Center for Worship Arts
You know you’re meant to worship. You also know you’ll need relevant, real-world training to fulfill your calling. You might be feeling overwhelmed and underprepared on Sunday mornings. What if it didn’t have to be that way? At Regent University’s Center for Worship Arts, we know that you want world-class training that integrates the latest cutting-edge technology for church musicians and tech teams. Our educators are skilled musicians, composers, producers, technical directors, and worship leaders with extensive experience coaching worship teams around the world. Our classes are designed to give you practical tools that develop your skills as a musician, technician, or worship leader. Register now so you can stop feeling overwhelmed and instead confidently fulfill your purpose in worship ministry.
Location: On Campus Duration: 8 weeks Next Session Start: TBA
The center’s training sessions are all taught in a group setting, and they include the following 12 classes:
This class is designed to give beginners the gift of musical expression through playing the piano. In eight weeks, we will teach the fundamentals of keyboard layout, major and minor chord theory, key signatures, and more. Our objective is to equip students to play piano/keyboard in a worship setting or in their own private lives.
Instructor: Gary Spell
This class is designed to take intermediate guitarists to the next level of proficiency in playing contemporary worship styles of music. Throughout the eight-week program, students will delve into essential concepts and techniques, including the musical alphabet, major and minor whole-half method, Nashville Number System, notes in the CAGED system, major and minor scales, chord shapes, and relative minor keys. The class emphasizes practical application through hands-on exercises and jam sessions. By the end of this class, students will be equipped to play a wide range of contemporary styles with creativity and musicality.
Instructor: Sheldon White
This class is designed to instruct students to become Music Directors by giving them an expansive knowledge of music, musicians, instruments, and vocals and how all these components come together. This class allows students to understand how to listen critically to music. It will also teach students to learn, analyze, and apply the foundational and structural elements and be able to communicate them to other musicians and vocalists.
Instructor: Dave Hummel
In the class, all students will be mentally equipped to lead worship with an acoustic guitar. The technical work in this class is relevant to a whole range of sacred music styles as it includes chord patterns and progressions in all pieces. In this class, we will explore music theory basics, the CAGED method, Nashville Number System, and Fretboard Logic. With any new music venture, the amount of improvement in the student will be based on the time spent practicing. There will be rapid initial improvement, based on new knowledge gained and shared.
Instructor: Rob Coxwell
Designed to provide an understanding of music and worship in the local church, this class provides an overview of a worship leader’s responsibility to the evangelical church. Emphasis is given to the Biblical cornerstones of worship, the importance of ministry relationships developing and executing a worship philosophy, serving from the overflow of a vibrant relationship with God, shepherding from the platform through public speaking, the call to anonymity and the various roles of a worship leader as a team builder, director, and shepherd. We will also cover the practical duties of a Worship Leader such as music selection, set structure, team-building, and more.
Instructor: Travis Doucette
This 8-week class will equip drummers to serve in a wide variety of local church settings. Topics covered during our weekly sessions include technique, terminology, preparation, notation styles, music theory, spontaneity, gear, click tracks, and more, all while learning a variety of songs, styles, and genres. This class is for players ages 14 and up, at any ability level, who may or may not already be serving on a church worship team. Beginning-Intermediate drummers will grow their skills and knowledge. Intermediate-Advanced drummers will refine and bring further knowledge and language to their skill set so that they can better disciple less-experienced players on their teams.
Instructor: Aaron Cook
This class covers the foundations of singing with a focus on worship team participation and development. Students will learn about the human voice, vocal production pedagogy, breathing techniques, and vocal harmony. All techniques and harmony instructions will be applied regularly to worship songs throughout the class.
Instructor: George Scott
Over the next 8 weeks, you will expand your skills on bass concentrating on the Four Ts:
- Technique – Build on your control of your instrument through technique.
- Time – Focus on what it is to internalize time and better understand rhythm.
- Tone – Build on skills to develop and adjust tone as it relates to the music you play. Focusing first on how your technique creates/determines the tone and address the EQ. We’ll also cover effects such as overdrive, chorus, etc.
- Theory – Build on the information of music such as scales, chords, chord progression and song form.
Instructor: Jim Lambie
In these 8 sessions, we will do a deep dive into keyboard patches, technology, getting the most out of what you have, and a little bit of theory. We will start by exploring the equipment that is most prevalent in your churches from Older Yamaha ES90s, Motifs, Roland Junos all the way to the NORD stage series. We will then explore software key approaches that can turn any keyboard into a controller/weapon of gorgeous tonal abilities. We will learn the ins and outs of using Mainstage or any DAW to create and manipulate patches. We will also go over where to find and what to look for in building patches.
Instructor: Ben Mekkes
Ableton Live is a fast, fluid, and flexible software for music creation and live performance. It comes with effects, instruments, sounds, and all kinds of creative features – everything you need to make any kind of music. In this 8-week class, you will learn the basics of how to run a click track to stay in time with the rest of your band all the way to running a full production with one click of a button. If you’re a small church worship leader with only a few musicians or a large church worship leader with musicians full to the brim, you can learn how Ableton Live will take your worship experiences to the next level of excellence.
Instructor: David Springstead
Dive into the dynamic world of ProPresenter with our transformative 8-week class! From mastering the fundamentals to wielding advanced live production tools, this comprehensive program promises to elevate your Worship Services to unparalleled heights. Whether you’re a newbie eager to create riveting visuals or a seasoned tech aiming to unlock next-level features, our hands-on sessions are tailored to infuse creativity, flair, and finesse into every aspect. Sign up now and empower your techs to curate and command captivating worship experiences!
Instructor: Kyle Bentz
Step into the world of Audio Mixing for Houses of Worship, where we blend faith with finesse to create transcendent soundscapes. Over an immersive 8-week journey, this class will guide you from the foundational bricks of audio engineering to the nuanced art of mixing for different worship styles. Master the intricacies of the mixing console, elevate your band’s sonic presence with advanced techniques, and troubleshoot like a pro. Whether you’re crafting the serene ambiance for a hymn or elevating the energy of contemporary worship, our hands-on sessions will equip you with the tools and confidence to amplify the spiritual experience for your congregation. Join us, and let’s co-create divine resonance together!
Instructor: Sebastian Castillo
Our music instructors stand out as the best in the industry because they bring together a remarkable blend of expertise, passion, personalized instruction, effective communication, and a commitment to holistic musical development. Their dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians sets them apart as exceptional educators in music.
Here’s why our instructors are truly remarkable:
- Extensive Expertise: Our instructors are highly skilled and accomplished musicians with extensive training and experience in their respective instruments and musical genres. They possess a deep understanding of music theory, technique, and performance nuances, enabling them to impart their knowledge effectively to students at all skill levels.
- Passionate Educators: Beyond their technical prowess, our instructors have an innate passion for teaching. They are committed to nurturing the musical growth of each student, fostering a love for music that goes beyond the classroom. This passion shines through in their interactions, making learning enjoyable and inspiring for all students.
- Tailored Instruction: Our instructors recognize that every student has unique learning styles and goals. They take the time to understand each student’s needs, adapting their teaching methods to ensure a personalized learning experience. Whether a student is a beginner or an advanced player, our instructors provide customized guidance to help them reach their full potential.
- Effective Communication: Clear and effective communication is a hallmark of our instructors. They excel at breaking down complex musical concepts into digestible explanations, making learning more accessible and enjoyable for students of all ages. This communication style fosters a strong student-teacher rapport that enhances the learning process.
- Holistic Approach: Our instructors understand that music is more than technical proficiency; it’s about expression, creativity, and emotional connection. They guide students in developing these aspects alongside their technical skills, creating well-rounded musicians who can genuinely connect with their audience.
- Continuous Growth: Even the best instructors are committed to their growth and development. Our instructors stay updated with the latest teaching methodologies, music trends, and industry advancements. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that students receive the most relevant and up-to-date education.
- Positive Learning Environment: Creating a supportive and positive learning environment is crucial for effective music education. Our instructors foster a space for students to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. This environment boosts confidence and motivation, propelling students toward their musical goals.
- Proven Track Record: Our instructors have a history of helping students achieve their musical aspirations. Many of their former students have excelled in various musical endeavors, including performances, competitions, and even pursuing music careers. Their success stories attest to the effectiveness of our instructors’ teaching methods.
- Frequency: Classs are eight weeks long and held each Monday night.
- Location: All classes are held on-campus in the Communication & Arts Building.
- Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Classes are open to individuals ages 14 and up on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Enrollment capacity is limited to 12 students per class.
- Each eight-week class is $500.
- This is a non-degree program. Therefore, Financial Aid and other Scholarship options are not applicable.
Throughout the semester, there may also be the opportunity to participate in special master classes and put your unique, God-given talents to use.
The Regent Institute of Music and Worship was created to house several different initiatives with varying degrees of academic rigor.
The Regent School of Music is one of those initiatives and it offers degrees to people who want to study music at an in-depth level and who desire to obtain a Bachelor’s of Music degree.
By contrast, the Center for Worship Arts offers classes for people who want to gain proficiency in a given area of music or technical arts, but who do not desire a degree in music. The Center for Worship Arts is the musical equivalent of a trade school. The Center was created to resource and equip worship musicians and technicians to serve more effectively in their local churches.
So, the Regent School of Music and the Center for Worship Arts are both housed withing the Institute of Music and Worship and share many of the same educational spaces, faculty and leadership.
No. Anyone 14 years and up can takes classes at the Center for Worship Arts. You do not need to be a student at Regent University.
The classes offered at the Center for Worship Arts are not accredited classes and, therefore, would not apply toward any academic degree.
Center for Worship Arts classes are limited in size, therefore when you register, a “seat” is reserved for you in that class. One the session begins, the classes are non-refundable. Prior to the start of classes, your registration can be refunded.
The cost for classes can go up from one 8-week session to the next, but once you have registered and paid, your rate will not go up.
We do not currently offer these classes online.
Since the Center for Worship Arts classes are not accredited, there is no “application” process. Anyone over the age of 14 can register for classes. So, no transcripts are required.
Because the Center for Worship Arts classes are not part of an accredited academic program, you cannot use Financial Aid or Military Benefits to pay. You might, however, consider asking your church to partner with you since these classes will make you a more valuable member of their worship team.
No. There are no grades given and there is no “passing” or “failing”. What the Center for Worship Arts classes do is put you in close proximity to ministry professionals who can get you from “0” to functionality as quickly as possible.
Since the Center for Worship Arts classes are not part of an academic program, there is no grading at all. There are no tests or exams.
You will not receive a certificate or a diploma upon completion of the class. The Center for Worship Arts are designed to maximize your potential as a musician or technician by giving you hands-on instruction with ministry professional who execute their craft at the highest level.
Begin your journey into worship ministry & sharing God’s love with the world.
