Program Overview
There’s no better place to grow as a musician and worshiper than Music City. From leading or writing worship music to serving on a tech team, our faculty experts will prepare you for a career in the worship arts.
We've designed this program to shape our students into creative, well-grounded artists able to craft and lead authentic worship experiences. We don't promote a particular style of worship, but our instructors are successful worship leaders, songwriters and producers who are ready to mentor you. We're committed to your success.
You'll have the unique opportunity for hands-on training with Nashville professionals. And you'll be using the most current music and media resources available. When you graduate, you'll be ready to serve in a wide variety of ministry and employment opportunities. As you train, you'll have access to our studios, the Sound Emporium and Commercial House, as well as The Well Coffeehouse's Black River Stage.
When you graduate, you’ll do so confident and ready to serve in a variety of ministry and employment opportunities.
Admissions Requirements
As a student choosing to pursue either a major or minor in music or a worship ministry major at Lipscomb University, you will be required to complete a performance audition and a music theory placement exam. A music scholarship audition may meet this audition requirement, or you may play or sing for the music faculty prior to the end of your first semester.
The theory placement exam is given during the summer when you come for your ADVANCE session. The theory faculty use the exam to determine which beginning theory class (Fundamentals of Music or Music Theory I) will provide the most appropriate placement.
Courses
Pending program approval by the National Association of Schools of Music.
The Worship Arts degree is shared by the College of Bible and Ministry and the School of Music. Administration and advising for the degree are in the School of Music.
Courses
Worship core, 19 hours
- WA 1013 - Worship and the Arts
- WA 2303 - The Complete Worship Leader (3) F
- WA 2313 - Worship Design and Practice (3) SP Offered odd-numbered years
- WA 3013 - Technology for Worship
- MU 3403 - History of Church Music (3) SP Offered even-numbered years
- WA 0110 - Worship Arts Forum
- WA 3211 - Worship Arts Practicum
- WA 4211 - Worship Technology Practicum
- WA 4992 - Worship Arts Internship and Capstone
Bible Core, 15 hours
- BI 2283 - Explorations in Ministry
- BI 3203 - God, Creation, and New Creation
- BI 3813 - A Theology of the Church
- BI 4503 - Old Testament Interpretation
- BI 4513 - New Testament Interpretation
- The general education language requirement may be satisfied by GR 1515, GR 1525, HB 1515, HB 1525 or any of the modern languages.
Music Core, 20 hours
- MU 1133 - Theory I
- MU 1143 - Theory II
- MU 1111 - Aural Skills I
- MU 1121 - Aural Skills II
- WA 3113 - Arranging and Songwriting for Worship
- MU 1511 - Voice
- MU 4612 - Conducting
- MU 4020 - Piano Proficiency
- MU 4030 - Guitar Proficiency
- Appropriate ensemble per advisor, 6 semesters (1 hour each semester)
- Class or private guitar or piano (MU 17x1 or MU 16x1) as needed to pass proficiencies
Recommended Electives
- BI 2223 - Marriage and the Christian Home
- BI 2713 - The Story of Global Christianity
- FICM 1703 - Film Production Workshop
- FICM 412V - Career Creativity
- MU 3013 - Jazz and Pop Music Theory
- CMU 1013 - Introduction to the Music Industry
- MU 4622 - Choral Conducting and Literature (Offered odd-numbered years)
- Additional Private Lessons up to 4 hours (one hour each semester)
