Many Christian colleges and universities require church music majors to take courses concerning the history of music in the church. Music history courses discuss the evolution of music's role in the church and how church music impacts the modern world. Types of instruments used during the Old Testament period and genres of Gregorian choir chants are also analyzed in church music history courses. Often times, classes will sing historic church hymnals as an exercise.
Courses in music theory informs students on how music operates. This course covers studies on the fundamentals of music such as pitch -- the lowness or highness of a sound -- scales, which is the progression of musical notes, melody, harmony and rhythm. Music theory classes for church music may discuss the theological or psychological reasoning for using certain music fundamentals. Some Church Music degrees require taking two or three classes on music theory.
In music terms, a conductor is a director who navigates a choir during a performance with arm gestures. This direction is a chief responsibility for church music ministers, especially if they are in charge of large church choirs. Conducting classes teach students the meaning of each arm gesture and the proper techniques for helping choir members follow these gestures. Most church music majors must take this course, regardless if their career goal is to become a music minister.
Courses in music ministry informs students on the principles and development of music in a church ministry. Theses courses also cover how a music ministry's administration functions, budgetary control and the importance of healthy staff relationships within the ministry. Other topics discussed in music ministry courses include the selection process of musicians into the ministry and learning how to collaborate with a church's pastor on which music to play for a specific service.
Many church music degrees offer courses for students who want to pursue a career in children's music ministry. These courses allow students to learn how conduct for children and organizing children choir concerts. Also, some churches have music programs for the children in its congregations. Children music programs provide rudimentary lessons on how to play instruments and sing from music lead sheets.