Worship Arts Concentration
Lead from the Heart
At A Glance
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Description
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Description
Program Type
Concentration in the music major (BA)
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Learning
Covers broad mix of musical genres, from classic to current styles
Experience
Opportunity to serve on university’s worship team
Do you feel called to lead through music? Do you seek to collaborate with others in the arena of music performance and production?
Either as a concentration within the music major or as a minor, our worship arts program is designed to provide you with experience in the artistic and technical aspects of worship and ministry music. You’ll take a broad mix of courses covering classical and popular musical styles and be exposed to current trends in music and theatre technology.
Plus, you will participate in an internship as part of your course of study to gain valuable experience in preparation for employment in the music ministry.
Worship Team
Audition to be a part of the campus worship team where you can lead during our chapel services in Bauman Auditorium, in addition to other services on and off campus. This is a great opportunity to improve your skills and knowledge within worship arts.
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Courses / Curriculum What Will I Study?
Core courses you will take include:
- Creating, Planning, and Leading Worship teaches students how to plan, prepare and execute worship in various settings, and includes participation in an internship experience or service project
- Courses in songwriting, producing, recording, and sound design, to give you experience in creating musical experiences for different audiences
- Christian leadership and discipleship courses, designed to prepare you to serve in both the local church and with parachurch agencies
- Vocal classes to enhance your skills as a singer and musician
Cornerstone Core
The Cornerstone Core is a set of 12 courses across 10 academic disciplines that undergraduate students take at George Fox to cultivate their character within the Christian context.
As an alternative to Cornerstone Core, students can participate in our great books honors program.
Worship Arts Concentration Requirements
×Worship Arts (16 credit hours)
Complete the following:
The purpose of this course is to teach students how to plan, prepare and execute worship in various settings. Students will be exposed to different styles of worship services and different components and ordinances used in Christian worship services. We will also explore different technologies used in planning and leading worship. An internship or service project is included as a requirement of this course.
MUSA applied elective in voice and/or rhythm section instruments; 2 semesters.
Choose two of the following:
Students will learn basic techniques of songwriting, including lyrics and song structure. Students will write their own songs, which they will then produce and record. Prerequisite: CINE 243 Introduction to Audio or MUSI 180 Introduction to Music Technology or THEA 130 Stagecraft or by instructor’s permission.
Students will learn to record music and vocal tracks in a digital multitrack studio environment. Students will produce music, advertising, and other audio projects in this hands-on studio course. Prerequisite: CINE 243 Introduction to Audio or instructor's permission.
Do you ever wonder what happens backstage during a theatre production or concert? Come learn the magic of how scenery is built, colors are mixed, and lights move. Through a series of hands-on projects, this course is designed to introduce students to the diverse skills, equipment, and professional practices used in staging theatre productions. Learn to set up a sound system and light a stage. Explore scenic materials, hardware, rigging, and construction techniques. Learn how to correctly coil cables and ropes, tie knots, fold drapes, and safely use all the tools in a typical scene shop. The course culminates with teams participating in Tech Olympics. Additional course fee is required.
This course introduces students to the design process for theatrical productions. There are a number of different variations of this course. Each variation picks a different topic through which to examine how the design process can be a tool for analyzing and understanding a script. Through a series of hands-on projects, students will explore the skills needed to work through the design process from conceptualization to implementation. While focused primarily on live theatre, the course will also explore how the topic applies to music, cinema, art installations and related industries. Examples of different variations of this course include: Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Costume Design, and Projection Design. Repeatable for course credit. Prerequisite: THEA 130 Stagecraft or instructor permission. Additional course fee required.
Choose two of the following:
A study of biblical principles of evangelism, nurturing, and teaching. This study encompasses the Christian educational responsibilities of the local church and parachurch agencies.
Using selected books and portions, the Old Testament will be studied with attention given to historic contexts, major religious themes, and literary forms of the Bible.
Using selected books and portions, the New Testament will be studied with attention given to historic contexts, major religious themes, and literary forms of the Bible.
This course introduces students to the Christian faith and to the diverse experiences of Christians within the world context. The course will proceed along the levels of history (where and when did Christianity flourish) and theology (what have Christians believed), as well as society and culture (what has Christian practice looked like). Prerequisite include any one of the following: THEO 100 Bible Survey; THEO 101 The Bible; THEO 201 Old Testament; THEO 301 New Testament.
In this first part of a two-part sequence, students begin their journey into the breadth and depth of Christian theology, studying what Christians have believed and practiced. Emphasis is placed on major themes, figures, texts, and on students connecting their Christian practice with the intellectual traditions of the Church.
Bachelors (BA) in Music Requirements
×Complete the following:
See information under Additional Requirements.
A course designed to help the student systematically acquire basic information and interrelated skills that will be of value in future musical endeavors as performer, teacher, or composer, in all genres of music. Students will study music notation, interval recognition, elements of pitch and rhythm, scale and chord construction and beginning concepts in harmony. Corequisite: MUSI 131 Sight Singing and Ear Training I.
This course is a continuation of Theory 1. Students will use the skills acquired in Theory I to begin writing and analyzing original music alongside existing music in all styles. Four-part writing and original compositions, alongside theoretical and formal analysis, will become part of the student’s skill set throughout this course. Corequisite: MUSI 132 Sight Singing and Ear Training II. Prerequisite: MUSI 121 Theory I.
A lab experience designed to develop proficiency in singing prepared melodies, melodies at sight, rhythmic patterns, and in taking basic melodic dictation.
Corequisite: MUSI 121 Theory I.
A lab experience designed to develop proficiency in singing prepared melodies, melodies at sight, rhythmic patterns, and in taking basic melodic dictation.
Corequisite: MUSI 122 Theory II.
May be repeated for credit. Open to majors and non-majors. This class will include Elementary- to intermediate-level class instruction in piano. This class is open to any student regardless of previous experience and does not require an additional course fee. Students working to complete the required piano proficiency skills may choose to study applied piano.
May be repeated for credit. Open to majors and non-majors. This class will include Elementary- to intermediate-level class instruction in piano. This class is open to any student regardless of previous experience and does not require an additional course fee. Students working to complete the required piano proficiency skills may choose to study applied piano.
Introductory work with technological resources basic to work in the music field. Includes hands-on experience with MIDI and sequencing, music notation programs and desktop publishing, digital sound formats, audio recording, and basic Web authoring. Students will also explore basic self-promotion skills such as marketing and portfolio development.
A continuation of Theory II. Includes chromatic harmonies, remote modulations, 20th-century compositional developments, and a detailed study of the structural and formal components of music. Creative work is required. Prerequisite: MUSI 122 Theory II.
A study of the development of Western Classical music from antiquity through the 21st century. A concentrated study of musical style and literature, with an emphasis on the cultural context for musical performance and composition.
An introductory study of the music of a variety of world cultures, with emphasis on listening to, viewing, and understanding a broad selection of classical and folk musical styles from outside the Western classical tradition. In addition, concepts related to ethnodoxology, the study of music within the global Church, will be explored.
A study of various aspects and types of popular music in America, including jazz, blues, rock & roll, and hip hop. Emphasis will be placed on musical elements that define the genres and the artists who pioneered them. Includes creative work in these musical genres.
A Capstone music course designed to explore the integration of music and the Christian faith, including a study of worship & historical approaches to musical worship. In this class students will also research and define their vocational and/or ministry goals as it relates to professional and amateur music making. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.
A study of ensemble leadership through conducting, administrative skills, repertoire planning, and rehearsal skills, applicable to all genres of music, including choir, band, orchestra, and worship teams.
MUSI 475 Field Experience or MUSI 481 Recital Project
A faculty approved music internship or recital project is required for all music majors regardless of concentration. Summer internships could be taken with approval of faculty.
- Music Major students must participate in a major ensemble, Applied lessons, and Studio Class every semester while in residence.
- Upper Division jury: all students enter the applied program at the 100 level. Before being advanced to upper-division study, the student must pass an upper division jury.
- Students are required to obtain a minimum grade of C- in all courses taken for the major.
Concentrations (8-16 credit hours) - choose one
In order to pursue exceptional life outcomes, Music majors pursue a concentration of courses connected to specific career opportunities.
Choose four of the following:
This course is designed to prepare students to think critically about their relationship with money, develop their own personal financial philosophy and implement practical application of personal financial management. Topics include relationship with money, biblical financial foundations, budgets, loans, spending, housing, insurance, investments and taxes. Prerequisite: Non-business majors only.
This course will prepare students to skillfully use fundamental project management concepts and behavioral skills to effectively plan and lead project work. Specifically, through practical, hands-on work, case studies, and exercises, students will learn to manage project resources, schedules, tasks, time/cost tradeoffs, risks, and scope to produce desired organizational outcomes. Importantly, since most project teams are comprised of internal and external resources which are often distributed geographically, students will become knowledgeable and skillful at recognizing and overcoming the challenges of leading distributed teams. In short, this course will provide a sense of confidence with planning and oversight throughout all phases of a project's life cycle.
Students will learn basic techniques of songwriting, including lyrics and song structure. Students will write their own songs, which they will then produce and record. Prerequisite: CINE 243 Introduction to Audio or MUSI 180 Introduction to Music Technology or THEA 130 Stagecraft or by instructor’s permission.
Students will learn to record music and vocal tracks in a digital multitrack studio environment. Students will produce music, advertising, and other audio projects in this hands-on studio course. Prerequisite: CINE 243 Introduction to Audio or instructor's permission.
A study of music curriculum design and delivery, including general music, band, orchestra, choir, and jazz, with a special focus on teaching private applied lessons. Student observations are required, as is participation in Oregon state music education activities.
Do you ever wonder what happens backstage during a theatre production or concert? Come learn the magic of how scenery is built, colors are mixed, and lights move. Through a series of hands-on projects, this course is designed to introduce students to the diverse skills, equipment, and professional practices used in staging theatre productions. Learn to set up a sound system and light a stage. Explore scenic materials, hardware, rigging, and construction techniques. Learn how to correctly coil cables and ropes, tie knots, fold drapes, and safely use all the tools in a typical scene shop. The course culminates with teams participating in Tech Olympics. Additional course fee is required.
This course introduces students to the design process for theatrical productions. There are a number of different variations of this course. Each variation picks a different topic through which to examine how the design process can be a tool for analyzing and understanding a script. Through a series of hands-on projects, students will explore the skills needed to work through the design process from conceptualization to implementation. While focused primarily on live theatre, the course will also explore how the topic applies to music, cinema, art installations and related industries. Examples of different variations of this course include: Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Costume Design, and Projection Design. Repeatable for course credit. Additional course fee is required. Prerequisite: THEA 130 Stagecraft or instructor permission.
Or any approved elective in MUSA or CINE or BUSN.
Complete the following:
A study of music curriculum design and delivery, including general music, band, orchestra, choir, and jazz, with a special focus on teaching private applied lessons. Student observations are required, as is participation in Oregon state music education activities.
Complete 5 credit hours from the following:
This course is designed to prepare students to think critically about their relationship with money, develop their own personal financial philosophy and implement practical application of personal financial management. Topics include relationship with money, biblical financial foundations, budgets, loans, spending, housing, insurance, investments and taxes. Prerequisite: Non-business majors only.
This is a one-semester introductory course on the teaching profession for those planning to enroll in an MAT program or considering teaching as a profession. Students will expand their understandings of the field of education and the role of teachers through class topics and experiences. They will also participate in a 10-hour classroom field experience. The George Fox University MAT program application process and requirements will be discussed. (This course is not part of the undergraduate elementary education major.)
Prerequisite: junior or senior status
Private study on any instrument, including piano, brass, strings, woodwinds, percussion, and guitar. Classical, jazz, pop, and other genres can be studied, at the discretion of the teacher and student. May count towards degree requirements for some music majors and minor, if taken on a secondary instrument. Additional fee applies.
Private study on any instrument, including piano, brass, strings, woodwinds, percussion, and guitar. Classical, jazz, pop, and other genres can be studied, at the discretion of the teacher and student. May count towards degree requirements for some music majors and minor, if taken on a secondary instrument. Additional fee applies.
Private study in composition, as part of any degree program or elective study. By permission of the instructor. Additional fee applies.
Private study in conducting, as part of any degree program or elective study. By permission of the instructor. Additional fee applies.
May be repeated for credit. This course is intended to improve and strengthen the voice as a solo instrument. The ability to read music is helpful although not necessary. Attendance and class participation coupled with a minimum of four 15- to 30-minute individual practice sessions each week will enable consistent growth and increased strength. Students will sing individually to the group using exercises and songs worked on in class. The group format and class size provide an excellent built-in performance opportunity.
Open to students of all majors. This course offers vital foundational instruction in the techniques of playing guitar. Proper hand position, fingering, and strumming styles, and a broad range of chords are presented. Learn to read music, tab, and understand basic concepts of theory. Have fun playing cool riffs, chord progressions, and songs. Ideal for learning techniques applicable to leading worship.
Or other MUSI, MUSA, BUSN, THEA courses as approved by advisor.
Complete the following:
The purpose of this course is to teach students how to plan, prepare and execute worship in various settings. Students will be exposed to different styles of worship services and different components and ordinances used in Christian worship services. We will also explore different technologies used in planning and leading worship. An internship or service project is included as a requirement of this course.
MUSA applied elective in voice and/or rhythm section instruments; 2 semesters.
Choose two of the following:
Students will learn basic techniques of songwriting, including lyrics and song structure. Students will write their own songs, which they will then produce and record. Prerequisite: CINE 243 Introduction to Audio or MUSI 180 Introduction to Music Technology or THEA 130 Stagecraft or by instructor’s permission.
Students will learn to record music and vocal tracks in a digital multitrack studio environment. Students will produce music, advertising, and other audio projects in this hands-on studio course. Prerequisite: CINE 243 Introduction to Audio or instructor's permission.
Do you ever wonder what happens backstage during a theatre production or concert? Come learn the magic of how scenery is built, colors are mixed, and lights move. Through a series of hands-on projects, this course is designed to introduce students to the diverse skills, equipment, and professional practices used in staging theatre productions. Learn to set up a sound system and light a stage. Explore scenic materials, hardware, rigging, and construction techniques. Learn how to correctly coil cables and ropes, tie knots, fold drapes, and safely use all the tools in a typical scene shop. The course culminates with teams participating in Tech Olympics. Additional course fee is required.
This course introduces students to the design process for theatrical productions. There are a number of different variations of this course. Each variation picks a different topic through which to examine how the design process can be a tool for analyzing and understanding a script. Through a series of hands-on projects, students will explore the skills needed to work through the design process from conceptualization to implementation. While focused primarily on live theatre, the course will also explore how the topic applies to music, cinema, art installations and related industries. Examples of different variations of this course include: Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Costume Design, and Projection Design. Repeatable for course credit. Prerequisite: THEA 130 Stagecraft or instructor permission. Additional course fee required.
Choose two of the following:
A study of biblical principles of evangelism, nurturing, and teaching. This study encompasses the Christian educational responsibilities of the local church and parachurch agencies.
Using selected books and portions, the Old Testament will be studied with attention given to historic contexts, major religious themes, and literary forms of the Bible.
Using selected books and portions, the New Testament will be studied with attention given to historic contexts, major religious themes, and literary forms of the Bible.
This course introduces students to the Christian faith and to the diverse experiences of Christians within the world context. The course will proceed along the levels of history (where and when did Christianity flourish) and theology (what have Christians believed), as well as society and culture (what has Christian practice looked like). Prerequisite include any one of the following: THEO 100 Bible Survey; THEO 101 The Bible; THEO 201 Old Testament; THEO 301 New Testament.
In this first part of a two-part sequence, students begin their journey into the breadth and depth of Christian theology, studying what Christians have believed and practiced. Emphasis is placed on major themes, figures, texts, and on students connecting their Christian practice with the intellectual traditions of the Church.
Worship Arts Minor Requirements
×21 credit hours
Core Requirements (15 credit hours)
Complete the following:
A course designed to help the student systematically acquire basic information and interrelated skills that will be of value in future musical endeavors as performer, teacher, or composer, in all genres of music. Students will study music notation, interval recognition, elements of pitch and rhythm, scale and chord construction and beginning concepts in harmony. Corequisite: MUSI 131 Sight Singing and Ear Training I.
A lab experience designed to develop proficiency in singing prepared melodies, melodies at sight, rhythmic patterns, and in taking basic melodic dictation.
Corequisite: MUSI 121 Theory I.
Introductory work with technological resources basic to work in the music field. Includes hands-on experience with MIDI and sequencing, music notation programs and desktop publishing, digital sound formats, audio recording, and basic Web authoring. Students will also explore basic self-promotion skills such as marketing and portfolio development.
The purpose of this course is to teach students how to plan, prepare and execute worship in various settings. Students will be exposed to different styles of worship services and different components and ordinances used in Christian worship services. We will also explore different technologies used in planning and leading worship. An internship or service project is included as a requirement of this course.
A Capstone music course designed to explore the integration of music and the Christian faith, including a study of worship & historical approaches to musical worship. In this class students will also research and define their vocational and/or ministry goals as it relates to professional and amateur music making. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.
An ensemble to give students practical experience in how to prepare and lead worship in various settings. Students will practice different styles of worship music and other components used in Christian worship services, and will actively lead worship in Chapel and other services. A diverse approach to worship music will be presented. (two semesters)
Applied Studies (3 credit hours)
Complete the following:
Complete either MUSI 125 Voice Class or MUSA 105V/305V Elective or Secondary Vocal Lesson. (minimum 1 credit)
Complete either MUSI 250 Class Guitar or MUSA 105I/305I Elective or Secondary Instrumental Lesson. (minimum 1 credit)
Technology Elective (3 credit hours)
Choose one of the following:
Students will learn basic techniques of songwriting, including lyrics and song structure. Students will write their own songs, which they will then produce and record. Prerequisite: CINE 243 Introduction to Audio or MUSI 180 Introduction to Music Technology or THEA 130 Stagecraft or by instructor’s permission.
Do you ever wonder what happens backstage during a theatre production or concert? Come learn the magic of how scenery is built, colors are mixed, and lights move. Through a series of hands-on projects, this course is designed to introduce students to the diverse skills, equipment, and professional practices used in staging theatre productions. Learn to set up a sound system and light a stage. Explore scenic materials, hardware, rigging, and construction techniques. Learn how to correctly coil cables and ropes, tie knots, fold drapes, and safely use all the tools in a typical scene shop. The course culminates with teams participating in Tech Olympics. Additional course fee is required.
This course introduces students to the design process for theatrical productions. There are a number of different variations of this course. Each variation picks a different topic through which to examine how the design process can be a tool for analyzing and understanding a script. Through a series of hands-on projects, students will explore the skills needed to work through the design process from conceptualization to implementation. While focused primarily on live theatre, the course will also explore how the topic applies to music, cinema, art installations and related industries. Examples of different variations of this course include: Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Costume Design, and Projection Design. Repeatable for course credit. Additional course fee is required. Prerequisite: THEA 130 Stagecraft or instructor permission.
Our spaces/Where Will I Learn?
Ross Center
The Ross Center houses the performing arts programs and consists of two large rehearsal rooms, six classrooms, and 15 practice rooms for music and theatre students, as well as the university’s box office. All music majors and any students enrolled in applied lessons are able to access the practice rooms, computer lab, and piano lab 24/7 for practice.
Bauman Auditorium
One of the largest spaces on campus, Bauman Auditorium seats 1,119 people and hosts numerous band, choir and orchestra concerts, including our annual Christmas concert. Students also perform senior showcase concerts in the space.Our highly respected venue is renowned by the Oregon Symphony for its acoustics, which hosts a concert annually.
Nolan Staples
My experience at George Fox was one that was rooted in community. When I graduated high school I was unsure whether I would attend Fox or a music school in Boston. I felt God leading me to go to Fox for at least a year, but I didn’t know if I would stay longer than that. By December of my freshman year I knew that I would stay at Fox, mostly because of the people.
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