Composition
Bachelor of Music (BMus)
Credits
133
Completion Time
4 Years
Delivery Method
Traditional, On-Campus at Lancaster, PA
Why Study Composition at LBC?
We’re in the business of equipping highly skilled artists to influence culture with grace and truth. It is not uncommon to find our students performing their own, original music in coffee houses and at churches around Lancaster County – and we like it that way.
At LBC, we believe in training and launching artists who are fluent in the gospel and music. If you love writing music, deepening your faith and being academically challenged, consider studying music composition at LBC. In addition to the unique, blended Bible and music education that you’ll receive, you will have the chance to study under successful commercial and art music composers and enjoy masterclasses with world-renowned visiting performing artists and teachers. Plus, many of the visiting artists come in conjunction with concerts at the Trust Performing Arts Center, LBC’s very own performance venue located in the heart of downtown Lancaster. And yes, you might even get the chance to perform or record there, too! Our composition students have access to two recording arts studios: one at the Trust and the other located right on campus in our newly-built academic center.
Our students get the chance to learn how to compose music in a variety of formats and styles – our curriculum covers everything from songwriting to orchestral music and electronic composition. Aside from rubbing shoulders with music industry professionals, our composition students often collaborate with other music majors to bring their pieces to life through recordings and concerts.
So, if you’re looking for a music composition program that will give you more than tips and techniques on how to become a better musicians (of course, you’ll learn those things, too) and will help learn more about yourself, God’s plan for your life and how composing music can be a part of it, consider applying to LBC.
Course Length
16 weeks (semester)
Composition Program Cost & Financial Aid
Admissions Process
Where LBC Students Have Interned
- Composer in Residence at a Local Church
- Worship Leader
Accreditation
Lancaster Bible College is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Can I Transfer Credits?
Yes! Read about LBC’s transfer policy
Composition Program Scope
Bachelor of Music (BMus) (133 Credits)
LBC Foundation Studies Courses 4 Credits
Bible & Theology Core Courses 30 Credits
Arts & Sciences Core Courses 31 Credits
Major Courses 62 Credits
Exploration Studies Courses 6 Credits
View the Academic Catalog for the complete curriculum plan, course descriptions and complete program details.
Hands-On Experience
Students in the Music, Worship & Performing Arts department get the chance to showcase their musical skills through recitals, concerts and by leading worship during chapel. Enjoy “More Than an Experience” by MBSSY, an LBC student worship team.
What makes this LBC Composition program unique?
- Learn under the teaching of practitioners and experienced instructors.
- Participate in on-campus opportunities to write and perform your own compositions.
- Enjoy regular interaction with accomplished visiting artists, like Stephen Schwartz, composer of Broadway hits like “Godspell,” “Pippin” and “Wicked.”
What are career paths with a Composition bachelor's degree?
The Composition program prepares students for a wide range of technical and/or ministry contexts. Here is a sampling of careers and opportunities this degree affords:
- Accompanist
- Arts Management
- Church Worship Leader
- Composer
- Music Teacher/Instructor
- Music Producer
- Orchestral Musician
- Performer
- Soloist
- Songwriter
Composition Program Goals – In this program, students will…
- Demonstrate basic musicianship skills in sight-singing, dictation, conducting, voice, and piano.
- Describe and demonstrate the integration of Biblical faith in life and career as artists.
- Apply historical and theoretical understanding to the analysis, performance, and creation of musical forms, processes, and structures found in representative examples from the western music tradition.
- Demonstrate professional skills in musical composition.
- Demonstrate knowledge of diverse historic and modern compositional methods.
Core Courses in the Composition Program
MWP 400 MWPA Cross Cultural Externship
MUS 101 Music Theory I
MUS 101L Musicianship I Lab
MUS 102 Music Theory II
MUS 102L Musicianship II Lab
MUS 211 Introduction to Composition
MUS 211L Musicianship Lab III
MUS 301 Music Theory IV: Adv. Harmony
MUS 301L Musicianship Lab IV
MUS 212 Contemporary Theory & Arranging
ENS Ensemble (primary; 1 credit; 8 semesters)
ENS Ensemble (secondary; 1credit; 2 semesters)
MAP 221 Applied Music – Flute [4 credits]
MAP ____ Applied Music Lesson [4 credits]
MAP 100 MPWA Forum (8 semesters)
MUL 101 Piano Lab I
MUL 102 Piano Lab II
MUS 221 Conducting I
MUS 222 Conducting II
MUS 330 Form & Analysis
MUS 335 Composition with Electronic Media
MUS 331 Counterpoint
MUS 312 Rhythm Section Methods
MUS 332 Orchestration
MPR 401 Performance Career Seminar
MPR 399 Junior Recital
MPR 499 Senior Recital
MWP 301 Worship & Performing Arts Internship I
MWP 302 Worship & Performing Arts Internship II
MWP 450 Worship & Performing Arts Practicum
Meet the Faculty
Admission Steps
for this Major
1
2
Audition for Acceptance into this Major
Every student who applies to any major in the Music, Worship & Performing Arts Department must audition for acceptance into the major of their interest and must also be accepted as a student to Lancaster Bible College.