worship

Music for Worship Arts and Ministry, B.A.

Worship leaders are to be individuals who disown self-glory and self-preference and lay down their lives to serve the body of Christ through the mission of facilitating authentic, Spirit-filled, corporate worship in the house of God.

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Program Intro

The call of the worship leader is the call of a servant. CBU's music for worship arts and ministry program emphasizes theological foundations of worship in the church and provides an extensive internship/mentorship program through church plants and influential church bodies nationwide.

75 Units
6 Concentrations
26 Soundproof Practice Rooms on Campus

Why Study Music for Worship Arts and Ministry at CBU?

Learn from worship leaders

CBU’s unique worship program was developed by a team of church and worship industry leaders and has been designed to fully equip the 21st-century worship leader for success in the highly eclectic worship culture of the modern evangelical church. Throughout the program, students lead consistently in local churches and weekly CBU chapels, and also complete a summer internship with a church worship ministry. 

Practice a diverse array of worship styles

As the Church in America attempts to connect with existing and emerging subcultures through worship style, the musical skillset of the worship leader must be increasingly diverse. In addition, today’s worship leader is called upon to incorporate an expansive palate of technical, studio production, and even theatrical elements in each worship experience. CBU’s objective is to prepare future worship leaders to be competent in a multitude of styles—from modern to choir and/or orchestra models, from hymnody and liturgy to multicultural music—equipping them to utilize these eclectic styles individually, or in concert, to create a coherent, unified, and powerful worship experience.

Gain leadership skills

It isn’t enough for the modern worship leader to be a skillful musician or have a strong platform presence. The role requires skills as a leader, pastor, counselor, administrator, motivator, organizer, manager, theologian and communicator. With a strong concentration on personal character, pastoral skills, and professional aptitudes, this program draws from a cross-section of disciplines to prepare students to be strong and wise leaders as they manage resources, projects, and the people the Lord has placed in their sphere of influence.

What You'll Learn

Students in CBU's music for worship arts and ministry bachelor's program will learn to:

Program Details

MUS 332: Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs

A survey of music used for congregational singing studied from perspectives of text and music, history, culture, and practice.

MUS 360: Theology, History and Practice of Worship

This class will study the biblical theology of worship along with a survey of its style and practice in the context of church history.

MUS 364: Songwriting and Commercial Production

Beginning with the fundamentals of song writing and arranging, students will experience the process of commercial music production.

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  • Jazz Studies Concentration 
  • Keyboard Collaborative Arts Concentration 
  • Live Music Production Concentration
  • Songwriting Concentration
  • Studio Production Concentration
  • Worship Tech Concentration

Steven Dahlgren, M.M.

Assistant Professor of Music

Office Phone: 951-343-4706
E-mail: sdahlgren@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Hawkins 222

Makenna Diegelman

I love the community here, and the music faculty. There have been so many opportunities to grow through this program, through our internships and discussions with guest speakers. I hope to glorify God in the best way possible and serve people by spreading Jesus' name through worship in music.

Makenna Diegelman '21

Josh Warren

I have always been passionate about music and worshipping with it. My major is very hands-on, and all the professors are very talented and have been where I want to go.

Josh Warren '21

Beinn-Mhor Stewart

There is a great community within the school that encourages musical growth as well as growth in our spiritual walk. I truly enjoy my professors because they are down to earth and genuine in their desire to support the students under them.

Beinn-Mhor Stewart '20

Career Possibilities

Music for worship arts and ministry majors can apply their field of study to a variety of careers. Some careers listed below may require further education.

  • Songwriter
  • Worship Leader
  • Musician

Related Programs

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Next Steps

Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.