At Southwestern Seminary’s School of Church Music and Worship, you will grow as a musical artist at a fully accredited NASM school of music, you will receive theological education only a seminary can provide, and you will develop a heart to minister in the local church and throughout the world.
The School of Church Music and Worship offers an excellent and comprehensive music education within a Christian context. Our students receive a strong biblical foundation for the role of music in worship, a practical guide to ministry, and professional preparation in music.
Our graduates are not only thoroughly prepared in their chosen field, but they readily find places of service around the world.
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.
Dean of the School of Church Music and Worship; Professor of Church Music and Worship
Associate Dean of the School of Church Music and Worship; Professor of Church Music and Worship
A unique feature of Southwestern’s music degrees is the combination of in-depth theological studies with training for musical excellence.
The mission of the Southwestern Music Academy is threefold: to offer quality music instruction to children and adults of all ages, to provide a venue for School of Church Music and Worship music majors to gain valuable teaching experience before graduation, and to serve as a vehicle of outreach to the neighborhood children and community.
Every new music student will audition and take placement examinations prior to registering for the first semester. For information on the auditions and placement examinations, see the Prospective Music Students page. Normally students are not excluded on the basis of these auditions and examinations, 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 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.
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 the opportunity for glorious moments of communal music making
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.
Provides string players with the opportunity to rehearse and perform classic literature in a small ensemble setting. Chamber Orchestra is open to both college and graduate students. Audition required.
The Hispanic Band 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 Hispanic Band 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 thepraise 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.
Artistic Theologian is a ministry of the Southwestern Seminary School of Church Music and Worship and exists to provide quality resources to equip churches for worship that is biblically faithful, musically excellent, and ministry focused.
Wherever God calls you, the School of Church Music and Worship will equip you to serve biblically and effectively.
