Bachelor of Music in Worship Arts (B.M.)
If you feel called to lead or support a worship ministry, CCU’s Worship Arts degree helps you develop the skills, confidence, and spiritual maturity to do it with excellence. This program isn’t something you step into casually. It invites your heart, mind, and soul as you grow into a leader who can guide others in authentic, Christ-centered worship.
At CCU, you’ll explore how worship has developed throughout history and how it shapes the contemporary church today. You won’t be confined to one style; instead, you’ll learn to lead and serve in a wide range of Protestant worship traditions. You’ll work with all kinds of instruments—including voice—build strong performance skills, and complete an internship that gives you real experience in ministry.
If you're ready to pursue worship leadership with purpose and passion, this program helps you step boldly into your calling.
Program FAQs
What audition requirements exist for the worship arts program?
Prospective worship arts students must audition for admission to the program and for consideration of School of Music scholarships. You will audition on your primary instrument or voice, demonstrating your current musical abilities and growth potential. The audition serves as both a preliminary acceptance into the School of Music and a basis for scholarship consideration. Priority scholarship consideration is given to students auditioning before March 1st of each year.
For those pursuing the degree, a Mid-Degree Screening takes place at the end of the sophomore year. This evaluation ensures you are progressing appropriately in musical skills and ministry readiness. Contact CCU's School of Music for specific audition dates, repertoire requirements, and guidance on preparing for your audition. The audition process helps faculty understand your abilities and ensures you are well-suited for the rigorous demands of this program.
What is the worship arts program at CCU?
The worship arts program at Colorado Christian University focuses on the development and practice of worship throughout history and in the contemporary church. This program combines elements of biblical principles of leadership and music production with comprehensive music training, equipping you philosophically, practically, and spiritually for effective leadership and administration of a music and worship ministry within the Body of Christ.
While not promoting a particular style of worship, the program equips you to be knowledgeable and capable in most forms of Protestant worship. Particular attention is paid to working with all instruments, including voices, as well as to distinct performance and internship requirements. The worship arts program also offers excellent preparation for graduate school or seminary if you wish to pursue advanced theological or musical studies.
What can you do with a worship arts degree?
The worship arts program prepares you for careers as a worship pastor, worship leader, music minister, church music director, or creative arts pastor. You can serve in churches of all sizes, leading congregational worship, directing choirs and bands, and overseeing worship ministry programs. Many graduates also work in parachurch organizations, camps, retreat centers, or Christian schools that require worship leadership.
Beyond vocational ministry, the program equips you with musical skills, leadership abilities, and theological understanding applicable to many contexts. Some graduates pursue graduate school or seminary for advanced ministry training. Others combine worship leadership with careers in music education, performance, or production. The program prepares you to serve the church effectively while developing professional musicianship that opens diverse career opportunities in ministry and beyond.
What courses will you take in the worship arts program?
The worship arts program includes music theory, music history, and applied music on your primary instrument or voice, building a comprehensive foundation in music. You will study biblical principles of leadership, worship theology, and ministry administration through specialized worship arts coursework that integrates faith with musical practice.
You will also take courses in music production and engineering, learning the technical skills needed to manage sound, recording, and media in worship contexts. The program includes performance requirements that demonstrate your musical abilities and practical ministry experience in church or worship settings. This combination of musical training, theological education, and hands-on ministry experience prepares you to lead worship with excellence and spiritual depth.
Why should you study worship arts at CCU?
CCU's School of Music is uniquely positioned to fulfill the university's mission of Christ-centered higher education, transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth. The worship arts program equips you with the skills to become an expressive artist and an effective communicator from a Christian perspective through the discipline of music. Faculty like Daniel Wakefield view worship as a lifestyle, evident in how people work, create, and interact with others throughout the day.
You will receive personal attention from exceptional, creative, and caring faculty who are themselves active performers and worship leaders desiring not only to teach but also to mentor you. CCU structures its programs to nurture your musical gifts and talents in a Christ-centered environment so you can excel in worship ministry and do so for Christ. The program prepares you to bring light and life to worship wherever God calls you to serve in the church and world.
How does the worship arts program differ from other music programs?
The worship arts program is specifically designed for leadership in worship ministry, while other music programs focus on performance, education, composition, or production. The worship arts curriculum includes courses in biblical principles of leadership, worship theology, and ministry administration that other music programs do not require. Students complete practical ministry experience in church or worship settings as part of their program requirements.
While music performance or composition programs develop expertise in artistic specialties, worship arts develops broader competencies for leading congregational worship across multiple styles and contexts. The program equips you to work with all instruments and voices, manage worship teams, oversee production elements, and provide spiritual leadership. If your calling is specifically to vocational worship ministry in the church, the worship arts program provides focused preparation that general music programs do not.
Is the worship arts program right for you?
The worship arts program is right for you if you feel called to lead worship in the church and want comprehensive preparation combining musical excellence with ministry training. Whether pursuing worship arts as a major or minor, you should have a genuine passion for congregational worship and a desire to serve the Body of Christ through music. If you want to develop as both a skilled musician and a spiritual leader, this program provides that integrated formation.
Consider whether vocational worship ministry aligns with your calling and gifts. The program is rigorous, requiring demanding coursework in music and ministry. You should be prepared for intensive training in musicianship, theology, leadership, and practical ministry skills. If you are uncertain about vocational ministry but want strong musical training, other music programs with various emphases may offer more flexibility. But if worship leadership is your calling, CCU's worship arts program equips you to serve the church with excellence and faithfulness.
How is the music performance emphasis different from music education?
The music performance emphasis focuses on developing you as a performing artist, while music education prepares you to become a licensed K-12 music teacher. Performance-emphasis students concentrate on solo and ensemble performances, recitals, and advanced technique on their primary instrument. Music education majors take additional coursework in teaching methods, classroom management, and student teaching to earn Colorado Teacher Licensure.
Both programs at CCU include foundational study in music theory, music history, and ensemble participation. However, the music performance emphasis offers greater flexibility for private lessons, performance opportunities, and elective courses, whereas music education requires specific coursework and practicum experiences. If your calling is to perform professionally or teach in private studio settings, the performance emphasis may be the better fit. If you want to teach music in public or private schools, music education provides the licensure pathway.
