Don’t Just Listen to Great Music. Write It.
We’re in the business of equipping highly skilled artists to influence culture with grace and truth. It is not uncommon to find our students performing their own, original music in coffee houses and at churches around Lancaster County – and we like it that way.
At LBC, we believe in training and launching artists who are fluent in the gospel and music. If you love writing music, deepening your faith and being academically challenged, consider studying music composition at LBC. In addition to the unique, blended Bible and music education that you’ll receive, you will have the chance to study under successful commercial and art music composers and enjoy masterclasses with world-renowned visiting performing artists and teachers. Plus, many of the visiting artists come in conjunction with concerts at the Trust Performing Arts Center, LBC’s very own performance venue located in the heart of downtown Lancaster. And yes, you might even get the chance to perform or record there, too! Our composition students have access to two recording arts studios: one at the Trust and the other located right on campus in our newly-built academic center.
Our students get the chance to learn how to compose music in a variety of formats and styles – our curriculum covers everything from songwriting to orchestral music and electronic composition. Aside from rubbing shoulders with music industry professionals, our composition students often collaborate with other music majors to bring their pieces to life through recordings and concerts.
So, if you’re looking for a music composition program that will give you more than tips and techniques on how to become a better musicians (of course, you’ll learn those things, too) and will help learn more about yourself, God’s plan for your life and how composing music can be a part of it, consider applying to LBC.
Students in the Music, Worship & Performing Arts department get the chance to showcase their musical skills through recitals, concerts and by leading worship during chapel. Enjoy “More Than an Experience” by MBSSY, an LBC student worship team.
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Elements of music including melody, counterpoint, harmony, and tonality are studied. Roman numerals, figured bass, and chord symbols are used in beginning analytical and practical applications.
A foundational understanding of a biblical theology of worship is introduced. Additionally, an overview of the art of worship from early Christian times through the current post-modern trends is included. Practical implications for worship situations in today’s church are drawn from both the biblical and historical context.
Further development of topics covered in Music Theory I (MUS 101) including harmony, cadences, and embellishing tones are studied. Roman numerals, figured bass, and chord symbols are used in intermediate analytical and practical applications.
Conducting I includes the instruction of basic patterns and techniques, interpretive gestures, and rehearsal techniques. The academic environment is that of a workshop in which students conduct actual ensembles. Repertoire is varied and selected according to the student’s academic, musical, and career priorities.
An investigation of the origin and development of sacred song from its beginnings to the present, with special reference to the relation of sacred Christian song to historical, sociological and theological trends, and the biblical principles and historical trends inherent in the use of sacred song in personal and corporate worship. Sacred song in Western civilization will be the central focus, though not to the exclusion of other world music movements and influences.
Advanced harmony and rhythms are studied. Counterpoint and voice-leading of these musical elements are applied in arrangements written for various ensembles.
Further development of topics covered in Music Theory II including chromatic chords and modulation. Roman numerals, figured bass, and chord symbols are used in advanced analytical and practical applications.
Musical form and advanced harmony are studied. These musical elements are explored through the composition of original pieces.
This course is the study and practice of instrumental transcription and orchestration arranging and composing. The ranges, individual characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of each orchestral instrument will be studied in preparation for transcribing, arranging, and orchestral composition assignments. Students will also be given the opportunity to study the guidelines for transcribing from keyboard, chamber ensemble, and band to an orchestral score as well as demonstrate an understanding of these transcribing guidelines for each specific setting. A comprehensive knowledge and application of music notation software is a vital aspect of this course.
Composition with Electronic Media is intended to introduce the student to the compositional processes and possibilities of current software and hardware computer resources including synthesis and recording resources, a short historical perspective plus the basics of the production of sound with this technology. The course will also include the integration of the traditional, accepted principles of composition into modern technological tools and the architecture of primary musical forms.
Advanced composition instruction for juniors and seniors in the Music Performance major. The student continues to work toward developing a small portfolio of written compositions in varying styles and genres.
This course is designed to expose the student to the contrapuntal element that is present, to some degree, in all music, and to make them aware of the “forces of opposition and agreement, tension and relaxation, direction, climax and the like that operate whenever two or more voices are sounded simultaneously” (Kent Kennan).
In this course instruction is given in the concept of musical form, beginning with the phrase, and ending with the study of sonata form and the complete symphony, with all the ‘musical architectural forms’ in between.
The practicum is an in-service program for the purpose of providing direct ministry involvement and experience under the supervision of a qualified professional and the Program Coordinator, with the approval of the department Chair. A minimum involvement of 10 hours/week is required. Open only to Seniors.
An investigation of the origin and development of sacred song from its beginnings to the present, with special reference to the relation of sacred Christian song to historical, sociological and theological trends, and the biblical principles and historical trends inherent in the use of sacred song in personal and corporate worship. Sacred song in Western civilization will be the central focus, though not to the exclusion of other world music movements and influences.
Composition with Electronic Media is intended to introduce the student to the compositional processes and possibilities of current software and hardware computer resources including synthesis and recording resources, a short historical perspective plus the basics of the production of sound with this technology. The course will also include the integration of the traditional, accepted principles of composition into modern technological tools and the architecture of primary musical forms.
1. APPLY TO LBC BY COMPLETING OUR ONLINE APPLICATION.
2. AUDITION FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO THIS MAJOR
Every student who applies to any major in the Music, Worship & Performing Arts department must audition for acceptance into the major of their interest and must also be accepted as a student to Lancaster Bible College.