Date

5-20-2026

Department

School of Music

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Worship (PhD)

Chair

Brenda Widger

Keywords

music education, private music instruction, Christian worship, curriculum design, spiritual formation

Disciplines

Music

Abstract

Private Christian music instruction is designed to develop musicians who grow in both musical skill and spiritual maturity. While this dual purpose is commonly assumed, there is limited research on how private music curricula intentionally integrate biblical theology with structured music pedagogy. Many private music programs focus on technical development, yet few studies explore how faith-based instruction shapes curriculum design, instructional goals, and teaching practices. This qualitative study investigated how instructors and program leaders described their instructional approaches to musical development, theological integration, and spiritual formation within selected private music education providers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with instructors and program leaders from both Christian and secular private music instruction contexts to identify shared practices and key differences. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify patterns in instructional priorities, curricular structure, and educational values. This study aimed to fill a gap in the literature by providing a framework for faith-integrated private music instruction, offering insights into how Christian private music programs are distinctly oriented through intentional spiritual integration that attends to both musical growth and biblical formation.

Download

Included in

Music Commons

Share

COinS