B.S. Worship Leading

A man and woman sing together on stage with a guitarist and backing choir

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

Why study worship leading at North Central University?

North Central’s Worship Leading major will prepare students for their calling as a worship leader in a variety of settings. Our vibrant Christian community will help students grow in their faith as they pursue their passion to praise God through spirit-filled worship. North Central’s world-class music program, state-of-the-art facilities, and relationships with local churches will give students both real-world experience and invaluable connections. Plus, they will have opportunities to join one of our student-led worship teams.

A woman sings on stage leading a group worship

Leading that Impacts the Future

Whether one has worship band experience coming in or not, after four years in the College of Fine Arts, graduates will become influential leaders in the church, community, and wherever else God might use them. Students will be prepared to use music to worship, bring God’s Word to life, evangelize, disciple others, and further God’s work. Their studies will equip them to play the piano and guitar proficiently, write original worship songs, and oversee administration in a business setting. Students will get the chance to lead on campus during their college years through many different ensembles NCU provides along with the chance to record one of their own worship songs on Worship Live, NCU’s chapel team.

All students will participate in an internship as part of the program which will prepare them for real-world experience and valuable connections as they pursue a fulfilling career after graduation. In addition, we want students to be well-rounded and well-prepared which is why we have a range of supporting programs. These supporting programs include evangelism and church planting, media production, urban studies, and campus missions. See the full list of minors and supporting programs.

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 groupWorship 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
Logan leads worship during a live performance

The fine arts program has given me the opportunity to use and grow in my ability to lead worship. The students as well as professors have always been helpful in life as a worship major at NCU.

Logan, ’23

Worship Leading