Church Music Major

Grand View's music department will challenge you to take your love of music and transform it into a meaningful career in music. A Church Music degree will prepare you to exhibit discernment and expertise in applying the many tools available for ministry in today's eclectic worship culture. This is the type of leader that local churches are looking for to navigate a multitude of music styles and modes of worship.

Grand View's program will develop you into a musician with a pastoral heart. You will hone your craft, be it vocal or instrumental, to a point where you are recognized as an accomplished musician. You will also learn to develop an understanding of and respect for all styles of worship, preparing you to meet the challenges of a diverse body of believers.

Music Ensembles

Music Scholarships

Upcoming Events

Why Grand View?

Personal attention from faculty who take a sincere interest in your success
Build a strong foundation in music in a collaborative environment, focusing on camaraderie over competition
Be part of the touring ensemble from year one
Experience a vibrant music scene both on campus and throughout the Des Moines community

Music Scholarships

The music department offers scholarships in voice, piano and instrumental music for qualified students (by audition only). Scholarships are awarded in amounts up to $4,000 and are renewable each year, provided the student continues in good standing in his or her music activities. Pro Musica Scholarships are available for music majors as well as non-majors. To be eligible, students must respond to the scholarship invitation as new students and be accepted for admission. Learn More

Career Options

Grand View's music program will prepare you for a music career in a variety of settings:

Church Music
Conducting
Event Coordinator
Music Composition / Arranging
Music Editor
Music Journalism
Music Librarian
Music Performance
Music Studio Teaching
Music Retail
Music Therapist
Piano Accompanying
Vocal Coaching

Careers in Music

Course Requirements

Download Degree Checklist

Student Testimonials

Dr. Michael Elsbernd

“Dr. Elsbernd has helped give me the confidence needed to play the organ for service playing, and always is able to find something positive, even if I had felt I had terribly messed up.” - Colby Gochanour

GV Degree Combinations

You may also be interested in one or more of the following:

Awards and Accomplishments

Mark Doerffel • Assistant professor of music and director of instrumental activities, presented a clinic at the Kansas Music Educators Association State In Service Workshop in Wichita. He co-presented the clinic, “De-mystifying the trombone: A guide for non-trombonists,” with Frank Perez from Baker University (Baldwin City, Kan.). This was Doerffel's second year to present clinics at the annual state-wide event. Approximately 5,000 music teachers, students and parents attend each year.

Music Groups

Membership in Grand View University’s bands or choirs will provide you with unparalleled opportunities for further development of your musicianship under the direction of our accomplished faculty conductors. You will also be challenged to achieve your best in private lessons, culminating in a senior recital.

We offer opportunities for everyone from beginning to advanced levels of musicianship and from the casual participant to the serious major. The department also gives music lessons to students at all levels of ability. Interested students can also participate in the Choir, Grand View Wind Ensemble, Kantorei, Jazz Combo, and Viking Pep Band.

Church Music Major

Why Grand View?

Dr. Michael Elsbernd

GV Degree Combinations

Awards and Accomplishments

Not Sure Where to Start?

Music Groups

Faculty

Cowles Center