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Worship Arts Major Now Available at ORU
By Rebecca Gehle
Many Christian universities have already developed a worship arts degree program. ORU is staying competitive by adding the worship arts degree program to its list of majors. Through this major ORU can cater to the charismatic, evangelical student base while capitalizing on the institution's strengths.
The worship arts major is offered through the communication arts department. Randy Guthrie, vice chairman of the music department, explained that this allows for worship arts students to know more than theory and musical concepts, but communications knowledge as well.
"While the students will still have to take theory and music classes, those will just be a portion of the curriculum," stated Guthrie.
Students who earn a worship arts degree develop strong musical and communication skills and will be highly competitive in the ministry marketplace. All denominations are adding contemporary and blended worship services to their already-existing traditional formats, and graduates from ORU who possess worship arts degrees will be ideal candidates for leading worship in churches.
"Students will also be required to have an internship in a church, working with their worship program," stated Guthrie. Through this experience, students will benefit from hands-on experience while applying their class lessons.
Students must audition to be admitted into the program. Although the department prefers that students are knowledgeable in either piano, keyboard or guitar, other instruments will not be ruled out.
"Interested students should begin this program as freshmen so that they don't have to delay any of their studies, as the degree will take all four years to earn," explained Guthrie.
Click here for more information about the worship arts degree.
To join the Worship Arts Program click here, or call the admissions department at (800) 678-8876.
