Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Dismantles Church Music Studies | Jonathan Aigner

In response to yesterday’s post about the dismantling of the music program at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, there were a few comments expressing hope that, at least, the once-prominent School of Church Music at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary was still offering legitimate church music studies.That is apparently not the case, according to multiple sources close to the situationFull-time faculty positions have been reduced from 11 to 5. (Update: Most music specialists are gone. This includes Distinguished Professor of Music Theory and Campus Organist Jerry Aultman, who was nearing retirement age. A Go Fund Me has been established to help Professor Aultman and his wife with major expenses.)Personnel who oversaw the destruction of the Southern Seminary music program, Joe Crider and Chuck Lewis, are being brought to Fort Worth to help them overhaul the Southwestern School of Church Music.According to reports, the new president of SWBTS has eliminated all performance degrees and applied concentrations, organ, piano, conducting, voice, and instrumental studies. Students with degrees in progress will be allowed to finish, but no new students will be accepted into these programs. Going forward, all degrees will reportedly have an emphasis in “worship,” with degree plans heavy in Southern Baptist theological studies, the history of Baptist worship, and practicums in ministry administration and small ensemble leadership.

Source: Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Dismantles Church Music Studies | Jonathan Aigner