B.S. Recording Artist

A band performs worship music on stage for an audience

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

Why study Recording Artistry at North Central University?

North Central’s Recording Artist major will prepare students to pursue their love for music and their calling as an artist. Students will develop their musical talent by participating in ensembles and worship teams, fortify their faith in our spirit-empowered community, and learn the skills and knowledge they need to be successful as a recording artist. Plus, North Central’s state-of-the-art facilities will give incoming musicians opportunities to gain hands-on experience with the latest performance and recording technology.

A man stands on stage playing bass with an audience around him

Worship Live came out with

In the heart of Minneapolis, where new and local musicians are popping up everyday, incoming students are in the best spot to make music and get signed as a recording artist. Building up to that point, students will learn how to arrange and compose music, work with recording equipment, perform in a concert, teach music, and apply written and aural music theory. North Central’s professors are readily available and able to equip students with this knowledge because of their experience and history in the music industry.

Alongside professors, students have the opportunity to release music even before they graduate through Worship Live, North Central’s chapel team. Most recently, Worship Live came out with The Sound of Everything, written and recorded by students. We want all students to be well-rounded and well-prepared upon graduation which is why we provide a range of supporting programs. These programs include media production, theatre, urban studies, and leadership development. 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 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
Ryan Williams smirks and looks off-camera

NCU’s music program really propelled 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?

Lead Worship Pastor, River Valley Church

– Ryan Williams ‘07 Apple Valley, 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.

Ryan, ’23

Music: Recording Artist