Music, Theology, and the Arts in the service of the church for the glory of God
The Worship Leadership Program exists to train musicians for service in the local church and to prepare them for potential graduate study in worship arts or a related field. We seek to prepare ministers for worship leadership who are pastorally minded, biblically sound, excellent musicians, and able to teach. Our students receive training in music, theology, and the arts that enables them to lead a music and worship ministry that is biblically based, Christ-centered, and ministry-focused so that they can serve effectively in any church setting to the glory of God.
We have two majors in the Worship Leadership program: BM in Worship Leadership and BA/BS in Worship Arts Technology. We also have three minors across these areas.
Auditions & Scholarships
All students entering Missouri Baptist University must audition and receive approval from the music faculty before pursuing a music degree. The audition must be completed before or during the first week of classes. Email finearts@mobap.edu or call 314-744-5364 to sign up for an audition.
Performing Arts Scholarship Audition Form
Auditionees are eligible for talent and ensemble scholarships. Auditions take place in the Pillsbury Chapel & Dale Williams Fine Arts Center. Anyone who is unable to attend in-person auditions may request to submit a video audition.
Performance Groups
Explore our many PERFORMANCE GROUPS to find something that fits your talents and interests! Any student, regardless of major, can audition for our ensembles. Most groups offer scholarships that can be combined with other academic offers and financial assistance.
Worship Leadership Major Requirements
Music Major Core (30 hours):
MUTH 103 Fundamentals of Music
MUTC 112 Music Computer Technology
MUTH 111 Sight Singing/Ear Training I
MUTH 113 Theory I
MUTH 121 Sight Singing /Ear Training II
MUTH 123 Theory II
MUTH 211 Sight Singing/Ear Training III
MUTH 213 Theory III
MUTH 221 Sight Singing/Ear Training IV
MUTH 223 Theory IV
MUHL 313 Music History I
MUHL 323 Music History II
MUHL 332 Music History III
MUED 202 Basic Conducting
MURA 110/310 Recital Attendance
Worship Leadership Core (29 hours)
COMM 263 Introduction to Audio and Video Production
COMU 323 Principles of Sound
MUED 352 Advanced Conducting
MUWA 010/020/030/040 – Worship Workshop (four semesters)
MUWA 403/503 Foundations of Worship
MUWA 413/513 Congregational Song
MUWA 423/523 Worship Technology
MUWA 483/583 Worship Leadership
THEA 353 Theatrical Arts and the Church
CSCE 273 Foundations for Christian Ministry
CEWL 473 Christian Ministry Internship
Instrumental Concentration (28-29 hours):
MUAI 111 Instrument Lesson (Major/Primary)
MUAI 311 Instrument Lesson (Major/Primary)
MUAS 110/310 Studio Class
MURP 480 Senior Recital (Instrument)
MUAV Voice (Elective/Secondary)
MUAP Piano (Elective/Secondary)
MUED 332 Instrumental Methods
MUIL 131/331 OR 151/351 Large Instrumental Ensemble (minimum)
MUCL 111/311 OR 131/331 Large Vocal Ensemble
MU_S Small Ensemble
Composition Elective:
MUTH 302 Choral Arranging OR
MUTH 423 Composition OR
MUTH 412 Orchestration
Piano Concentration (26-27 hours):
MUAP 111 Piano Lesson (Major/Primary) – Lower Division
MUAP 311 Piano Lesson (Major/Primary) – Upper Division
MUAS 110/310 Studio Class
MURP 480 Senior Recital (Piano)
MUAV Voice Lesson (Elective/Secondary)
MUAP 271 Accompanying I
MUAP 371 Accompanying II
MUCL 111/311 OR 131/331 Large Vocal Ensemble
MU_S Small Ensemble
Composition Elective:
MUTH 302 Choral Arranging OR
MUTH 423 Composition
Voice Concentration (24-25 hours):
MUAV 111 Voice Lesson (Major/Primary) – Lower Division
MUAV 311 Voice Lesson (Major/Primary) – Upper Division
MUAS 110/310 Studio Class 0 _ MURP 480 Senior Recital (Voice)
MUAP Piano (Elective/Secondary)
MUCL 111/311 OR 131/331 Large Vocal Ensemble
MU_S Small Ensemble
Composition Elective:
MUTH 302 Choral Arranging OR
MUTH 423 Composition
Worship Minor Requirements
CSCE 273 Foundations for Christian Ministry
MUWA 010/020/030/040 Worship Workshop
MUWA 403/503 Foundations of Worship
MUWA 413/513 Congregational Song
MUWA 423/523 Worship Technology
MUWA 483/583 Worship Leadership
THEA 353 Theatrical Arts and the Church
Total hours for Worship Minor: 18
Sample Four-Year Plan
View a four-year sample plan for Worship Leadership.