Nathan Burggraff
CONTACT
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy in Music Theory, University of Rochester, 2015
Dissertation: “Music and Theology in a Postmodern Culture: Conceptual Integration in Compositions by Glass, Golijov, and Reich
Master of Arts in Music Theory Pedagogy, University of Rochester, 2010
Master of Music in Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music, University of Rochester, 2007
Bachelor of Arts in Music (Piano and Composition), Clearwater Christian College, 2005
RESEARCH INTEREST
Nathan Burggraff is interested in research projects focusing on congregational singing in the church as well as projects related to applied music theory for worship leaders.
Dr. Burggraff serves as associate professor of music theory. Though his musical career began as a solo performer, it was during his graduate studies that he realized his desire to teach music theory in order to help other musicians enhance their craft that leads worshippers to proclaim the praise of God.
Dr. Burggraff has produced two solo sacred piano albums: Hymns & Prayers and O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. His research focuses on the interaction of postmodern themes in music and theology. Dr. Burggraff has presented papers at several conferences including the Society for Music Theory, the Evangelical Theological Society, Resourcing Worship Conference, and the Society for Christian Scholarship in Music.
When he’s not in the classroom, Dr. Burggraff enjoys graphic designing, running, and playing games with the love of his life, his bride, Diana. He and Diana are also foster parents and are currently caring for three little ones.
2024—present: Minister of Worship, Cross Timbers Baptist Church, Willow Park, TX
2021—23: Traditional Worship Pastor, First Baptist Church, Burleson, TX
2017—20: Instrumental Director, Birchman Baptist Church, Fort Worth, TX
2012—15: Music Administrator, Open Door Baptist Church, Churchville, NY
“Guido d’Arezzo: A Medieval Music Theorist’s Impact on Today’s Training for Worship Leaders.” in Artistic Theologian, Vol. 12 (2025). https://equipthecalled.com/at-journal-article/guido-darezzo-a-medieval-music-theorists-impact-on-todaystraining-for-worship-leaders/
“Silencing the Congregation: Examining the Impact of Musical and Cultural Changes on Congregational Singing in American Evangelical Churches.” in The Southwestern Journal of Theology, Vol. 65/1 (2023). https://equipthecalled.com/swjt-journal-article/silencing-the-congregation-the-impact-of-musical-and-cultural-changes-on-congregational-singing-in-american-evangelical-churches/
“’I Wanna Talk About Me:’ Analyzing the Balance of Focus Between God and Man in Congregational Songs of the American Evangelical Church.” in Artistic Theologian, Vol. 9 (2021). https://equipthecalled.com/at-journal-issue/artistic-theologian-volume-9/
Faculty Recitals and Pianist for Weekly Chapel Services, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2015–present
Solo Sacred Piano Albums: Hymns & Prayers and O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Sacred Concert Pianist – presented over 100 sacred piano concerts to churches throughout the United States and Canada, integrating hymn texts with Scripture using multimedia presentation, 2006–present
Annual Keyboards & Carols at Christmas, Southwestern Seminary (arranger/performer), December 2017
Instrumental Accompanying and Vocal Accompanying Degree Recitals, Eastman School of Music, 2005–2007
Meet Nathan Burggraff
For many students in the School of Church Music and Worship (SCMW), subjects like church music or music history are among the most interesting. However, many students are drawn to a subject that is typically looked at as less interesting, music theory. This is due, in part, to the teaching of Nathan Burggraff, associate professor of music theory at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.