Artists in Residence
Learn From the Best
Our Artist in Residence program offers Conservatory of Music students a unique opportunity to learn from artists who are at the top of their field. These artists may teach a course, lead a masterclass or perform a recital of their own.
Matt Redman
Worship artist Matt Redman serves as Songwriter in Residence at Biola University's Conservatory of Music, where students have the opportunity to learn directly from the influential, double-Grammy winning worship leader throughout the year. In his role, he guest lectures in Worship Arts courses, among other education and music arts opportunities.
Redman’s journey as a worship leader and songwriter has taken him to countries such as South Africa, Japan, India, Australia and the Czech Republic. Along the way he has sung in venues such as Madison Square Garden, Wembley Stadium and the Royal Albert Hall — as well as recording in iconic studios such as Abbey Road in London and Capitol Records in Los Angeles. His best known songs include "The Heart of Worship," "Blessed Be Your Name," "Our God" and the double-Grammy winning "10,000 Reasons." More recent co-writes include "Do It Again" and "Build my Life."
Tommy Walker
Tommy Walker is a worship leader, singer/songwriter, speaker, author and has served at his home church, Christian Assembly in Los Angeles, CA, for over 25 years.
Tommy has written over 200 songs that are currently tracked by C.C.L.I. and are sung in churches around the world. His most popular songs include: He Knows My Name, That's Why We Praise Him, Only A God Like You, Mourning Into Dancing, I Have A Hope and We Will Remember. Tommy has recorded worship music albums and singles for, Maranatha! Music, Integrity Music, Brentwood and LifeWay Worship.
On about any given Sunday around the world you are likely to hear the choir and congregation singing one of Tommy’s songs.
Tommy Walker's songs have been recorded by such artists as - Israel Houghton, Paul Baloche, Ron Kenolly, Don Moen, Crystal Lewis, Alvin Slaughter and countless others.
He has had the privilege of leading worship with such Christian leaders as: Franklin Graham, Rick Warren, Jack Hayford, Fred Luter, Joni Eareckson Tada and Greg Laurie. Tommy has held worship concerts and mercy ministry outreaches in more than 20 nations.
Tommy graduated from Christ For The Nations Bible Institute with an associates degree in practical theology, a degree in jazz-fusion guitar from Musicians Institute, received an honorary doctorate of Divinity from Life Pacific College in 2013 and an honorary doctorate in music arts from Shepherd University. He was nominated for a Dove award for his album, “Great And Marvelous - Celebrating the songs of Tommy Walker vol. 2.”
Tommy and his wife Robin live in the Los Angeles, CA and have four children. To be found faithful to His God, his family and the local church will always be his greatest achievements!
Menahem Pressler
Menahem Pressler, founding member and pianist of the Beaux Arts Trio, has established himself among the world’s most distinguished and honored musicians, with a career that spans almost six decades. Now, at 90 years old, he continues to captivate audiences throughout the world as performer and pedagogue, performing solo and chamber music recitals to great critical acclaim while maintaining a dedicated and robust teaching career.
Born in Magdeburg, Germany in 1923, Pressler fled Nazi Germany in 1939 and emigrated to Israel. Pressler’s world renowned career was launched after he was awarded first prize at the Debussy International Piano Competition in San Francisco in 1946.
After nearly a decade of an illustrious and praised solo career, the 1955 Berkshire Music Festival saw Menahem Pressler’s debut as a chamber musician, where he appeared as pianist with the Beaux Arts Trio. This collaboration quickly established Pressler’s reputation as one of the world’s most revered chamber musicians and he performed with them for over 55 years.
For nearly 60 years, Menahem Pressler has taught on the piano faculty at the world-renowned Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where he currently holds the rank of Distinguished Professor of Music as the Charles Webb Chair.
“Having been connected with the Biola Music Department for twenty years, it is my privilege to recommend the school as a great place to study music. The faculty with its outstanding capacities is one the most supporting and mentoring one. Lucky are the ones who become students in this school.” — Menahem Pressler