MU5001 Making Music in a Church Context
Academic year
2025 to 2026 Semester 2
Curricular information may be subject to change
Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.
Key module information
SCOTCAT credits
30
SCQF level
SCQF level 11
Availability restrictions
This module is restricted to students on the MLItt in Sacred Music, except with the permission of the module coordinator.
Planned timetable
Seminar day= Thursday (11-1pm)
Module Staff
Dr Michael Ferguson, Dr Tom Wilkinson, Ms Claire Innes-Hopkins, Dr Michael Downes, Dr Bede Williams, Professor Sir James MacMillan
Module description
This module invites students to reflect upon the practical role of a church musician in its different facets and contexts. In exploring roles such as choir director, organist, composer, and worship ensemble leader, students gain a better understanding of the technical, organisational, and interpersonal skills required for successful church music-making. Attention will also be given to the skills required to research appropriate repertoire. Shared weekly seminars with specialist church music practitioners allow all students to engage critically with the different types of church musician. Small group, specialist teaching will allow theoretical insight to be developed alongside practice-based competency.
Assessment pattern
Coursework = 40%, Examination = 60%
Re-assessment
Coursework = 40%, Examination = 60%
Learning and teaching methods and delivery
Weekly contact
2-hour seminar (11 weeks), 1-hour practical (11 weeks)
Scheduled learning hours
33
Guided independent study hours
253
MU5001 Making Music in a Church Context
Academic year
2026 to 2027 Semester 2
Curricular information may be subject to change
Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.
Key module information
SCOTCAT credits
30
SCQF level
SCQF level 11
Availability restrictions
This module is restricted to students on the MLItt in Sacred Music, except with the permission of the module coordinator.
Planned timetable
Seminar day= Thursday (11-1pm)
Module Staff
Dr Michael Ferguson, Dr Tom Wilkinson, Ms Claire Innes-Hopkins, Dr Michael Downes, Dr Bede Williams, Professor Sir James MacMillan
Module description
This module invites students to reflect upon the practical role of a church musician in its different facets and contexts. In exploring roles such as choir director, organist, composer, and worship ensemble leader, students gain a better understanding of the technical, organisational, and interpersonal skills required for successful church music-making. Attention will also be given to the skills required to research appropriate repertoire. Shared weekly seminars with specialist church music practitioners allow all students to engage critically with the different types of church musician. Small group, specialist teaching will allow theoretical insight to be developed alongside practice-based competency.
Assessment pattern
Coursework = 40%, Examination = 60%
Re-assessment
Coursework = 40%, Examination = 60%
Learning and teaching methods and delivery
Weekly contact
2-hour seminar (11 weeks), 1-hour practical (11 weeks)
Scheduled learning hours
33
Guided independent study hours
253
Intended learning outcomes
- By the end of the module, students will have deepened their understanding of the role of a present-day church musician in its different facets and contexts.
- By the end of the module, students will have developed technical skills as a church musician and/or researcher, including those of live presentation and performance.
- By the end of the module, students will be able to critically reflect upon the issues relating specifically to their chosen specialism, in verbal and written form.
- By the end of the module, students will be able to consider church music-making outside of their specialist area, and to relate this to their chosen specialism.