Kuyper College's music and worship major is unique in undergraduate programs today. It's been carefully designed in response to the heartfelt need expressed by church leaders for direction and help in impacting today's culture through the ministry of worship. In addition, students can choose to focus on dance and worship as a form of ministry.
Graduates of the program will acquire skills, which, when integrated with the arts, will enable them to design and confidently lead worship in a variety of local and global settings. In addition, they'll be proficient in piano, keyboard, and organ or guitar, as well as vocal leadership. They'll also learn the delicate skills of interpersonal communication and conflict management necessary to lead groups of people with varying degrees of talent and commitment. Upon completion of the worship program, students will be able to:
- Display knowledge of the biblical and historical foundations of Christian worship, using them as a basis for worship planning.
- Demonstrate interpersonal communication and conflict management skills.
- Demonstrate the ability to wisely use the arts and technology in Christian worship.
- Music students will demonstrate the proficiency to play the piano, keyboard, organ, guitar, and sing to lead worship.
Based on research data gathered from a broad spectrum of pastors and church music leaders, the program includes theological foundations, broad-based exposure to traditional and contemporary worship music and styles, music instruction, development and use of technology, and practical hands-on experience in church settings.
Program Includes:
MW 101 Choir (or MW 103 Ensemble)
MW 102 Choir (or MW 104 Ensemble)
MW 210 Principles of Biblical Worship
MW 301 Designing & Leading Worship
MW 311 Worship Technology
MW 400 Worship Arts and the Contemporary Church
MW 410 & 411 Worship Internship
MW 412 & 413 Worship Internship Seminar
TH 450 Theology and History of Worship
CO 452 Methods of Public Speaking
MW 200 Music Theory I
MW 201 Music Theory II
MW 300 Congregational Song
MW— Applied Music (four semesters)
Dr. Kai Ton Chau was appointed to the Kuyper College faculty in 2009 to lead the college choir and teach music courses. He completed his doctorate in worship studies in 2011. Prior to entering academia, Dr. Chau had a diverse career that included physics, arts administration and education with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, radio, orchestral bassoonist, finance and administration with Christian mission organizations and higher educational institutions, non-profit management consultation, and accounting and financial planning in public practice.
He also actively serves as a speaker, conductor, and workshop leader in music and worship ministry among English and Chinese churches in the U.S., Canada, and Hong Kong. Dr. Chau teaches courses in Music Theory and Introduction to Music, and leads the Choirs.
Dr. Carol Hochhalter joined Kuyper College in 2004 as worship coordinator for chapel. Within six months of her arrival, she assumed the role of choir director and teacher of Music Theory. She was instrumental in the creation of the music and worship major. Dr. Hochhalter now teaches Principles of Biblical Worship, Designing and Leading Worship, Congregational Song, Theology and History of Worship and Worship Arts and the Emerging Church. Dr. Hochhalter has also served as the director of music and worship at Park Church in Holland, Michigan, for 10 years.