Classical Liberal Arts Music Track

Introduction

The Music Track of the Classical Liberal Arts Major offers instruction and experience in music that stand on the solid foundation of the liberal arts core. With the sound classical training of the CLA Major, CLA Music students will be equipped to steward their gifts and abilities well as they receive further instruction in music history, theory, and philosophy. To this end, PHC has developed the J.S. Bach Music Leadership Scholarship, seeking to enable talented leaders and musicians as they pursue guidance for stewarding their gifts and abilities as students of Patrick Henry College. While not exclusively given to CLA Music students, this scholarship is targeted for students who are devoted to participation in musical ensembles and the development of their skills in music during their time at PHC. The addition of music classes to the course offering is not exclusive—students from any major may register for music courses as open electives to sharpen their abilities and grow in understanding as they concurrently pursue an alternate field of study.

Students who choose to study under the track will receive a robust foundation in history, philosophy, biblical studies, literature, a classical language, and the distinctive Biblical Worldview and Pedagogy course sequence. Our music faculty teaches courses such as Aural Skills, Music Theory, Conducting, Music Pedagogy, and Arts and Worship in the Church. These courses, as well as participation in an ensemble and applied music study, may go toward the degree requirements of the CLA-Music Track.

A Word from the Director

“This program is one of the most exciting offerings at Patrick Henry College.  It expands upon the best of what makes PHC distinctive -- its core curriculum -- and provides Biblical, practical, and philosophical foundations of how and why people learn, in addition to an excellent music curriculum, which is more robust than many music minors offered at other colleges.”
  ~Dr. Steven McCollum, Director of Music

Admission and Objectives

Due to the rigor of the course work, admission into the Music Track requires some significant pre-college musical experience.  Interested students should have had some experience learning an applied musical skill (piano, voice, various instruments, etc.) and have the ability to read music.  If you have questions about this issue, please contact the Director of Music at PHC for clarification.  Our objective is to equip skilled musical leaders who serve their communities with distinction through the study of component parts of the musical enterprise.

CLA Objectives:

• Improve research, writing, and speaking skills.
• Understand the function of the liberal arts as a means of transmitting knowledge in the Western tradition.
• Understand the role of the liberal arts in the formation of a Christian worldview.
• Develop a Biblical view of the unity of knowledge across the various disciplines of the liberal arts.
• Articulate a thorough integration of faith and learning.

To see the degree requirements, click on the following link:  Bachelor of Arts in Classical Liberal Arts: Music Track.