Study Music Studies at LBC
Do you want to study music but also include another elective studies at LBC, perhaps business or communication. There are so many possibilities for elective studies. Maybe you want to study music but aren’t sure of a vocation, such as performance, theatre, worship arts or education. A Bachelor of Arts in Music with elective options might be the degree for you! At LBC, you get an accredited music degree but have some freedom to pursue a second major or a collection of elective credits in music.
Why Study Music at LBC?
- Take part in internships with local churches to gain practical experience in preparing for and leading worship.
- Learn about practical ministry, philosophical understanding, ministry and top-notch performance training.
- Study under professors and professionals with many years of experience in leading worship at churches both nationally and internationally.
- Develop into highly skilled artist to influence culture with grace and truth.
Meet the Faculty
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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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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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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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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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Sample Course Outline
WPA 102 – Intro to Music, Worship, & the Performing Arts
An introduction to music and the performing arts within the context of an understanding of the biblical and theological foundations of worship. This study will be conducted in relation to fundamental issues of cultural context, and in relation to those issues, the understanding of selected pieces of music.
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.
MUL 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.
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.
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. (Writing Intensive)
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. Prerequisite: MUS 102
MUL 101 – Piano Lab I
Group piano method course leading non-keyboard students toward a grasp of functional skills and keyboard technique. This course covers basic chord structure, basic music theory, reading melodies in major keys, and developing skills to accompany singing.
MUL 102 – Piano Lab II
Continuation of MUL 101, strengthening previously acquired skills, with the addition of minor keys, scales and chords, music theory, and variations in accompanying styles. Prerequisite: MUL 101. 1 credit.
HUM 240 – Music History 1
This course examines music from the biblical and ancient periods, through the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque eras, 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.
HUM 340 – Music History 2
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.
WPA 301 – Worship & Performing Arts Internship I
The internship provides pre-professional field experience under the mentoring leadership of a practitioner. Gradual involvement evolves from observation to immersion in a public worship setting while simultaneously honing artistic skill, maturing worship leadership, and participating in the administrative processes of the worship arts.
WPA 302 – Worship & Performing Arts Internship II
The second semester of internship continues the pre-professional field experience under the mentoring leadership of a practitioner. Involvement in worship leadership begins to include a growing role as contributor and leader in a public worship setting while continuing to hone artistic skill, mature worship leadership, and assume responsibility for elements within the administrative processes of the worship arts. Prerequisite(s): WPA 301
MWPA Cross Cultural Externship
Historical and contemporary global influences are a constant reality in the arts. This course is a short-term, supervised participation in a cross-cultural experience, moving the artist outside of his/her inherent cultural context for the purpose of expanding vision, strengthening artistic expression, and understanding of cultural and global issues related to the student’s art form. The parameters of the externship are defined by the College’s policy on “cross-cultural experience,” as well as department requirements described in the WPA Student Handbook.
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. Prerequisite: WPA 302
Featured Courses
MAP 100 MPWA Forums
This weekly forum, required of all W&PA majors, open to all students and faculty, provides an opportunity for non-formal student performances, departmental dialogue, guest lectures and master classes.
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. 3 credits.
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
- Church Worship Leader
- Performer