A man plays music and sings for a large audience
College of Fine Arts
A large concert band performs on-stage during a live performance
College of Fine Arts
Students dress in period clothing for a stage performance
College of Fine Arts
A man plays a keyboard during a live performance with his band in the background
College of Fine Arts
In this section

College of Fine Arts

The College of Fine Arts prepares passionate, spiritual leaders for careers and service in the fine arts.

The College of Fine Arts will prepare you with the skills, experience, and knowledge you need to follow your calling as an artist and creator. You’ll be challenged to perfect your craft and supported as your pursue your passions.

Whether you’re interested in performance, worship, recording, or the music business, our programs offer applicable, hands-on training, engaging classes, and mentorship from dedicated, highly-qualified professors with years of experience in their fields.

North Central is also home to state-of-the-art recording facility McPherson Studios, giving you opportunities to hone your skills using all of the latest recording equipment. Over the years we’ve worked with recording artists Sara Groves, Ben Gowell, and Kristi Northrup, among others.

Participating in one or more of our performance groups will prepare you with live performance experience and give you opportunities to practice your art.

Purchase tickets for Fine Arts productions

North Central University’s College of Fine Arts is proud to present several annual theatre and music productions. For details on these events and to purchase tickets, click the link below.

"NCU’s music program really propelled me into what I’m doing now. I enjoyed endless hands-on opportunities to get better at my craft. North Central has always had a way of fostering the presence of God. Believe me when I say there is something special in the atmosphere. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?"

Ryan Williams '07 - Worship Leading Major

Watch the new Worship Live single, performed and recorded by NCU students and alumni!

North Central’s premiere touring performance group, Worship Live is composed of current students under the direction of singer/songwriter Jeff Deyo. The group combines the unique styles of Deyo and its members to create and play music that worships and praises our God. Members of the group have come to Minneapolis from all parts of the country with one common goal—to learn and create amazing music that will change the world!

Worship Live members are selected by audition and serve as the primary worship team for our daily chapel services. Worship Live also performs nationally at camps, conferences, and conventions. If you are interested in having Worship Live at your church or event, booking requests can be made via email to the Booking Coordinator

Book Worship Live:

Amanda Whitcomb | Academic Administrative Assistant and Booking Coordinator

finearts@northcentral.edu

Listen to Worship Live:

Concert Chorale

The Concert Chorale is an ensemble of fifty singers and instrumentalists from North Central, under the direction of Alessio Tranchell. They’re known for their exciting and passionate music ministry in styles ranging from choral classics to contemporary gospel. The Chorale has traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, singing in churches, schools, and concert halls.

Festival Choir

The Festival Choir is a large ensemble made up of students with a range of experience levels and from a number of different majors. The group performs a variety of music, from classical to gospel, and ministers in chapel services and with the other choirs in major campus concerts. This is a great way to participate in a choir, get to know other students, and have a great time!

Women's Choir

This chorus consists of selected female vocalists that minister in a variety of university and community events. This group is open to students by audition only.

Acting Ensemble

This group travels to churches within the midwest and shares the gospel through theatre.

Jazz Workshop

Jazz Workshop is designed to facilitate instrumental improvisation through the study of various forms of jazz, popular, and world genres in a combo setting. The ensembles of Jazz Workshop perform at the Jazz at the Clay performance series, the NCU Jazz Concert, Songs of the Season, Partners for Progress, and a variety of city-wide opportunities. The NCU Fusion Ensemble, a part of the Jazz Workshop Ensembles, has been featured at the Eau Claire Jazz Festival.

Jazz Workshop is open to music majors as well as non-music majors but is limited to upperclass students. Freshman are allowed by audition only. Rhythm Ensemble is the recommended per-requisite for the course. For more information please contact Jazz Workshop’s director,  Peter Shu at ppshu@northcentral.edu.

Faculty Spotlight

Contact

vmzarlet@northcentral.edu
612.343.4701
Mensing

Vinnie Zarletti

Dean, College of Fine Arts

I am originally from Kenosha, WI (go Pack go!), and am married to my high school sweetheart (Justine). We have three amazing kids (Vinnie, Sofie, and Santino), and live in Princeton, MN (way north!). As a graduate of NCU (B.A. Music, 2002), I have had a love for the school for more than half of my life, and truly enjoy teaching here! Since graduating, I have served the local church in music ministry for over 18 years (serving in Orlando, FL and Princeton, MN). It has been my pleasure to lead people in worship through these years, and I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the next generation of worship leaders and music pastors here at NCU.

WHAT ARE YOUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE?

Worship Studies and Musical Worship Leadership in the Local Church

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT TEACHING AT NORTH CENTRAL?

I love the culture of NCU and the impact that it has around the world. It is an honor to work with such incredible students!

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE CLASSES TO TEACH?

Theology of Christian Worship. Worship is so much bigger than we think it is! This class helps us to connect to God’s Story and explore the truth that Christian worship leads us to the Father, through the Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

What Sets Us Apart

  • Scholarships

    The College of Fine Arts awards Music and Theatre Scholarships up to $5,000 per year for students interested in pursuing a calling in these fields. These awards are not need-based and are renewable for up to 4 years provided you continue to meet the scholarship requirements. Scholarships are awarded based on your audition and interview with faculty.

    Visit our financial aid site to learn more about Music and Theatre Scholarships, and how you can apply.

  • McPherson Studios

    McPherson Studios is North Central’s state-of-the-art recording facility, featuring the latest equipment and technology including a Pro Tools HD system (loaded featuring McDSPand Antares plug-ins) with a Digidesign Control 24 interface, Genelec and Westlake monitors, and a wide selection of microphones and outboard equipment. Our Control Room is a great place to work with comfortable leather sofas and a warm atmosphere. The Studio A recording room is over 1200 square feet with enough room to record a choir, a big band, or an orchestra. Studio A also features a Yamaha grand piano with full MIDI capability. There are two additional rooms when isolation is needed for the session.

    Artists who have recorded with us:

    • Sara Groves
    • Ben Gowell
    • Kristi Northrup
    • David Pedde
    • David Juve
    • Sovereign Grace Music Kids Project
    • Jeff Kerr and River Valley Worship Team
    • David Santisteven
    • Emmanuel Christian Center Youth Worship Team
  • WOVEN

    Mission Statement

    WOVEN exist to provide opportunities for success through music literacy and performance for the children of downtown Minneapolis by building self-esteem to develop their artistic gifts and to facilitate the leadership of NCU students through mentoring and teaching music.

    Vision Statement

    People are born with a desire to be the best they can be. Through the discipline and determination of learning music, long and short-term musical goals can be achieved. WOVEN is a program designed to teach music with the purpose of demonstrating success through music. It is our vision to see the artistic gifts of children in the downtown Minneapolis community developed.

  • Internships

    The following College of Fine Arts majors require an internship as part of the graduation requirement:

    • Worship Leading
    • Music Pastor
    • Music Recording Arts-Studio Production
    • Music Recording Arts-Live Production
    • Music Business

    We welcome internship opportunities for Fine Arts students to be posted on NCU’s job board, CareerWire, where students and alumni are able to access the information and respond to opportunities. Please visit the Career Services page for more information and the link to create an account. When titling your posting, please begin with ‘Fine Arts Internship’ followed by your internship title.