Music Performance: Composition

Bachelor of Music (BMUS)

Making great musicians who make great music.

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Home | Traditional Undergraduate | Academics (Undergrad) | Undergraduate Majors (Traditional) | Music Performance: Composition

Study Music Composition at LBC

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.

Why Study Music Composition at LBC?

Learn under the teaching of practitioners and experienced instructors.
Participate in on-campus opportunities to write and perform your own compositions.
Enjoy regular interaction with accomplished visiting artists, like Stephen Schwartz, composer of Broadway hits like “Godspell,” “Pippin” and “Wicked.”

Your Journey

Program Credits: 133

Locations: Lancaster

Degree

Bachelor of Music with majors in Music Performance: Composition and Biblical Studies

Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Internships

Here are some examples of internships completed by students in the past:

Composer in Residence at a Local Church
Worship Leader

Options

Traditional
Online & Evening (Adult Education)
Available as Minor

Transfer Students

“Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:19b

A Closer Look: Music Composition

Hands-On Experience

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.

Meet the Faculty

Paul Thorlakson, DMA

Professor, Director of Piano Studies, Director of LBC Orchestra, Chair of Music, Worship & Performing Arts Department

“I think of faithful music making in much the same way as Eric Liddell felt about his athletic pursuits: ‘I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast, When I run I feel God’s pleasure.’ When I perform music to the Glory of God, I sense in His pleasure in the pursuit of artistic excellence.” — Dr. Thorlakson

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Paul Thorlakson, DMA

Professor, Director of Piano Studies, Director of LBC Orchestra, Chair of Music, Worship & Performing Arts Department

pthorlakson@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5514

Dr. Thorlakson received his early music education and Associate Degree from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. He proceeded to graduate with a Bachelor of Music in Performance from the University of Toronto, a Master of Church Music and Doctor of Musical Arts from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY (where he received several distinctions including the Certificate in Performance and a Pedagogy award), and post-graduate studies at both Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY and the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Thorlakson has enjoyed a varied piano performance career as a recitalist, orchestra soloist, chamber musician and accompanist through North America in venues from conference centers to concert halls. He has continually served a number of churches in full and part time music ministry positions. Dr. Thorlakson is also a Senior Examiner for the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto and an actively sought adjudicator for festivals and competitions across the country. His academic career has taken him from Simpson University in Redding, CA, to Redeemer University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and finally to Lancaster Bible College. At each academic institution, in addition to his teaching load as a piano, theory and music ministry professor, he has served as the department chair and conductor of the college symphony orchestra.

Education

DMA in Piano, Theory and Conducting – The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY
MCM – The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, KY
BMus in Piano Performance – The University of Toronto, Canada

Verse

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16

Robert Bigley, DMA

Professor, Director of Choral Studies and Chorale & Chamber Singers, Director of Arts and Culture Series

“God has entrusted each of us with talents (Mt. 25:14–30). Your job is to invest those talents in such a way that they develop into skill, which God will ultimately use for His glory (Ps. 33:3). My job as a professor is to help you do that (1 Chr. 15:22).” — Dr. Bigley

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Robert Bigley, DMA

Professor, Director of Choral Studies and Chorale & Chamber Singers, Director of Arts and Culture Series

rbigley@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5346

Dr. Robert Bigley has been on the faculty of Lancaster Bible College since 2007 and currently serves as the Director of Choral Studies and Director of the Arts and Culture series for both the Lancaster campus as well as at The Trust Performing Arts Center in downtown Lancaster. He has acted on screen and on stage in productions across the country. Dr. Bigley's most recent appearances were with the historic Fulton Theatre, Prima Theatre and Servant Stage Company in Lancaster, PA. Dr. Bigley's ensembles frequently collaborate with nationally acclaimed musical groups. A short list includes the modern Irish hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty, Dove Award-winning artist Michael Card, Grammy Award winners Ranky Tanky, international recording artist Declain O'Rourke, the Grammy-nominated ensemble New York Polyphony, and even an appearance on the Christmas album of the Grammy-nominated metalcore band August Burns Red. Local collaborators include both Lancaster Symphony Orchestra and Opera Lancaster. Dr. Bigley has taught middle school, high school, community college and four-year college in both private and public institutions and was twice listed in “Who's Who Among America's Teachers.” Dr. Bigley has conducted a variety of ensembles throughout the years, including the Greater Miami Youth Symphony (FL), Opera Lancaster (PA) and the Cascade Symphony (WA) and has led LBC Chorale concert tours around the world in countries including Ireland, China and Spain. Dr. Bigley holds degrees from the University of Washington, the Eastman School of Music and the University of Miami. He lives in Lancaster City with his wife, Kendra, who is a professional pianist and music director. They have three amazing children and two awesome children-in-law.

Education

DMA in Choral Conducting – University of Washington, Seattle, WA
MMus in Conducting-Choral and Orchestral – The Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY
BMus in Music Media and Industry – The University of Miami, Miami, FL

Verse

“Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.” – Psalm 37:3

Timothy Sidebothom, PhD

Professor, Director of Music: Elective Studies

“While Desmond Tutu is credited with saying: ‘If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.’ God’s Word clearly taught us first that our role as Christ-followers and musicians is not neutral in the present, the past or the future, but we first need to know where we’ve been (through studying history) so we best know where we’re going!” – Dr. Sidebothom

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Rachel Sidebothom, MEd

Assistant Professor, Director of Music Education Studies, Oboe Instructor, Director of Chamber Ensembles, Associate Chair of MWPA

“I believe music is an eternal gift given to us by God to glorify Him and encourage and edify one another. What greater profession can one have than training students of all ages to know, understand, develop, and use this gift!” — Mrs. Sidebothom

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Rachel Sidebothom, MEd

Assistant Professor, Director of Music Education Studies, Oboe Instructor, Director of Chamber Ensembles, Associate Chair of MWPA

rsidebothom@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5334

Professor Rachel Sidebothom is associate chair of the Music, Worship & Performing Arts department and Assistant Professor of Music Education. In addition to teaching music education courses, she also teaches music theory and coursework for the Education Department. As a professional oboist, Professor Sidebothom performs in the Central PA area as a soloist and with chamber ensembles and orchestras. Prior to teaching at LBC, she served as the instrumental music director and Fine Arts Department Chair at Lancaster Christian School and Lancaster County Christian School from 2002-11 and director of handbell choirs at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lancaster, PA, from 2010-14. Professor Sidebothom also maintains a private teaching studio. She completed her master’s degree in music education from Penn State University in 2012 and graduated from Lancaster Bible College in 2002 with a degree in Bible and certification in Music Education. She holds PA Level II certification in Music Education.

Education

MME – Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
BS in Bible – Lancaster Bible College, Lancaster, PA

Verse

“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” – Psalm 115:1

Bruce Gerlach, DMA

Part-time Faculty

“In my joy, I’ve joined the dance of Union with the Three in One” – from the hymn “Union With the Three in One”– Dr. Gerlach

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Bruce Gerlach, DMA

Part-time Faculty

BGerlach@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5586

Dr. Bruce Gerlach was born and raised in Lancaster County. His musical performance career began in high school when he was chosen for county, district and regional honors choirs every year, as well as All-State Choir his senior year. He graduated from a small Christian liberal arts college, The King’s College, in 1978, was married the same year and began his career as a church musician, organist and choirmaster. He served as Director of Music Ministries at Manor Church (Lancaster) from 1981-1988. During that time, he earned his MM in Music Composition from West Chester University. After completing his DMA at Southern Seminary, (Louisville, KY, 1992) in conducting, organ and theory, he began his teaching career at College of the Ozarks near Branson, MO. He taught there from 1992-2016, when he took an early retirement and moved back home to PA. In 2017, he started teaching at LBC as an adjunct before becoming a part-time faculty member. Dr. Gerlach and his wife have two grown children and two grandchildren. They live in a stately old stone farmhouse near his relatives.

Education

DMA in Conducting, Theory and Organ – The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY
MMus in Composition – West Chester University, West Chester, PA
BS in Music Education – The Kings College, New York City, NY

Verse

Colossians 3:16-17

Jeffrey Martin, MM

Assistant Professor, Director of Vocal Studies, Director of Chapel Guild

“God made each of us uniquely. Training our voices is equally unique.” – Dr. Martin

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Jeffrey Martin, MM

Assistant Professor, Director of Vocal Studies, Director of Chapel Guild

JAMartin@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5431

Baritone Jeffrey Martin, a native of Maryland, is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Minnesota. A graduate of the Peabody Conservatory, Professor Martin’s Peabody career took flight as The Man with the Cornet Case/Puppet-master from Argento’s Postcard from Morocco, of which The Baltimore Sun said: “Jeffrey Martin brings solid tone and exemplary diction…” During his tenure in Baltimore, Professor Martin performed Leporello (Don Giovanni) in Peabody’s collaboration with Lyric Opera Baltimore on the Lyric Opera stage. Recent concert performances include Mozart’s “Great” Mass in C Minor, Mozart’s Requiem Mass, Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin and other guest soloist engagements with groups around the country. Internationally, Jeffrey was found performing the role of Raimondo (Lucia di Lammermoor) with La Musica Lirica Festival in Novafeltria, Italy. Performances with the University of Minnesota include Escamillo in the Peter Brooks adaptation of Bizet’s Carmen, the title role in Le nozze di Figaro and the role of Rev. Olin Blitch in Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah. Most recently, he sang the role of Jesus in a staged version of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion with the University of Minnesota in Collaboration with the Hochschule für Musik Detmold in Detmold, Germany.

Education

DMA candidate in Vocal Performance degree program – University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
MM in Vocal Performance – The Peabody Conservatory, Baltimore, MD
BMus in Voice Education – Shepherd College, Shepherdstown, WV

Verse

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

Kendra Bigley, BMus

Adjunct Faculty

“One is not a pianist because they play the piano; rather, one plays the piano because they are a pianist.”

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Kendra Bigley, BMus

Adjunct Faculty

kbigley@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 8218

Kendra Bigley is a versatile collaborative artist and respected pedagogue. She earned the Bachelor of Music (cum laude) in piano performance from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Barry Snyder, winner of three prizes in the 1966 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition; Fernando Laires, co-founder of the American Liszt Society; and Dr. Jean Barr, the first keyboard artist in the United States to be awarded a doctoral degree in accompanying. Mrs. Bigley has built a career as a chamber musician and accompanist at the Trust Performing Arts Center, collaborating with such artists as Amy Owens, Doris Hall-Gulati, Christopher Dylan Herbert, Samantha Hankey, Jennifer Aylmer, Thomas Meglioranza and Christopher Shih. She has also enjoyed working as a music director, conductor, vocal coach and accompanist at theater companies and academic institutions including The Fulton Theater, Sight & Sound Theatres, Servant Stage Company, Prima Theatre, Opera Lancaster, Penn Square Music Festival, J.P. McCaskey High School, Florida International University and Lancaster Bible College. In 2018, she won the Regional Broadway Music Award for Best Music Director for “Titanic: The Musical,” a co-production with Servant Stage Company and Lancaster Bible College. Mrs. Bigley maintains an active private studio and is a member of MTNA, PMTA and LMTA, for which she serves as Immediate Past President.

Education

BMus – Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY

Verse

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23

Sample Course Outline

MUS 101 – Music Theory I

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.

WPA 102 – Introduction to Worship Arts

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.

MUS 102 – Music Theory II

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.

MUS 221 – Conducting I

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.

HIS 224 – History of Christian Song

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.

MUS 212 – Contemporary Theory & Arranging

Advanced harmony and rhythms are studied. Counterpoint and voice-leading of these musical elements are applied in arrangements written for various ensembles.

MUS 201 – Music Theory III

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.

MUS 211 – Introduction to Composition

Musical form and advanced harmony are studied. These musical elements are explored through the composition of original pieces.

MUS 332 – Orchestration

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.

MUS 335 – Composition with Electronic Media

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.

MAP 302 – Applied Music – Composition

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.

MUS 331 – Counterpoint

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).

MUS 330 – Form & Analysis

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.

WPA 450 – Worship & Performing Arts Practicum

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.

See the catalog for details

Featured Courses

HIS 224 - History of Christian Song

MUS 335 - Composition with Electronic Media

A woman viewing sheet music on a computer screen.

STEPS FOR ADMISSION INTO THIS MAJOR

1. APPLY TO LBC BY COMPLETING OUR ONLINE APPLICATION.

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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.

Audition Requirements

Careers and Jobs in Music Performance

Accompanist
Arts Management
Church Worship Leader
Composer
Music Teacher/Instructor

Music Producer
Orchestral Musician
Performer
Soloist
Songwriter

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Lancaster, PA Main Campus

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Music Performance: Composition

Bachelor of Music (BMUS)

Study Music Composition at LBC

Why Study Music Composition at LBC?

Your Journey

Internships

A Closer Look: Music Composition

Hands-On Experience

Meet the Faculty

Paul Thorlakson, DMA

Education

Verse

Robert Bigley, DMA

Education

Verse

Timothy Sidebothom, PhD

Education

Verse

Rachel Sidebothom, MEd

Education

Verse

Bruce Gerlach, DMA

Education

Verse

Jeffrey Martin, MM

Education

Verse

Kendra Bigley, BMus

Education

Verse

Sample Course Outline

MUS 101 – Music Theory I

WPA 102 – Introduction to Worship Arts

MUS 102 – Music Theory II

MUS 221 – Conducting I

HIS 224 – History of Christian Song

MUS 212 – Contemporary Theory & Arranging

MUS 201 – Music Theory III

MUS 211 – Introduction to Composition

MUS 332 – Orchestration

MUS 335 – Composition with Electronic Media

MAP 302 – Applied Music – Composition

MUS 331 – Counterpoint

MUS 330 – Form & Analysis

WPA 450 – Worship & Performing Arts Practicum

Featured Courses

HIS 224 - History of Christian Song

MUS 335 - Composition with Electronic Media

STEPS FOR ADMISSION INTO THIS MAJOR

Careers and Jobs in Music Performance

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