Bachelor of Arts in Music: Performance Emphasis (B.A.)
In the Performance emphasis of CCU’s Bachelor of Arts in Music, you’ll focus on developing your skills in your chosen instrument—whether it’s strings, keys, brass, woodwinds, or voice. You’ll learn directly from accomplished professionals and gain real experience through multiple live performances, including a full recital.
Music is part of everyday life, shaping stories, worship, and the way we connect with the world. At CCU, you’ll be encouraged to pursue excellence in your performance so you can use your musical voice to influence culture. Our faculty models that excellence and mentors you as you grow into a confident, impactful musician.
Program FAQs
What is the music production and engineering emphasis at CCU?
The music production and engineering emphasis is a specialized track within the Bachelor of Arts in Music at Colorado Christian University, designed to give you a competitive edge in the field of music engineering. You will gain an understanding of the art and science of both live sound and recording environments, learning how music is captured and produced through audio, video, lighting, and networking systems. This in-depth program combines theory with hands-on practice using digital audio workstations and professional studio equipment.
The curriculum covers mic techniques, studio design, live sound and systems design, video and lighting, and album production. CCU equips you to express your Christian faith through technology, music, and relationships while working within the music industry. Faculty like Professor Charles Denler involve students in actual productions that give them real-world credits by the time they graduate.
What are the details for auditioning for the School of Music?
Prospective music or theatre majors and minors must audition to join most ensembles and be considered for School of Music scholarships.
What can you do with a music production and engineering degree?
A music production and engineering degree prepares you for careers as a recording engineer, live sound engineer, audio producer, studio technician, broadcast engineer, post-production specialist, or AVL systems designer. You can work in recording studios, concert venues, churches, broadcast facilities, or film and video production. Many graduates also pursue freelance audio engineering or start their own production companies.
At CCU, you learn both the technical skills and business practices needed for success in the audio industry. The program emphasizes creating a faith-based model of the music business, preparing you to impact culture for Christ through excellence in music technology. Whether you work behind the mixing console or design sound systems for worship spaces, this emphasis equips you with professional skills and Christian character.
What courses will you take in music production and engineering?
The music production and engineering emphasis includes courses in digital audio workstations where you learn industry-standard recording software, mic techniques for capturing instruments and vocals, and studio design principles for creating optimal recording environments. You will study live sound reinforcement, systems design for venues and churches, and video and lighting integration for multimedia production.
Additional coursework covers album production from pre-production through final mastering, audio engineering principles, and music business practices. You will also complete the music core curriculum, including music theory, music history, and ensemble participation. CCU's on-campus recording studio provides hands-on experience working on actual productions, giving you portfolio-ready credits before graduation.
Why should you study music production and engineering at CCU?
CCU's School of Music integrates Christian faith into every aspect of studying music technology and the performing arts. You will receive personal attention from faculty who are active professionals in the music industry and desire not only to teach but also to mentor you. Professor Charles Denler involves students in actual productions, helping you build real-world experience and industry credits while still in school.
The program emphasizes both technical excellence and spiritual development, preparing you to be an effective servant in the music industry and the local church. CCU believes this commitment to spiritual and musical development builds not only better audio engineers but better people. You will learn to honor God and share His love through excellence in music production, whether working in secular studios or church media ministries.
What equipment and facilities does CCU offer for music production students?
CCU provides an on-campus recording studio where music production and engineering students gain hands-on experience with professional audio equipment and digital audio workstations. You will work with industry-standard microphones, mixing consoles, signal processors, and software used in professional studios. The program covers both analog and digital recording techniques, preparing you for diverse work environments.
Students also learn live sound reinforcement using portable PA systems and have opportunities to engineer sound for campus performances, concerts, and events. The AVL curriculum includes video and lighting systems commonly found in churches, venues, and broadcast facilities. Through actual productions supervised by faculty, you develop technical proficiency and build a portfolio demonstrating your capabilities to future employers.
How does music production and engineering differ from other music emphases?
The music production and engineering emphasis focuses on the technical aspects of capturing, mixing, and producing music rather than performing or composing. While performance emphasis students develop artistry on their primary instrument, composition students create original music, and production students learn to operate recording equipment, design sound systems, and engineer audio for various applications.
All music emphases at CCU share core coursework in music theory, music history, and ensemble participation, ensuring you have a solid musical foundation. However, production and engineering students take specialized courses in digital audio workstations, mic techniques, live sound, studio design, and AVL systems. This emphasis is ideal if you are passionate about the technology behind music and want to support artists and worship teams through technical excellence.
Is a music production and engineering degree worth it?
A music production and engineering degree is worth it if you are passionate about audio technology and want professional training in recording, live sound, and media production. The music industry continues to need skilled engineers and producers, and churches increasingly seek trained AVL professionals to support worship ministries. CCU's emphasis provides both technical skills and a Christian foundation for serving effectively in secular and ministry contexts.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music with this emphasis combines intensive production training with a broad liberal arts education, including twelve hours in theological and biblical studies. This integrated approach prepares you for careers requiring both technical expertise and strong character. Graduates find opportunities in studios, venues, churches, broadcast facilities, and freelance production, using their skills to impact culture for Christ through excellence in music technology.
View the course catalog.
