of Communication, Media & Music Division graduates from the class of 2019 were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.

15:1

Student-to-faculty ratio with an average class size of 22.

100%

Of students participate in internship or practicum experiences.

Program Features and
Learning Outcomes

The music program at Cornerstone is designed to inspire your intellect, deepen your character and prepare you to lead in your career with influence and wisdom.

Music Scholarships

Each year, qualified music majors and minors are invited to apply for instrumental or vocal music scholarships. Review our scholarship requirements and audition information to learn more.

Music Ensembles

Cornerstone offers a variety of vocal and instrumental ensembles. Ensembles are just one of the ways our music programs cultivate community among the next generation of musicians, providing opportunities for students to hone their craft together.

Study Abroad Opportunities

As a Cornerstone music student, you will have opportunities to study off-campus in the United States and abroad! Two of our most popular experiences include studying in Nashville, Tennessee, and participating in the international performance tour with our Chorale ensemble.

Alumni Outcomes

Cornerstone music alumni have received honors and opportunities such as:

  • Michigan Competitive Band Association State Champion.
  • Army Band—United State Military Academy and West Point.
  • Top 12 on ABC’s “Rising Star.”
  • RCA Today magazine feature.
  • Several record releases.

Program Learning Outcomes

The music program reflects our commitment to developing students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes in five distinct yet interconnected areas.

Specialized Knowledge

Demonstrate a broad knowledge of musical form, function and performance.

  • Understand basic musicianship skills.
  • Demonstrate sufficient understanding and capability of form and analysis.
  • Place music in historical and cultural context.
  • Demonstrate rudimentary capacity for composition and improvisation.

Applied Knowledge and Collaborative Learning

Possess instrumental and/or vocal competency to perform individually and collaboratively.

  • Demonstrate technical skills requisite for artistic expression.
  • Understand repertory and ability to perform cross section of it.
  • Demonstrate ability to sight reading with fluency.
  • Demonstrate keyboard competency.
  • Demonstrate collaborative competence through ensemble experience.

Intellectual Skills

Demonstrate your ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.

Civic and Global Learning

Demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues.

Biblical Worldview Integration

Articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues.

Music at Cornerstone

As a music major at Cornerstone, you have the incredible opportunity to perform in ensembles, take lessons in your instrument and even travel the country and the world. Studying music immerses you into your passions and cultivates your God-given gifts. Not only that, but it also opens the door to ceaseless possibilities.

Related Programs

The Communication, Media & Music Division has several music-related degree options available. Take a look at some of the other programs related to music.

Admissions Office

Contact

F:
616.222.1418

Hours

MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed

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