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B.A. in Music: Worship ArtsImpacting the Future
of Global Worship

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Worship Arts Major or Minor

Jesus Christ is at the heart of worship, and it’s no coincidence that He is also at the center of everything we do at Cornerstone University. The worship arts program trains church leaders theologically and musically in the skills necessary to plan and lead worship that invites active participation in the presence of the Lord. Worship arts students graduate with the resolve to serve Christ wholeheartedly and lead congregations across the world with dedication and faithfulness.

All music degrees require an audition for entrance into the program and scholarship eligibility. The audition occurs in the spring semester of the high school senior year or at the conclusion of the freshman fall semester.

Degree Type

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Minor

Format

  • On Campus
  • Residential

Location

  • Grand Rapids

Internships

Cornerstone has partnered with churches large and small across West Michigan to provide internships to our dedicated students. This valuable experience prepares students to lead faithfully and serve wholeheartedly.

Opportunities

  • Caledonia Christian Reformed Church
  • Central Wesleyan Church
  • Christ Memorial Church
  • Highpoint Church's Naperville Campus
  • Tabernacle Community Church

Careers

Worship arts opportunities for our graduates are boundless. You’ll find worship arts graduates across the country and across the world, leading congregations in one voice to worship our God.

Opportunities

  • Church music director
  • Worship leader
  • Worship musician
  • Youth music ministry

90%

Of Communication, Media & Music Division graduates from the class of 2019 were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.

15:1

Student-to-faculty ratio with an average class size of 22.

100%

Of students participate in internship or practicum experiences.

Program Features and
Learning Outcomes

The worship arts program at Cornerstone is designed to inspire your intellect, deepen your character and prepare you to lead in your career with influence and wisdom.

Music Scholarships

Each year, qualified music majors and minors are invited to apply for instrumental or vocal music scholarships. Review our scholarship requirements and audition information to learn more.

Music Ensembles

Cornerstone offers a variety of vocal and instrumental ensembles. Ensembles are just one of the ways our music programs cultivate community among the next generation of musicians, providing opportunities for students to hone their craft together.

Study Abroad Opportunities

As a Cornerstone music student, you will have opportunities to study off-campus in the United States and abroad! Two of our most popular experiences include studying in Nashville, Tennessee, and participating in the international performance tour with our Chorale ensemble.

Alumni Outcomes

Cornerstone music alumni have received honors and opportunities such as:

  • Michigan Competitive Band Association State Champion.
  • Army Band—United State Military Academy and West Point.
  • Top 12 on ABC’s “Rising Star.”
  • RCA Today magazine feature.
  • Several record releases.

Program Learning Outcomes

The worship arts program reflects our commitment to developing students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes in five distinct yet interconnected areas.

Specialized Knowledge

Demonstrate a broad knowledge of musical form, function and performance in a sacred context.

  • Understand basic musicianship skills.
  • Understand capability of form and analysis.
  • Place music in historical, cultural and theological context.
  • Demonstrate rudimentary capacity for composition and improvisation.
  • Use technology within your area of specialization.

Applied Knowledge and Collaborative Learning

Possess instrumental and/or vocal competency and leadership skill to perform individually and lead others in a worship context.

  • Demonstrate technical skills requisite for artistic expression.
  • Understand worship repertory and ability to perform a cross section of it.
  • Demonstrate ability to sight read with fluency.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills sufficient to work as a leader.
  • Demonstrate keyboard competency.
  • Demonstrate collaborative competence through ensemble experience.

Intellectual Skills

Demonstrate your ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.

Civic and Global Learning

Demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues.

Biblical Worldview Integration

Articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues.

Music at Cornerstone

As a music major at Cornerstone, you have the incredible opportunity to perform in ensembles, take lessons in your instrument and even travel the country and the world. Studying music immerses you into your passions and cultivates your God-given gifts. Not only that, but it also opens the door to ceaseless possibilities.

Cornerstone’s worship arts program has encouraged me to diversify my musical skills. Through my training here, I was encouraged to fuse together my training in classical music with newly developed skills in Christian contemporary music, gospel, jazz and Latin American music in order to build bridges between genres in the music world.

Alyssa Kaiser (’21)

Faculty

CU professors are devoted to the success of our students. Select a faculty member to learn more about their campus involvement, research interests and teaching responsibilities.

Related Programs

The Communication, Media & Music Division has several music-related degree options available. Take a look at some of the other programs related to worship arts.

Admissions Office

Contact

F:
616.222.1418

Hours

MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed

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