Date of Award
12-2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Music
Department
School of Music
First Advisor
Dr. Samantha Inman
Second Advisor
Dr. Stephen Lias
Third Advisor
Dr. Scott LaGraff
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Samuel Ng
Abstract
Music is indispensable to Christian worship services, and pop/rock-influenced contemporary worship music (CWM) serves an important role in modern worship. This thesis explores strategies for arranging CWM for a cappella settings by comparing the originals with two a cappella arrangements: one intended for group performance and the other for congregational worship. This will be accomplished through examining the following five songs: “Hymn of Heaven,” “Raise a Hallelujah,” “Build Your Kingdom Here,” “Psalm 34 (Taste and See),” and “Battle Belongs.” Analysis of elements such as form, texture, harmony, and rhythm reveals many arranging techniques. The songs are categorized by the level to which the arrangements differ from the original. Comparing the arrangements reveals which techniques may produce which type of arrangement. The analyses also highlight techniques employed by performance groups extending beyond what is available for congregational worship. These findings underscore the creative potential and flexibility available for a cappella arrangements.
Repository Citation
Cox, Ashley S., "Sing a New Song: Analyzing A Cappella Arrangements of Contemporary Worship Music" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 587.
https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/587
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Included in
Christian Denominations and Sects Commons, Composition Commons, Liturgy and Worship Commons, Music Theory Commons
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