Study Instrumental Music Performance at LBC
Training Instrumentalists to Be Instruments of God
Learn how to use your musical gifts to bring Him glory – no matter where you’re performing. We firmly believe that God gave us our talents, abilities and the arts as a way to express His creativity and love. The Bible is full of people playing music, showing us how God used – and still uses – music to move hearts. So whether you play for an audience of one or for a full house, we’re dedicated to training you to be the best performer and disciple of Christ that you can be.
Through a blend of classes focused on all aspects of musicianship, theory and technique that seamlessly integrate a biblical worldview, you’ll learn about much more than just music performance – you’ll learn about the life-transforming truths of the gospel. Select your instrument of choice and study piano performance, flute performance, harp performance, trombone performance, clarinet performance, violin performance, guitar performance, percussion performance and much more! We pride ourselves on the fact that our students regularly interact with, learn about and perform diverse genres of music, equipping them to become excellent instrumentalists in any number of performance settings.
Our instrumental performance major is unique for a number of reasons – our students begin performing in their first year of study, participate in weekly music performance forums, perform in solo recitals their junior and senior years, and have ample opportunities to perform outside of the college thanks to LBC’s relationships with a number of well-respected arts organizations.
Moreover, our students get chance to study under professionals working in the music industry and learn from experienced professors who are also active performers. If you want to go to a college full of Christians that will push you to become a fully-committed follower of Christ and an excellent performer, consider applying to Lancaster Bible College.
Why Study Instrumental Music Performance at LBC?
- Learn and study under widely-renowned musicians, experienced instructors and long-time performers.
- Integrate your Christian faith and calling with your God-given musical abilities.
- Perform in our on-campus ensembles, at historic venues and alongside world-class, visiting musicians.
- Earn your degree from an accredited Bible college in PA.
A Closer Look: Instrumental Music Performance
Hands-On Experience
Students explain why our music degree means so much them as believers and artists.
Meet the Faculty
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.
MUS 101L – Musicianship I Lab
Melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic performance, analysis and dictation for the basis of ear training and sight singing in this course designed as a concurrent laboratory experience with MUS 101 Music Theory I. Technology for the twenty-first century is included with instruction in its application to music education, performance, and production. Finale basics are taught.
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 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.
MPR 301 – Vocal Repertoire & Diction I
Classical and sacred choral repertoire are examined and performed in class. Correct techniques in singing are taught with special attention being given to the application of Latin, Spanish, and Italian diction. Students learn the International Phonetic Alphabet.
MPR 302 – Vocal Repertoire & Diction II
Classical and sacred choral repertoire are examined and performed in class. Correct techniques in singing are taught with special attention being given to the application of French, German, and English diction.
MPD 305 – Pedagogical Methods of Music Instruction
This course offers an overview of various pedagogical methods used in studio music instruction including Suzuki, Kodaly, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Orff-Schulwerk, and Kindermusic. It also reviews the use of these methods in non-traditional music classroom settings, such as children’s choirs and small group instruction. These concepts will be analyzed in light of a biblical worldview for music and music education.
HUM 340 – Music History II
This course examines music from Classicism to Romanticism, concentrating on the major composers of each era, their musical contributions, vocal and instrumental developments, and the progression of musical style and form within the historical, sociological, technological, and theological advancements and influences of these eras.
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.
HUM 440 – Music History III
This course examines music history from Impressionism to Modern and 21st century music concentrating on the major composers of each era, their musical contributions, vocal and instrumental developments, and the progression of musical style and form within the historical, sociological, technological, and theological advancements and influences of these eras. A section on World Music and its influence on Western Music is included.
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).
Featured Courses
MUS 101 - Musicianship I Lab
Melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic performance, analysis and dictation for the basis of ear training and sight singing in this course designed as a concurrent laboratory experience with Music Theory I. Technology for the twenty-first century is included with instruction in its application to music education, performance, and production. Finale basics are taught.
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.
STEPS FOR ADMISSION INTO THIS MAJOR
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.
Careers and Jobs in Music Performance Instrumental
- Accompanist
- Church Worship Leader
- Composer
- Conductor
- Orchestral Musician
- Private Music Teacher/Instructor
- Performer
- Soloist
- Songwriter