Female music major plays the cello

Bachelor of Arts in Music

About the B.A. in Music Degree

Cedarville’s distinctly Christian Bachelor of Arts in music degree provides a real-world, multi-stylistic, nationally accredited degree that you can design yourself.

At Cedarville University, Bach’s famous phrase “Soli Deo Gloria” — for the glory of God alone — is more than a slogan. It is the mission that drives all that we do to honor the Master Creator through our creativity. Study in our music program, and you will learn from accomplished professors who will mentor and inspire you. Master your skills in our world-class facilities. Experience the preparation you need for your career or graduate school. Cedarville music graduates serve as teachers, composers, studio musicians, and more. Pursue your passion while worshipping the Master Composer at Cedarville University.

This program is also offered as a minor.

Why Study Music at Cedarville?

Music Program Highlights

Performance or Research

You can select from two tracks:

  • Recital track, for those who want to perform a senior recital
  • Research track, for those interested in presenting a senior capstone project

Customizable

You will choose a primary and secondary concentration to customize your degree to your interests: performance, composition, worship, music history, music technology, jazz and improvisation, or open music studies.

Expandable

General studies credits within the major allow you to add specialized courses from any other academic area.

Future-focused

Ideally suited for a musically talented student who wants to pursue a graduate program that will accept any bachelor’s degree (such as law, international studies, or music therapy).

Selective ( audition required) 

You will be accepted into the music program — and be eligible for a department scholarship — based on a successful  audition with music faculty.

What Can I Do With a Music Degree?

You will be prepared for graduate school, private teaching, ministry, and many other pursuits.

Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom

You will have many opportunities to use and develop your gifts within the Department of Music and Worship.

Students playing in the orchestra

Soli Deo Gloria Music Scholarships

Cedarville University offers music scholarships of up to $6,000 per year for students majoring in music. You can combine your music scholarship with Cedarville’s other generous academic and need-based scholarships.

Learn More »

Placement Success

We’re proud of our successful graduates! 100% of 2019 graduates from the Department of Music and Worship were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Check out Cedarville's other placement rates.


Cedarville's Placement Rates »
Dr. Beth Porter teaching an "in tents" music class

Music Program is Truly "In Tents"

To accommodate social distancing for musical groups while allowing them to practice together, the department of music and worship is performing outside under canopy.
Read Article »
Lyle Anderson leading Men's Glee Club

Men's Glee Club Performing Tuesday

The Men’s Glee Club will perform in concert on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 5 p.m. in the Dixon Ministry Center Recital Hall. This event is free and open to the public, with a seating capacity of 60.
Read Article »
Ben Knudson leads worship during a chapel service in October 2019.

International Worship Event in a Virtual Format

Cedarville University will be among nine schools from around the world participating.
Read Article »
chapel worship band

Worship Leadership Certificate Offered January 2021

The new 12-credit hour program will provide a biblical foundation and practical skills for worship leading.
Read Article »

Program Faculty

Photo of Lyle Anderson

Lyle Anderson, Ph.D.

Senior Professor of Music; Director of Concert Chorale and Men's Glee Club

  • Location DMC 109
  • Phone 937-766-7736
  • Email Email
Photo of Lori Akins

Lori Akins, M.M.

Studio Instructor for Music and Worship, Director of Flute Choir

  • Location DMC 119
  • Phone 937-766-7560
  • Email Email
Photo of Connie Anderson

Connie Anderson, M.M.

Assistant Professor of Piano Pedagogy; Director of the Keyboard Pedagogy Program

  • Location DMC 156
  • Phone 937-766-7561
  • Email Email
Photo of Judy Bede

Judy Bede, B.M.

Studio Instructor for Music and Worship; Directed Teaching for Keyboard Pedagogy

  • Email Email
Department of Music and Worship

Music Program Curriculum

Building on your general education liberal arts and Bible minor courses, you will take courses from your chosen concentration: performance, composition, worship, music history, music technology, jazz and improvisation, or open music studies (a self-designed course of academic study in music).

This major is offered with either a  three-year or four-year completion plan.

This major is offered with a  B.A-to-master's accelerated completion plan.

Sample courses:

  • Introduction to Music Theory and Aural Skills
  • Music Philosophy and Aesthetics

View Curriculum Plan and Catalog