School of Music
CCU’s School of Music equips students to become expressive musicians and storytellers rooted in a Christ-centered worldview. Through music and theatre, students develop artistic excellence while using their gifts to honor Christ, influence culture, and share His love locally and globally. Open to all majors, the School of Music offers hands-on experiences such as performance opportunities and access to a state-of-the-art on-campus recording studio—preparing graduates to lead with creativity, faith, and purpose.
The School of Music at Colorado Christian University currently offers six music majors: composition, education, general music, music production and engineering, performance, and worship arts; as well as minors in music, music theatre, and theatre.
School of Music Mission Statement
Colorado Christian University's School of Music exists to equip students with the necessary skills to become expressive artists and effective communicators from a Christian perspective through the discipline of music.
Passionately Pursuing Excellence to the Glory of God
Passionately: Studying music requires passion because in order to be successful in music, you have to be disciplined; you'll need to be committed to practicing and studying your craft, focused on performance excellence, and willing to teach others to do the same. In CCU's School of Music, we structure our programs to nurture your musical gifts and talents in a Christ-centered environment so that you can excel as performers in the performing arts — and do so for Christ.
Pursuing Excellence: As believers, we have a higher calling toward excellence as we develop our gifts and talents in music not only for the enjoyment of our audiences but also as an offering before the Lord. Just as our Creator God does all things well, we are created in His image to pursue excellence in all that we are called to do.
To the Glory of God: In the same way that J.S. Bach signed his musical compositions with Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God alone), the CCU School of Music is committed to integrating our Christian faith into every aspect of studying music and the performing arts.
Our commitment to both the spiritual and musical development of our students offers a unique experience among Colorado's schools. We believe that by remaining Christ-centered, we develop not only skilled musicians but also leaders who are prepared for a life of service to the Lord through the arts.
Auditions
Auditions are required for acceptance as a music/theatre major or minor, for participation in any ensemble, and for music scholarship consideration. All students who sing, play a musical instrument, or act are encouraged to audition for any CCU ensemble. Students must complete a Music Audition Form prior to the desired audition date. A list of studied repertoire and at least one recommendation from the private teacher of record or the high school music teacher must be submitted at the time of the audition.
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Ensembles
CCU’s School of Music offers a wide range of ensembles that invite students to grow artistically, spiritually, and professionally through performance. From large choirs and symphonic band to chamber strings, jazz, worship, handbells, dance, theatre, and drumline, each ensemble emphasizes musical excellence, collaboration, and stewardship of God-given gifts. Ensembles perform regularly on campus and in the community, with many touring and recording annually. Auditions are typically held at the start of the fall semester, and select ensembles offer participation scholarships for non-music majors.
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Music Scholarships
Music and theatre scholarships at Colorado Christian University support students majoring or minoring in music or theatre, as well as highly qualified non-majors who participate in select ensembles or productions. Eligible students must be accepted to CCU, enroll full-time, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and demonstrate strong musical or theatrical ability through an audition. Scholarships are awarded based on faculty recommendations, apply to the following academic year, are disbursed each semester, and may be renewed annually with continued academic standing and required ensemble participation.
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Message from the Dean
As the Dean of the School of Music at CCU, baritone Steven Taylor is also known to audiences throughout the Rocky Mountain region both for his beautiful, expressive singing, and his dramatic interpretations. Taylor's versatile singing career ranges from opera and oratorio, to musical theatre and gospel, appearing with major symphonies throughout the west, Central City Opera, Opera Theatre of the Rockies, Boulder's Dinner Theatre, and 16 seasons with Opera Colorado. As a member of the internationally acclaimed Gospel Quartet LEGACY, Taylor has performed concert tours in Australia, Canada, Cuba and South Korea.
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School of Music Faculty
Charles Denler
Artist in Residence, Assistant Professor, and Director of Composition and Music Media and Marketing
Performance Calendar
National Association of Schools of Music
Colorado Christian University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). NASM establishes national standards for undergraduate degrees and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other music-related endeavors.