Date

5-20-2026

Department

School of Music

Degree

Doctor of Music Education (DME)

Chair

Dan Galen Hodges, Jr.

Keywords

Christian education, music education, administrative support, sustainability, fine arts leadership, faith-based schools, qualitative case study, mission alignment

Disciplines

Education | Music

Abstract

This study examined the impact of administrative structures in K–12 Christian schools on the sustainability of music education programs and the degree to which those programs align with the school’s mission. Many faith-based schools saw music as a formative part of education, yet they struggled to sustain consistent programs because of limited funding, small staffs, and uneven curricula. Through a qualitative, applied multiple–case study design, this research explored how theology, leadership, and institutional systems work together to build sustainable music programs. The researcher collected data through semi-structured interviews and document analysis from Christian schools representing classical, contemporary, and hybrid models. The study examined administrative trends that shape music education in both positive and negative ways, with an emphasis on the effects of fine arts leadership, scheduling, and institutional philosophy. The ultimate goal was to develop a scalable framework for sustainable music education in Christian schools, emphasizing mission alignment, consistent leadership roles, and strategic resource planning. The resulting model aimed to provide practical guidance for Christian educators and administrators seeking to strengthen programs that honor theological convictions while meeting educational and institutional standards.

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