Traditional Undergraduate

Music Performance: Composition


Bachelor of Music (BMus)
Credits

132

Course Length

16 weeks (semester)

Delivery Method

Traditional On-Campus, Lancaster

Why Study Music 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.

Where LBC Students Have Interned

  • Composer in Residence at a Local Church
  • Worship Leader

Program Accreditation

National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Can I Transfer Credits?

Yes! Read about LBC’s transfer policy

Other Music Performance Studies Available

Would You Like More Information?

Reach out to request more information today, and one of our admissions counselors will connect with you soon to provide further details and answer your questions.

Bachelor's Program Scope

Music Performance: Composition (132 Credits)

Bible & Theology Core 33 Credits

Arts & Sciences Core 37 Credits

Music Courses 61 Credits

LBC 100 Foundations Seminar 1 Credit

View the Academic Catalog for the complete curriculum plan, course descriptions and complete program details.

LBC student worship leader signing.
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.

Program Distinctive - What makes this program at LBC 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.”
Career Paths in Music Composition

The Music 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
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 for a Composition Student
  • MUS 100 Music Fundamentals
  • MUL 100 Piano Fundamentals
  • MWP 102 Intro to Music, Worship, & the Performing Arts
  • 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
  • MUS 312 Rhythm Section Methods
  • MUS 330 Form & Analysis
  • MUS 331 Counterpoint
  • MUS 332 Orchestration
  • MUS 335 Composition with Electronic Media
  • ENS  Ensemble
  • MAP ___  Applied Lessons (any MAP course)
  • MAP 100 MPWA Forum
  • MAP 302 Applied Music – Composition
  • MUL 101 Piano Lab I
  • MUL 102 Piano Lab II
  • MUS 221 Conducting I
  • 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 and Performing Arts Practicum

Meet the Faculty

Paul Thorlakson, DMA
Professor, Director of Piano Studies, Chair of Music, Worship & Performing Arts Department
Bruce Gerlach, DMA
Part-time Faculty
Admission Steps
for this Major
1
Apply NOW!

Apply to LBC by completing our online application.

Apply

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.

Audition Requirements

Looking for Ways to Finance Your Bachelor’s Degree?

LBC’s Financial Aid Office can help you navigate the process.