Music in Worship

The Conservatory of Music is a community of artist-teachers and gifted young Christian musicians, striving for the highest artistic achievement to the glory of God.

What will I study?

Musically, the foundation of the program will be a core of traditional music courses including two years of theory and aural skills; studies in music history, keyboard, guitar, voice, and basic conducting; and classical applied lessons. Additional coursework will be offered in pop theory, digital recording, and sound reinforcement. Worship majors will participate in weekly seminars featuring nationally known leaders in worship music and performing Christian musicians. Private lessons will also be available in acoustic and electric guitar, bass, drums and electronic keyboards with top studio and church musicians from around the Los Angeles area.

In addition, the program will include offerings in worship theology and spiritual formation intended to provide foundational understanding of worship as found in Scripture and tools to cultivate a life-long relationship with Christ, which is clearly at the core of effective worship leading. A generous number of elective hours will allow students to pursue in greater depth other interests such as technology, performance, church ministries or a host of other options. Finally, the program will include internships at prominent southern California churches.

The need for a well-designed course of study for leaders who guide the church in corporate worship has never been greater. Biola University is uniquely situated to meet the church's need, linking the university's musical and theological resources with the vast array of church-related resources available in the greater Los Angeles area. We have spent several years cultivating relationships with churches and now have a vast network of resources that will serve to supply internship opportunities, guest speakers, clinicians, and worship leaders. Churches include Saddleback, Mariners, Yorba Linda Friends, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, Vineyard Anaheim, and others.

Admissions Requirements

In addition to completing an Application to Biola University, a separate Worship Major Application (PDF) must be submitted. Applications are encouraged to be submitted before February 15 for the following Fall Semester. All applications should be received by May 1. Applications received after May 1 will be considered on a space-available basis. Applications for the spring semester can be submitted anytime and will be considered on a space-available basis.

Those wishing to be considered for a Music Scholarship are encouraged to apply before February 15.

In addition to the application, two references are required (from a pastor, worship leader, church musician or music educator). Include one reference from a person qualified to comment on your musicianship and one from a person qualified to comment on your Christian walk. (Reference Form PDF)

For more detailed information regarding auditions, music scholarships, placement exams, etc. visit the Music in Worship page.