Aspiring musicians will have the opportunity to attain a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) in Music at Tyndale University effective Fall 2026. It is the first of its kind to be offered by a Christian university. 

Students seeking extensive and concentrated training in music will focus on one of two majors: Performance or Worship Arts. The BFA (Honours) in Music will operate through a holistic and intensive approach to music, paired with a strong liberal arts core curriculum. Breadth requirements in areas of Biblical Studies, Theology, and Christian Ministry will guarantee a competitive advantage in careers in music performance, music education, music ministry, and worship leadership.   

“The BFA (Honours) in Music offers a robust music education through coursework in Foundations (Music Theory and History), Applied Music (Lessons and Ensembles), Methodology (Conducting, Songwriting, Pedagogy, Arranging, etc.) and Performance Requirements,” says Dr. Ken Michell, Assistant Professor in Music and Worship Arts and Chair of the Department of Music. “These prepare students for careers in music including teaching, studio/production, performance, etc.”

The Music & Worship Arts degrees at Tyndale are distinguished by their “hearts and hands” approach. Students hone skills as vocalists and instrumentalists while cultivating integrity and excellence in leadership. 

“Hearts and hands are the biblical model for godly leadership (Psalms 78:72),” underlines Dr. Michell. “While any musician will pursue excellence in skill-development (hands of skill), a Christian musician will also embrace the formational discipline of being a Jesus-follower whose heart is aligned with God’s (heart of integrity). Music is the language of the heart, so developing musical skill in a context where students can flourish in Christian formation prepares students for careers in music in the church and the marketplace.”

According to the Worship Leader Research survey, there is currently a “worship leader training gap.” Less than 15% of worship leaders have a formal education in worship studies. There is a great need for a comprehensive education that is musical, theological, and practical for a worship leader and musician serving in any ministerial capacity. 

“Worship leaders play an important pastoral role in facilitating the church’s encounter with God. Through musical worship, congregations sing God’s story and are encouraged to respond in faithful obedience,” notes Dr. Michell. “Many worship leaders have music experience or education but very few have education in disciplines that are normally expected of those who serve in pastoral roles like theology, biblical studies, and Christian ministry. Worship leaders with both musical and worship education are better prepared for the challenges of worship ministry today and into the future.”

For students who want to pursue a career as musical artists, the Performance major develops the student primarily as a solo performer. Their final year of study includes a senior recital, spotlighting individual performance skills. Worship Arts majors aim toward a worship leadership project that strengthens musical and leadership skills through work with a worship team, a small vocal ensemble, and a congregation. “Both majors provide students with opportunities to develop their skills and form their hearts through their Applied Music lessons (personally) and their Music Ensemble courses (corporately),” says Dr. Michell.

This program is for students who need more than the general music education offered through a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. The concentrated coursework lets BFA (Honours) students specialize in music, giving them a competitive edge. 

For more information, take a look at the BFA (Honours) in Music program overview.