Performance
The Bachelor of Music in Performance degree is a professional degree program containing approximately two-thirds music coursework and one-third general studies.
Students who pursue a major in performance are gifted individuals who have a passion for revealing Christ’s creation through the means of musical artistry.
"As the senior faculty member in the Music Division, I have seen many changes over the years. One thing that remains constant, however, is the attitude of students and faculty. We are here with the common purpose of offering our musical gifts -- individually and collectively -- as an act of worship to God. It is a joy for me to be part of such a community!”
Peter Van Dessel
Director of keyboard studies
Division of Music
Meet the Performance Faculty
Degree: Bachelor of Music
- What can I do with this major?
A graduate with this degree will typically obtain a performance job and/or engage in private lesson pedagogy in the community. Many performance students attend graduate school and eventually become professors at colleges or universities and/or performers with orchestras or opera companies.
Orchestral Musician
Solo Performer
Church Musician
Private Studio Lesson Teacher
Professional Accompanist
Opera Performer
College/University Professor (graduate school track)
- Why choose Performance at Cornerstone?
Faculty Commitment
The Music Division faculty is committed to helping our students achieve excellence – both musically and academically. The faculty also develops caring and compassionate mentoring relationships with many of our students. This combination of excellence in the classroom and genuine attention outside the classroom significantly contributes to the personal and professional success of our students.
Technology
The Music Division has well-equipped midi and keyboard labs with up-to-date music software. In addition, music students have access to our Communication and Media Studies Division’s new Production Center which includes a recording room and over a dozen audio and video editing facilities.
Touring Groups (Credo, CU Brass, Red Letter Edition)
Cornerstone is committed to serving the local church and surrounding community. Our touring groups play a vital role in this mission and provide excellent opportunities for real-life performance experience in a variety of settings.
- Interesting classes I may take?
Music History and Literature
Orchestration and Arranging
Pedagogy (in performance area)
Advanced Choral and Instrumental Conducting
Large Choral and Instrumental Ensembles
Chamber Music
- What internships or partnerships are available with this program?
- Possible internships include working with the Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Opera or other professional performance organizations or teaching private lessons. Many students serve as interns in worship and creative arts departments in churches, at local recording studios and production facilities or with other para-church ministry organizations.
- What are grads doing now?
Karis Crawford ’06, Instrumental Performance
Director of Music, St. Andrews Prep School, Kenya
Sarah Baker Brown ’06, Voice Performance
Professional Singer for Opera Grand Rapids
Ramiro Ramirez ‘84
Artistic Director at Centro Nacional de la Musica, Costa Rica
John Michniewicz ‘88
Assistant Professor of Music at Sacred Heart University, Conn.
Jason Werkema ‘94
Chair of the Music Department at Grace Bible College, Mich.
