New Worship Arts Degree Debuts Fall 2016
By Melissa Sorensen
The Grace College Department of Visual, Performing and Media Arts is in the process of transitioning into the addition of another degree option: the Worship Arts degree. Classes for the degree will begin in fall 2016.
The Worship Arts degree will have three components to it: music, Bible and a creative aspect. Voice, keyboard, guitar and percussion are the instruments that will be focused on in the degree.
The new degree will allow for several different concentrations. The concentrations will include leadership, music technology, visual arts, theatre and a Nashville gospel experience.
Dr. Mark Norris, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, and Kim Reiff, Chair of the Department of Visual, Performing and Media Arts are excited for the new opportunities that this blending of the art department and worship arts will open up for Grace students.
“Aligning music with the form of worship is foundational,” said Reiff. “There is so much synergy between art and music.”
Norris agreed with this, and he thinks that this major will help make more knowledgeable worship leaders.
“The church just doesn’t need a music guy up front, but needs someone who knows different instruments and a lot of skills,” said Norris.
