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Worship Arts Minor
Do you like to lead others in worship and encourage them in their walk with Christ? If so, consider minoring in worship arts at Dordt University. You’ll learn how to humbly lead those around you to the foot of the cross. You’ll grow as a musician, a leader, and a communicator of God’s truth through worship. And you’ll better understand how God can use you for His kingdom purposes.
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Program Overview
Dordt’s worship arts minor is ideal for students who are passionate about worship and leading others in worship, but are choosing to major in another field. Worship arts can help us communicate God’s love to groups of people through worship. It can help us develop communication, leadership, and team-building skills. And it can teach us to find ways to worship Christ in all aspects of our work.
Dordt’s worship arts program features some of the finest equipment and facilities you will find. You’ll practice and learn on state-of-the-art gear. From our instruments to our recording studio to the B.J. Haan Auditorium, a fully-fitted performance venue, you will practice and perform using the best of the best. Graduates from Dordt’s worship arts program have gone to graduate schools like Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, and worked at churches like Red Rocks Community Church in Lakewood, Colorado.
What you'll learn
Through earning a worship arts minor, you’ll learn how God can use your unique talents and abilities to lead through worship. You’ll be challenged by our dedicated faculty. You’ll study and practice in exceptional facilities. And you’ll grow spiritually and musically while you answer the question, “How do we sing, pray, and live according to God’s word?”
What you can do with a worship arts minor
Dordt’s worship arts program will prepare you to meet the growing need for professional involvement in worship. Our professors will help you become a skilled and discerning leader as well as an engaged participant in your church’s worship. Paired with the right major, a Worship Arts minor opens many doors for students. Here are just a few of the career opportunities you’ll discover when you minor in Worship Arts:
Worship Leader
A Worship Leader guides the hearts of a congregation to help prepare them for the sermon during a church service.
Vocal Coach
A Vocal Coach is responsible for helping their client improve their vocals as well as maintain them through suggested routines or exercises.
Music Director
A Music Director manages all aspects of musical theatre or opera productions.
Career Preparation
Dordt University's 2023 Career Outcome Rate was 99.4%! “This data point tells us that Dordt graduates are prepared for the careers of their choosing,” said Amy Westra, director of Career Development. “A Dordt education provides students with industry-relevant courses and connections that make a difference.”
To earn a worship arts minor, students will need to complete different courses from the music, theology business administration and worship arts programs. Students will also be required to take music lessons or participate in ensembles.
- Music Fundamentals: A course laying the foundation for musicianship and further study in music through the study of music fundamentals, i.e., rudimentary skills in notation, analysis, and composition as well as exposure to basic music literature.
- Ear Training I: The development of basic skills in the reading and notation of rhythm and of diatonic melodies in major and minor, in hearing and playing primary triads, and in identifying major and minor scales and simple intervals. Corequisite: Music 103 or advanced placement.
- Biblical Studies Methods: This course introduces interpretive approaches and practices for reading the Bible using a Reformed hermeneutical method. Students will become familiar with major resources for biblical study, interpret a variety of Old Testament and New Testament texts, and discuss the manner in which the varied contexts (e.g., social, cultural, theological) of the biblical world and contemporary readers inform exegetical study. This is a foundational course in the theology program to develop skills in biblical studies and theological writing. Open to all students seeking to develop their reading, understanding, and application of Scripture.
- Spiritual Formation: What does the Christian life of faith and discipleship look like? This course will explore the history and practice of the spiritual disciplines by studying the faith lives of important figures in the history of Christianity. The purpose of this exploration is to help students see how God is at work in the history of the church so they can begin to articulate their experience of God’s work in their own lives. This is a foundational course in the theology program. It is open to any student interested in learning more about spirituality and discipleship.
- Foundations of Worship: A study of the Scriptural foundation for worship and of the components of worship. There will be a brief study of historic patterns of worship, leading to the preparation of liturgies and the practice of worship-leading skills.
- Worship in Contemporary Context: This course engages the theological and cultural issues that shape contemporary worship practices of the church. By exploring diverse worship practices students will develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between Christian worship and culture. The focus on this course is to help students cultivate discernment as they lead worship in a variety of cultural contexts.
- Leadership Studies: Involves the study of human behavior and how individuals influence that behavior. This course will reflect a diversity of perspectives on leadership and motivation. Students will examine different models, skills, and styles of leadership, review common traits of effective leaders, and evaluate, from a Christian perspective, the ethical and moral issues facing leaders.
- Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs: An overview of the role of music in worship, worship music repertoire, and information and skills needed to plan music for worship.
- Elements of Praxis in Worship: The focus on this course is to equip students with the practical insight needed to lead worship in a contemporary context. This includes learning how to use equipment, how to organize and lead a practice, cultivating a stage presence, how to develop excellent sound, and incorporating a diversity of instruments into worship.
- Piano Proficiency: Passing the piano proficiency requirement is necessary for certain majors and minors in music. Piano proficiency is demonstrated by passing a test administered by the music department. Preparation for this test may be gained through taking piano lessons.
- Private Piano Lessons
- Chorale
- Wind Ensemble
- Concert Choir
- Small Instrumental Ensemble: A variety of small instrumental ensembles, including 4th Avenue Band.
- Small Vocal Ensemble: A variety of small vocal ensembles, including 4th Avenue Singers, Bella Voce, and Canons of Dordt.
- Chamber Orchestra: Study and performance of music for string orchestra.
- Worship Arts Ensemble Participant: A worship music ensemble involving weekly participation, reflection, and coaching
- Worship Arts Ensemble Leader: Develop knowledge, confidence, skill, and character as a worship leader and participant through leadership of a worship music ensemble.
Ready to take the next step?
Faculty
With experience in a variety of fields, our faculty members are equipped and ready to help you succeed.
Worship Arts Room
As a Worship Arts Major, you'll have the opportunity to spend time in the Worship Arts Room located in the Campus Center. These facilities include a variety of instruments and a recording studio.
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Student Stories
Dordt students and alumni use their gifts to make a difference in the world. Check out their stories to see how Defender Nation lives out our mission to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.
Nurturing the Heart
Anna ChristiansDordt gave Anna the confidence and humility that she needed to grow as an individual and realize that who you become is so much more important than what you do with your life.
Anna Christians
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