Southern Nazarene University

What you'll study

The curriculum contains significant core music requirements plus emphasis-specific training. Key, documented elements include:

• Commercial Music Production: coursework and hands-on experience in audio engineering, producing, publishing and songwriting; frequent use of the on-campus commercial recording studio; recording and sound-engineering sessions with student groups and guest artists; option for an internship in Nashville.
• Worship Arts: an interdisciplinary blend of courses drawn from music, theology, music business and graphic design; technological training for contemporary church music contexts; required internship hours in churches.
• Music Performance: combination of theory and practice across genres (classical, sacred and secular); studio recording hours; ensemble opportunities such as the U Singers jazz group; choice of Concentration in Vocal, Instrumental or Keyboard performance.
• Instrumental concentration: ensemble and genre diversity, special guitar opportunities (annual days with the Romeros), and access to the Best Semester Program in Nashville.
• Keyboard concentration: hands-on experience with a Bosendorfer Imperial Grand and a Schlicker tracker organ; studio time under a former professional studio owner; Nashville Best Semester option.
• Vocal concentration: vocal jazz ensemble participation (U Singers), performance venues regionally and nationally, and Nashville Best Semester option.

Entry requirements

The published programme text does not specify numeric admissions criteria or audition procedures. Prospective applicants should consult SNU admissions for standard undergraduate entry steps and any performance audition or portfolio requirements.

Career prospects

Documented career pathways for graduates vary by emphasis. Typical outcomes cited include:

• Commercial Music Production: performer, studio musician, songwriter/composer, recording engineer, music producer and other industry roles.
• Worship Arts: music minister roles in churches, independent worship leadership for conferences and related venues.
• Music Performance (Instrumental/Keyboard/Vocal): musician, music teacher, composer, performer, concert pianist, voice coach and other performance- or education-focused careers.
• The programme also notes that many graduates continue into graduate and professional programs at institutions such as Boston Conservatory, SMU and University of Oklahoma.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The source material emphasises close faculty mentoring and networking to help students pursue jobs and further study but does not list specific scholarships or financial awards. Applicants should review SNU’s general scholarship pages and the School of Music admissions office for available merit- or talent-based funding and for guidance on auditions or materials that may affect scholarship consideration.