Master of Arts (M.A.) in Worship & Music
About the programme
Applicants need to attain a bachelor degree from a recognized university; non-music degree graduate must obtain Grade 6 in music theory and Grade 8 in voice or any musical instrument from Royal School of Music or equivalents. Candidates are required to take pre-requisite courses in Music Theory (harmony and form analysis), SSET, Western Music History, and at least two semesters of choral conducting class. This is a two-year course.
Courses
Year 1
Semester 1 | |
---|---|
Courses | Credit Hours |
Old Testament Introduction I
Old Testament Introduction I (3 cr. hrs.)This is an introduction to the historical background of Pentateuch and the “former prophets”. The course covers the old testament canon, the foundations of Israel in the Patriarchal, the conquest and settlement in Canaan by Israelites and reasons for the establishment of the united Monarchy under David and Solomon and the subsequent division into two Kingdoms. |
3 |
Church Music History
Church Music History (3 cr. hrs.)Explore in detail the styles and historical development of church music from Biblical time to Contemporary periods; these include the development of Western, Asian, African and Latin American church music. |
3 |
Christian Spirituality
Christian Spirituality (3 cr. hrs.)This course consists of the basic spiritual disciplines, which include the inward disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting and the outward disciplines of simplicity, submission service, with major emphasis in relationship to God and in personal as well as corporate aspects of the Christian life. |
3 |
Critical Thinking & Presentation
Critical Thinking & Presentation (2 cr. hrs.)This course introduces the basic research methods, strategies and the fundamental skill of writing papers. Critical writing with particular attention to logical fallacy will also be studied. |
2 |
Choral Conducting I
Choral Conducting I (2 cr. hrs.)Develop conducting skills, method of choral singing, analyze the style of music from different periods and from different cultures. |
1 |
Voice/Keyboard | 1 |
MTS Choir I | 1 |
MTS Jubilate I | 1 |
Practicum Seminar I
Practicum Seminar I (1 cr. hrs.)Practical Divinity is an integrated course with the following components:
Field-based component deals with the weekend and Sunday practical ministry in local churches. Non-class area involves campus spiritual activities such as Friday Fasting prayer, chapel time, personal devotion and evangelism work. For class-based portion, students need to attend seminars. These include the introduction to Field Education and other church’s disciplines in line with the field education for the respective years as required by the School. |
1 |
Total Credit Hours | 16 |
Semester 2 | |
---|---|
Courses | Credit Hours |
Old Testament Introduction II
Old Testament Introduction II (3 cr. hrs.)The second part of this introductory course includes a survey of the minor prophetic, wisdom and apocalyptic literatures. The course covers the studies of the divided kingdom; the impart of the dominance of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires on the life and faith of Israelites, the incidents resulting the Exile and thereafter and their restoration before Maccabean War. |
3 |
Exegetical Methods
Exegetical Methods (3 cr. hrs.)This introduces the principles of interpretation with special attention to both the content and context in the interpretation of words and texts in the Bible. Recent theories of interpretation are critically taken into consideration. |
3 |
Theology of Worship
Theology of Worship (3 cr. hrs.)This course is to examine the biblical and theological foundations of worship, and the development of worship in church history to the present day. It also explores the theological implications of the Church Calendar, music, arts and the use of symbols in worship. Furthermore, the students are equipped with the skills of creative worship design and leadership. |
3 |
Hymnology
Hymnology (3 cr. hrs.)Explore the historical development of Christian hymns and explicate the understanding of hymns through.
|
3 |
Choral Conducting II
Choral Conducting II (2 cr. hrs.)Develop the conducting skill, method of choral singing, analyse the style of music from different periods and from different cultures. |
1 |
Voice/Keyboard | 1 |
MTS Choir II | 1 |
MTS Jubilate II | 1 |
Practicum Seminar II
Practicum Seminar II (1 cr. hrs.)Practical Divinity is an integrated course with the following components:
Field-based component deals with the weekend and Sunday practical ministry in local churches. Non-class area involves campus spiritual activities such as Friday Fasting prayer, chapel time, personal devotion and evangelism work. For class-based portion, students need to attend seminars. These include the introduction to Field Education and other church’s disciplines in line with the field education for the respective years as required by the School. |
1 |
Total Credit Hours | 17 |
Year 2
Semester 1 | |
---|---|
Courses | Credit Hours |
New Testament Introduction I
New Testament Introduction I (3 cr. hrs.)This general introductory course covers the historical, political and cultural background of the Jewish people from 168BC to AD135. A comprehensive survey of the four Gospels including authorship, dating crucial issues and with special reference to the life and ministry of Jesus will be studied. |
3 |
Christian Theology I
Christian Theology I (3 cr. hrs.)Systematic theology is the subject studying the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. It will be studied biblically, historically, and contemporarily. This course covers the following areas:
|
3 |
Homiletic
Homiletics (3 cr. hrs.)This introductory course is to study the theory of preaching, including principles of sermon preparation, the nature and content in preaching. Different types of sermons will be prepared and discussed. |
3 |
Worship Design and Leading
Worship Design and Leading (2 cr. hrs.)An in-depth study of worship liturgy ranging from liturgical worship to contemporary and contextual worship, and the students are required to master the skills of designing and leading innovative worships. |
2 |
Choral Conducting III: Anthem/ Oratorio/ Cantata/ Other major choral works I
Choral Conducting III: Anthem/ Oratorio/ Cantata/ Other major choral works I (2 cr. hrs.)Focus on some of the major choral works, anthems, oratorios, and cantatas. Score study, analysis, preparation and conducting will be the main emphasis. |
2 |
Wesleyan Hymns
Wesleyan Hymns (2 cr. hrs.)Explore the theology, musical style, poetry, text-music relationship of Wesleyan Hymn, and the spiritual impetus to contemporary music. |
2 |
Practicum
PracticumStudents will be assigned to local churches to serve in the area of worship: designing worship, choosing and leading congregational songs, conducting choir and accompanying worship. |
/ |
Voice / Keyboard III | 1 |
Choir III | 1 |
MTS Jubilate III | 1 |
Graduation Project I* | 1.5 |
Total Credit Hours | 18 / 19.5 |
Semester 2 | |
---|---|
Courses | Credit Hours |
New Testament Introduction II
New Testament Introduction II (3 cr. hrs.)This course explores the growth of the apostolic church and the life and ministry of Paul. An introduction to Pauline Epistles and other writings of the New Testament, including the background, main themes and critical matters related to the crucial texts will be discussed. |
3 |
Christian Theology II
Christian Theology II (3 cr. hrs.)This course is the last portion of the Christian faith, which covers the following areas:
|
3 |
Church Discipline
Church Discipline (3 cr. hrs.)This introduces the constitution, general rules, social principles, organization and administration and general services of the Methodist Church in Malaysia. |
3 |
Seminar in Music & Liturgy
Seminar in Music & Liturgy (2 cr. hrs.)Study the nature and role of music in liturgical context, its relationship and interconnection of music and liturgy. Students will visit and observe worship services of different traditions. |
2 |
Choral Conducting IV: Anthem/ Oratorio/ Cantata/ Other major choral works II
Choral Conducting IV: Anthem/ Oratorio/ Cantata/ Other major choral works II (2 cr. hrs.)Focus on some of the major choral works, anthems, oratorios, and cantatas. Score study, analysis, preparation and conducting will be the main emphasis. |
2 |
Practicum
PracticumStudents will be assigned to local churches to serve in the area of worship: designing worship, choosing and leading congregational songs, conducting choir and accompanying worship. |
/ |
Choir IV | 1 |
MTS Jubilate IV | 1 |
Recital** | 2 |
Graduation Project II* | 1.5 |
Total Credit Hours | 16.5 / 17 |
Elective: Handbell (1 C/H)
*For Area of Concentration in Music and Liturgy only.
**For Area of Concentration in Voice/Keyboard/Choral conduction only.
General Admission Qualifications
- The applicant must be a born-again Christian. He / she must give evidence of a clear calling to full-time Christian Ministry, and of commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church.
- Qualities of integrity, faithfulness, diligence, sound health, willingness to live a community life and proficiency in languages (English or Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia or Iban) are normally required.
- He / she must prove his / her competence in handling theological studies with appropriate academic records.
- The minimum age of the applicant is 18 years old. Working experience would be an advantage to the applicant.
- Candidates should pass the entrance examinations.
Application and Admission Procedures
- The applicant can obtain an application form from the School, and send it to the School with the following supporting documents:
- A personal testimony of how the applicant becomes a Christian (1000 words)
- A personal statement of reasons of why the applicant goes into theological studies and full-time ministry (1000 words)
- Full academic records / certified copies of school / college / university certificates
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- One recommendation letter (Form obtainable from the school) from the applicant’s church pastor and a letter of recommendation from Local Church Executive Committee.
- A medical report (Form available from the school).
- Completed Application Form should reach the School before 15th September every year (For Malaysian). Overseas Application Form should reach the School before 30th June every year to facilitate the process of visa application.
- Completed application Form should be sent to the School with the following address:
“New Students’ Enrolment”
P.O. Box 78, 96007 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia.
Phone: 084-321409
Email: general@mtssibu.edu.my - Entrance examination and English Test are compulsory for those the School deem fit for admission.
- The School reserves the right to admit or reject any application.
Graduation Requirement
- Students must complete the minimum of 60 credit hours within 2 years.
- Students must obtain minimum GPA of 3.00.