Transform Your Passion for Music into Leadership

Are you ready to change lives through music?

Don’t let uncertainty hold back your music career.

Without the right education and guidance, you risk losing your passion, direction, and impact within the music community.

  • Missing vital mentorship opportunities.
  • Lacking confidence in your leadership skills.
  • Feeling disconnected from your faith in music.
  • Feeling lost in your musical journey.
  • Staying stagnant while others progress.
  • Sensing an erosion of creative abilities.

Become a Confident Music Leader

Transform your musical passion into impactful leadership.

Fully-accredited degree programs tailored for aspiring leaders.

Experienced faculty committed to mentorship and support.

Real-world performance opportunities that build confidence.

A strong community that nurtures growth in music and faith.

Your journey to confident music leadership starts here.

Our experienced faculty will equip you with the faith-integrated music education you need to become an inspiring leader.

Extensive

Experience

Our faculty has shaped countless successful music leaders.

Accredited

Programs

We offer fully accredited degrees through HLC with a Christ-centered curriculum. 

When I arrived at Williams I had very little music knowledge, when I left I was musically and spiritually equipped to be a successful Worship Pastor for the Kingdom. Williams equips you for God’s calling on your life, a very special place. I have served in my current position for 21 years.

– Scott Q., ’00 WBU Alum

degrees

Bachelor of Music in Worship (Worship Project Track)

Bachelor of Science in Education: Vocal Music K–12

Bachelor of Science in Education: Instrumental Music K–12

Bachelor of Arts in Music (Senior Project Track or Senior Recital Track)

Related Extracurriculars

Williams Singers

Concert Band

Jazz Band

Worship Team

Americana Band

Blogs, Articles, and Resources

5 Leadership Mistakes Every Student Makes

a few Core Classes 

Choral / Instrumental Conducting | Why do we conduct? Because music is not just a collection of notes; it is a powerful vehicle for emotional connection. In this course, you’ll learn how to harness your gestures and presence to unify and inspire musicians, transforming the written score into a dynamic and communal experience that truly resonates. Mastering the art of conducting will enable you to lead with passion and purpose, elevating every performance.

Development of Christian Hymnody | Why do hymns matter? They serve as a spiritual lifeline, linking generations in worship and community. This course encourages you to explore the profound historical and theological backgrounds of hymns, transforming them from mere melodies into rich narratives of faith. Engage with these traditions to craft worship experiences that weave ancient truths into contemporary expressions of belief.

Worship Project | Why should we engage in worship projects? Because leading a faith community requires both personal expression and theological depth. This capstone project allows you to synthesize and showcase your musical, theological, and leadership skills through a polished Worship Recital. By presenting your work, you’ll gain essential experience in project management and community engagement, setting you on a path of impactful ministry.

Worship Planning and Design | Why is worship planning crucial? Thoughtful planning is the backbone of meaningful faith experiences that glorify Christ and are rooted in Scripture. In this course, you’ll learn strategies and designs that foster an effective, Christ-centered music ministry, ensuring worship is guided by biblical truth while reflecting the unique needs of your community. Experience the fulfillment of crafting services that encourage robust congregational participation, spiritual formation, and a deeper connection to God’s Word.

Worship Arranging and Song Writing | Why do we write and arrange music? Because song is a profound medium for expressing faith and truth within a community. This course invites you to explore the craft of songwriting and arranging, blending musicality with powerful lyrics. Through this journey, you will develop the skills needed to create songs that resonate deeply, enriching worship and nurturing spiritual expression in your community.

Intro to Music Technology | Why embrace music technology? In our digital age, it is not merely a tool but a vital bridge for musicians and educators. This introductory course equips you with key software skills and production techniques, ensuring you stay relevant in the evolving music landscape. By mastering the technological aspects of music, you position yourself for success, enhancing your performance and educational capabilities.

3 Simple Steps to Music Leadership

step 1

Apply Online & Contact us

Apply for free and begin your journey to a rewarding music career.

Before or after you apply, you can reach out via phone or email. You can find specific email addresses and office lines below.

step 2

meeting

Meet the faculty & tour campus

Discuss your goals with our faculty, and tour the beautiful WBU campus.

The Admissions Office can assist you in scheduling this. They can also give you a private campus tour OR one of our upcoming Preview Days may be the best approach to meet the faculty, tour the campus, and meet other future WBU Eagles. 

step 3

register

register for classes

Once you’re accepted for general admission, it’s time to register for classes!

The Admissions Office is here to support you through the application process and scholarship search.

Join our Williams Works program for $0 tuition and gain valuable hands-on experience!

Feeling uncertain about your music leadership skills? You're not alone.

We understand your journey can feel overwhelming.

Finding a music education program that aligns with your values and aspirations can be daunting. In the Department of Music at Williams Baptist University, we offer fully-accredited college degrees designed specifically for future music leaders like you.

Our intentional classes merge faith with music, while our experienced faculty provides mentorship and guidance. By choosing us, you’ll not only gain the skills needed for a successful music career but will also become part of a supportive community that inspires growth and connection.

Meet the Faculty

Broussard, Trent

Degrees earned:
BME – Arkansas State University
MME – Arkansas State University
D.Ed.Min. – The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Ph.D. – Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Thompson, Chris

Degrees earned:
B.M. – University of Kansas
M.A. – University of Missouri-Kansas City
Ph.D. – University of Wisconsin

Teaching at Williams since 1998

Areas of scholarship or expertise:
19th-century German composers (especially Brahms and Schumann), music theory and aural skills pedagogy, piano literature and piano pedagogy"

No team members found

Plunkett, Rod

BME – Arkansas State University
MME – Arkansas State University

Listen to a Podcast Episode

Featuring the Music Dept Faculty

More Details

Bachelor of Arts in Music (Senior Project Track) | Degree Plan 

This program exists because music is a powerful form of expression and historical reflection. By merging a comprehensive liberal arts education with focused music training, students will embark on a journey to not only perform but deeply analyze music’s significance within its cultural contexts through a culminating senior project.

Bachelor of Arts in Music (Senior Recital Track) | Degree Plan

This degree is founded on the belief that music has the ability to connect and inspire. By integrating a broad liberal arts education with focused music study, students will develop their performance skills and historical understanding, culminating in a senior recital that showcases their growth and artistry.

Bachelor of Music in Worship | Degree Plan

This program is driven by the mission to equip passionate individuals to lead worship and inspire communities through music. By blending musical proficiency with theological insight, students are prepared to navigate the complexities of worship planning and execution, fostering a transformative worship experience.

Bachelor of Science in Education (Vocal Music K-12) | Degree Plan

This degree is established with the purpose of shaping future educators who can inspire the next generation through vocal music. By equipping students with essential teaching skills and content knowledge, they will create inclusive learning environments that celebrate diverse musical expressions for K-12 students.

Bachelor of Science in Education (Instrumental Music K-12) | Degree Plan

This program is built on the belief that every child should experience the joy of instrumental music. By preparing educators with vital content knowledge and effective teaching strategies, graduates will cultivate a thriving musical culture in K-12 classrooms, inspiring students to express their creativity through instruments.

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