School of Church Music & Worship
Biblically faithful. Musically excellent. Ministry driven.
Comprehensive music education in a Christian context. Students receive a strong biblical foundation for the role of music in worship, a practical guide to ministry, and professional preparation in music.
SOUTHWESTERN'S SCHOOL OF CHURCH MUSIC AND WORSHIP:
- Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
- Seminary-grade theological education
- Ministry-focused curriculum
- Degrees available at the certificate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral level
Whether you’re just beginning your journey or have decades of experience, we will equip you to live your calling. Southwestern Seminary's School of Church Music and Worship offers more than ten unique degrees, all designed to provide theological and practical foundations for any field of ministry.
A unique feature of Southwestern’s music degrees is the combination of in-depth theological studies with training for musical excellence. Our graduates are not only thoroughly prepared in their chosen field, but they readily find places of service around the world.
Degree Programs
Faculty
Our full-time music professors possess world-class credentials, a multitude of experiences, and a passion for using music for the glory of God. They, as well as our numerous artists-in-residence and adjuncts from the vibrant Dallas-Fort Worth music community, will challenge and inspire you.
Joseph R. Crider
Professor of Church Music and Worship
Charles T. Lewis Jr.
Professor of Church Music and Worship
Ben Caston
Partnering Faculty
- Jimbob Brown: Adjunct Instructor of Worship Technology
- Sean Beavers: Adjunct Professor of Guitar
- James Cheesman: Adjunct Professor of Worship
- Sojin Park: Adjunct Instructor of Piano
- Hugo Encorrada: Adjunct Instructor in Piano
- Jon Duncan: Senior Professor of Church Music and Worship
- Austin Luke Hannah: Adjunct Instructor of Voice
- Ivan Rustandi: Adjunct Instructor of Piano
- Sarah Shannon: Adjunct Instructor of Music & Worship
- Seon-Young Im: Adjunct Professor of Piano
- Ricky Johnson: Artist in Residence, Director of Bands
- J.P. Kwok: Adjunct Professor of Worship Technology
- Taeyoung Lee: Adjunct Instructor in Drums
- Katie Mersch: Adjunct Professor of Voice
- Matthew Naizer: Adjunct Instructor of Guitar
- Imre Patkai: Adjunct Professor of Piano
- Matthew Perkinson: Adjunct Professor of Worship
- Adeniyi Samuel: Adjunct Instructor of Voice
- Jill Sprenger: Adjunct Professor of Piano
- Mark Stingley: Artist in Residence - Voice
- Scott Stice: Adjunct Instructor of Guitar
Performance Opportunities
In addition to solo performing opportunities in recitals and master classes, the School of Church Music and Worship offers a variety of ensembles for students to gain experience in their performing areas and to acquaint themselves with a wide range of repertoire, from the masterpieces of oratorio literature to the latest in worship music for the church. Above all, the ensembles provide opportunities for artistic collaboration, shared musical expression, and the pursuit of musical excellence for the glory of God.
You can experience the performances of many of these ensembles through one of our many music videos:
Southwestern Singers is our premiere mixed choral ensemble committed to excellence in choral singing through the study and performance of classic and modern sacred choral literature. The ensemble sings regularly in chapel, in concert, and for special events. Southwestern Singers is open to both college and graduate students. Audition required.
Southwestern A Cappella is a sixteen-member vocal ensemble committed to ministry through the medium of a cappella jazz, modern songs of the church, and classic hymns scored in fresh ways. It is designed for advanced vocalists who desire to explore complex harmonization and modern vocal stylizations in the context of ministry to the Lord, to our school, and to the church through the music, testimony, and the Word. Southwestern A Cappella is open to all college and seminary students. Audition required.
The “house band” for Southwestern that leads worship in chapels, special events, and School of Church Music and Worship concerts. Cowden Hall Band is open to graduate students. Audition required.
The Cantico Nuevo is a worship-leading ensemble uniquely charged to serve and encourage Hispanic churches throughout the metroplex, Texas, and beyond. It also serves in leading worship for Southwestern chapels and special events. The Cantico Nuevo is open to Hispanic college and graduate students. Audition required.
The “house band” for Texas Baptist College that leads worship in chapels, special collegiate events, and School of Church Music and Worship concerts. Texas Baptist College Band is open to all college students. Audition required.
The Texas Baptist College Choir is a mixed vocal ensemble that rehearses and performs a variety of modern and classic sacred music written for the edification of the church and the praise of Christ. Texas Baptist College Choir is open to all college students. No audition required.
A full symphonic ensemble of strings, winds, percussion, and modern rhythm section that provides the musical foundations for worship in chapels and other special events. Chapel Orchestra is open to both college and graduate students. No audition required.
An ensemble that studies and performs chamber works for guitar ensemble from all style periods as well as works by a variety of contemporary composers. Guitar Ensemble is open to both college and graduate students. Audition required.
Southwestern Music Academy
The SMA offers music instruction to children and adults, provides a venue for SWBTS students to gain teaching experience, and serves as a vehicle of community outreach.
Artistic Theologian
Artistic Theologian provides quality resources to equip churches for worship that is biblically faithful, musically excellent, and ministry focused.
New Students
Auditions, placement, examinations, and orientation
Every new music student will audition and take placement examinations prior to registering for the first semester. Normally, students are not excluded on the basis of these auditions and examinations, and appropriate leveling work will be assigned as needed.
Former students who have not been enrolled in music courses for more than five years will also audition and take placement examinations.
The School of Church Music and Worship provides an orientation period prior to the beginning of classes for the fall and spring semesters. All new music students at every degree level are required to participate during their first semester. Students entering during the summer session will attend orientation before the following fall semester.
Auditions for our ministry-based ensembles, graduate assistantships, and scholarships occur yearly in the spring and fall months.
Upcoming Audition Dates
- April 4, 2025 (Southwestern Seminary and Texas Baptist College)
- Special Appointment
- Virtual
- Prepare & Register for Your Audition
Graduate and Doctoral Audition Requirements
New Student Orientation
Got Questions?
We’re here to answer them. Reach out to our Admissions Team and we’ll be in touch by phone, text, or email.