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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 2020 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 »
Female pianist accompanying a female soloist

Worship Culture Creates Songwriting Minor

The new songwriting minor will be offered this fall and include seven classes, four of which are new classes to the music and worship department specifically created for the minor.
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Resonance Gold performing at Clifton Mill

With Music Videos, Now Is The Time to Worship

Cedarville’s worship bands Resonance and Rekindle, as well as the mixed ensemble Jubilate, have produced music videos to inspire praise and thanksgiving.
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Dr. Lyle Anderson and Professor Connie Anderson

Family Ties: Connie and Lyle Anderson Scholarship

The new scholarship will help fund expenses for future music students pursuing programs in keyboard pedagogy or voice as primary performance disciplines.
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Worship band in chapel

Songwriting Contest Open to Undergrads Till February 26

Cedarville University’s Department of Music and Worship is hosting its ninth annual songwriting contest open to all Cedarville undergraduate students.
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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.

CUinClass

Our CUinClass video project gives you the opportunity to sit in on a class, hear from our professors, and experience academics at Cedarville via in-demand video. View a class that interests you now!

Sample courses:

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

View Curriculum Plan and Catalog