Worship Leadership
Bachelor of Music in Worship Leadership
The Worship Leadership major is a perfect fit for students who love music and feel called to use their talents in church music ministry. This program will prepare you for a music ministry position, such as choir director, orchestra director or worship music leader. It is also a good track for a student who intends to pursue graduate studies in music.
The Evangel University Department of Music is vitally interested in the spiritual, academic, social and aesthetic development of every student. The purpose of the department is to provide an excellent musical education that is thoroughly integrated with the university’s emphasis on the development of strong Christian character. Within this framework, students are required to grapple with new intellectual, musical, aesthetic, social, ethical and technological challenges.
The Department of Music’s objectives are:
- To bring a breadth of stimulating intellectual experiences in music that will challenge each student to become a thinking and disciplined person responsive and sensitive to the needs of society.
- To encourage the search for the good and the beauty in music through formal study and consistent exposure to a variety of fine aesthetic experiences.
- To acquaint students with the physical properties of sound, the theoretical aspects of music found in nature, and the compositional procedures developed from universal natural principles.
These objectives are realized by means of a well-established music curriculum, a highly trained music faculty and many varied performance opportunities.
The Department of Music is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Missouri Association of Departments and Schools of Music. Courses and degree plans are designed to satisfy requirements of these accrediting agencies.
Program Plan (pdf) |
Want to see exactly what classes you will take? The Program Plan (sometimes called a degree sheet) includes all specific requirements - including University proficiencies, Frameworks courses and degree requirements. |
Each of Evangel's academic programs is made up of a set of core curriculum, program requirements and electives. The courses listed below are just a small sample of courses that might be taken as a part of this specific program.
| Worship Leadership | Contemporary issues in Pentecostal worship in the context of biblical-theological foundations, historical development in the Christian tradition, and expression in the local church. A hands-on practical approach includes working with worship teams, instrumental accompaniments, worship literature, and multimedia. Emphasis is given to the worship leaders spiritual preparation and relationships with the pastoral and church staffs. |
| Church Music Administration |
A study of the philosophy, organization, leadership and resources for using music in the ministry of the local church. Emphasis on criteria for leadership, music in ministry, congregational singing , graded choir programs, the copyright law, and service planning. |
| Music Theory I-III | The elements of music, including scales and keys, intervals and chords, and rhythmic and pitch aspects of music notation, along with introductory experiences at the keyboard and in sight singing. |
| Internships in Local Churches | Allows students to gain "hands on" experience in church music ministry with the opportunity to turn theory into practice. |
| Performing Ensembles | The Music Department offers an array of relevant and inspiring musical experiences for students. Our ensembles serve to sharpen musical skills, satisfy creative impulses, and provide valuable performing experience. |
Evangel University's world-class faculty is made up of caring, Christian professionals who are distinguished in their fields and dedicated to the development of tomorrow's Christian leaders.
Dr. Michael Kolstad: Music Department chairperson
Dr. Michael Kolstad is chairman of the Music Department and professor of low brass at Evangel University. A 1988 graduate of Evangel, Kolstad earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in trombone performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. During his tenure at Evangel, he has made significant contributions in the music field, not [...]
read moreEvangel's academic programs are designed specifically to prepare you for a career in the real world. But it's more than just job preparation; it's preparing you to make a full impact in your profession through the unique combination of faith and learning. Here are some of the professions this degree would prepare you for:
- Music Pastor
- Worship Leader
- Graduate School
Students must first be accepted to the university before applying for admission to the Music Program. Students who wish to be admitted as a music major should have some experience reading and performing music. The admission requirements for the Department of Music include the following:
| Audition | An audition in the primary area of study (voice, keyboard or instrumental). Pianists and instrumentalists will demonstrate proficiency on scales. Sight-reading in the area of performance concentration will also be required. On-site auditions are preferred |
| Exam | Vocalists will be given an ear training/tonal memory exam. |
| Essay | A short personal essay describing what aspirations the student has in pursuing a career in music. |
| Recommendation | Recommendation from three music professionals (teachers, music pastors, etc.). |
General Undergraduate Requirements
The following are general requirements for all students beginning an undergraduate program at Evangel. For more information visit Undergraduate Admissions Requirements.
| Faith | As a boldly Christian university, all of our students have made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. |
| Diploma | Graduation from high school, or having the equivalent of a high school diploma such as the General Education Development (GED) examination. |
| Core Subjects | A minimum of a 2.0 GPA in core college prep classes (English, math, social sciences and science with a lab) |
| Grade Average | A "C" average. However, in some cases, a student with a weak academic record may be considered. To remain at Evangel, however, the student must meet scholastic requirements. |
| Standardized Tests | >Entering freshmen should take the ACT or SAT test. The codes for Evangel are as follows: SAT: 6198. ACT: 2296. |
If your goal is a career in music performance or teaching applied music, Evangel’s Music Performance major will be the perfect path to realizing your dream. With an emphasis on applied music, our program prepares students for a career as a performer, to teach applied music and/or to pursue graduate studies in music performance....
Music (Recording Technology or Music Business)
The Music Industry major prepares students for positions in the rapidly evolving world of music business, recording engineer and other music technology. The program blends music, business and communication courses with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art technology. Our proximity to Branson, Missouri, offers exciting practicum and internship opportunities....
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