B.S. Music

A man sits behind a drumset gripping two drum sticks

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Study your passion alongside passionate professors in the College of Fine Arts

Why study music at North Central University?

North Central’s Music major is for students who want to follow their calling in a music-related field, but don’t plan to pursue a performance career. Through participation in performance groups and ensembles, ongoing private lessons, and courses in music theory taught by highly-qualified professors, students will perfect their instrument of choice while gaining the skills and knowledge they need to pursue a career in a variety of music fields. Plus, North Central’s state-of-the-art facilities will give students opportunities to gain hands-on experience with the latest performance and recording technology.

A man plays music and sings for a large audience

A Major that Produces Results

Our professors at North Central University  have a plethora of knowledge to offer from music theory to understanding different cultures in music and working within an ensemble. These skills, and more, are skills that every student will learn after graduating with a degree in music. Plus, North Central’s small class sizes almost guarantee one on one attention for the student.

After graduation, graduates from the Music program succeed in a variety of jobs and careers. These possibilities range from music educators to worship leaders to composers and conductors. Opportunities begin at North Central, opportunities to learn, gain experience, and get connected right in Minneapolis, a city known for its diverse and rich music.

Program Highlights

Scholarships

We offer Music Scholarships worth up to $3,000 per year for Music Majors.

The College of Fine Arts awards Music Scholarships up to $3,000 per year for students interested in pursuing their calling as a musician. Scholarships are awarded based on your audition and interview with faculty. These awards aren’t need-based and are renewable for up to four years, provided students continue to meet the scholarship requirements.

Visit our financial aid site to learn more about Music Scholarships and how to apply.

Performance groups and ensembles

Students can pursue their passions in one of our world-class performance groups.

North Central’s performance groups and ensembles are the real deal. From premiere touring performance group Worship Live, led by renowned singer/songwriter Jeff Deyo, to the multifaceted Mixed Choir, we offer opportunities for students of all interests and skill levels to get involved.

Here are some of the highlights:

Worship Live: North Central’s premiere touring performance group, Worship Live is composed of current students under the direction of singer/songwriter Jeff Deyo. This group also serves as the primary worship team for our daily chapel services.

Concert Chorale: The Concert Chorale is an ensemble of fifty singers and instrumentalists. The Chorale has traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, singing in churches, schools, and concert halls.

Mixed Choir: The Mixed Choir is a large ensemble made up of students with a range of experience levels and from a number of different majors.

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.

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. Our ensemble has been featured at the Eau Claire Jazz Festival.

State-of-the-art facilities

Our McPherson Studios feature the latest technology and recording spaces.

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 McDSP and 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

Return on Your Investment

College of Fine Arts students receive hands-on experience and peer mentoring from the first day of class to graduation right in the heart of Minneapolis, a city known for its music and music connections. On top of that, North Central is one of the most affordable accredited Christian colleges in the nation, making it an easy choice to commit to NCU.

financial aid

100%

Traditional undergraduate students receive financial aid

internships

100%

Completed an internship in their chosen field (our students have resumes that reflect someone that has been in their career field for 3+ years at graduation)

Recent Jobs after Graduation:

  • Music Educator 
  • Conductor
  • Recording Artist
  • Worship Leader
  • Composer 
  • Private Instructor 
  • Recording Artist
  • Manager
  • Booking Agent
  • Recording and Sound Engineer
  • Music Critic
  • Professional Performer
  • Actor
  • Scriptwriter
  • Producer
  • Stage Technician
  • Designer
  • Worship Pastor
  • Audio Editor
A choir sings as a condutor directs them

I loved that my classes were small enough that I was able to get to know my professors, and they got to know me as well. It made the classes more personal, and I wanted to do better because of it. I also loved that most classes started with prayer. That’s not something you find everywhere and it was a huge blessing.

Middle School Choir Director, Eden Prairie School District – Megan Johnson ‘15 Minneapolis, MN

Ryan stands on the grass and smiles for the camera with the city behind him

The fine arts program has been a blessing to me here at NCU. It has provided me an excellent education in music and my professors have always been extremely helpful in my education and in my life.