Music and Worship Arts B.A: Commercial Music Artistry Concentration

The BA in Music and Worship Arts with a concentration in Commercial Music Artistry is designed for students who want to pursue music as a form of both creative expression and vocational ministry.

Whether you’re a songwriter, performer, or worship leader, this program provides the space to cultivate your original voice while developing the practical tools to lead with excellence in both church and industry settings. You'll receive a well-rounded musical education while gaining hands-on experience writing, arranging, performing, and collaborating in contemporary music environments. 

  1. Literacy: Demonstrate fluency in foundational musicianship skills including music theory, aural skills, sight-reading, songwriting, arranging, composing, contemporary commercial music practices, music technology, collaborative musicianship, and functional keyboard skills applicable to performance and recording artist settings.
  2. Performance: Demonstrate artistic, technical, and expressive proficiency as a contemporary performing and recording artist through applied study, live performance, ensemble participation, songwriting, stage presence, improvisation, studio recording, audience engagement, and stylistically informed performance practices across commercial music genres.
  3. Faith and Learning: Articulate and apply the integration of faith, artistry, creativity, and personal vocation through musical performance, songwriting, recording, collaboration, and ethical engagement within commercial music and worship-related contexts.
  4. Diversity: Demonstrate awareness and understanding of diverse musical genres, performance traditions, and global artistic influences within contemporary commercial music, including their historical, social, and cultural significance.
Core Curriculum Requirements 147
Music and Worship Arts Major Requirements59
Commercial Music Artistry Concentration12
General Electives2
Total Units120

Music and Worship Arts Major Requirements

Musicianship Requirements
MUSC-128Harmony and Form I3
MUSC-129Musicianship I1
MUSC-133Harmony and Form II3
MUSC-134Musicianship II1
MUSC-228Introduction to Music Technology1
MUSC-270Introduction to Jazz Improvisation2
MUSC-206Introduction to Live Audio1
MUSC-326Music Hist/Lit II (1600-1900)3
MUSC-204History of American Popular Music3
MUSC-273Introduction to Conducting1
Choose one of the following:2
Instrumental Conducting
Choral Conducting
Live Musical Direction
Choose one of the following based on your primary instrument:2
Choral Arranging
Instrumental Arranging
Worship Arts & Leadership
MUSC-357Worship Team Leadership and Development3
MUSC-343Songwriting I2
MUSC-346Foundations & Multiculturalsm in Worship3
MUSC-406CMusic and Worship3
MUSC-409Music Administration and Leadership3
Take 4 units of Worship Forum Practicum4
MUSC-392Worship Forum Practicum
Performance Requirements
MUSC-105AClass Piano I1
MUSC-105BClass Piano II1
MUSC-145AClass Piano III1
MUSC-146Class Piano IV: Keyboard Improvisation1
Or Piano Proficiency Exam 1
Choose two of the following courses based on your primary instrument:2
Beginning Guitar Class
Beginning Voice Class
Beginning Drums and Bass
Large Ensemble required for each semester in residence 28
Lower Division options:
Jazz Ensemble
String Orchestra
Concert Band
Concert Choir
Upper Division options:
Jazz Ensemble
String Orchestra
Concert Band
Concert Choir
Applied Instruction
Select six semesters according to your applied instrument:6
Lower Division options
Applied Instruction: Voice
Applied Instruction: Piano
Applied Instruction: Guitar
Applied Instruction: Instrument
Upper Division options
Applied Instruction: Voice
Applied Instruction: Piano
Applied Instruction: Guitar
Applied Instruction: Instrument
Recital Attendance (co-requisite with every semester of Applied/Basic Instruction)0
Recital Attendance
Two semesters required of the following course:2
Internship
Total Units63

Required Concentrations (Choose One) 

Ministry Leadership
BINT-270Interpreting the Bible3
PLST-312Intro/Pastoral Care2
PLST-314Intro/Preaching & Teaching2
PLST-420Disciplines/Spiritual Life3
PLST-430Management/Christian Organztns3
Total Units13
Commercial Music Artistry
MUSC-354Studio Tech and Production I2
MUSC-371Songwriting II2
MUSC-359Lyrics and Poetry2
MUSC-462Music and Business3
Applied Instruction (Additional)2
MUSC-465Senior Presentation1
Total Units12
Commercial Studio Production
MUSC-354Studio Tech and Production I2
MUSC-454Studio Tech and Production II3
MUSC-371Songwriting II2
MUSC-364Digital Music Sequencing3
MUSC-462Music and Business3
Total Units13
1

Please contact department about requirements for Piano Proficiency.

2

Please contact department about large ensemble requirements for transfer students.