School of Church Music & Worship
Biblically faithful. Musically excellent. Ministry driven.
At Southwestern Seminary’s School of Church Music and Worship, you will grow as a musical artist at a fully accredited NASM school of music, you will receive theological education only a seminary can provide, and you will develop a heart to minister in the local church and throughout the world.
The School of Church Music and Worship offers an excellent and comprehensive music education within a Christian context. Our students receive a strong biblical foundation for the role of music in worship, a practical guide to ministry, and professional preparation in music. A unique feature of Southwestern’s music degrees is the combination of in-depth theological studies with training for musical excellence.
Our graduates are not only thoroughly prepared in their chosen field, but they readily find places of service around the world.
Faculty
Our full-time music professors possess world-class credentials, a multitude of experiences, and a passion for using music for the glory of God. They, as well as our numerous artists-in-residence and adjuncts from the vibrant Dallas-Fort Worth music community, will challenge and inspire you.
Joseph R. Crider
Professor of Church Music and Worship
Charles T. Lewis Jr.
Professor of Church Music and Worship
Ben Caston
Partnering Faculty
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Marsha Anderson
Adjunct Professor of Voice
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Will Douglas
Artist in Residence, Guitar
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Quamon Fowler
Adjunct Professor of Jazz Studies
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Joe Hardin
Adjunct Professor of Composition
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Heather Hawk
Adjunct Professor of Voice
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Allen Hightower
Adjunct Professor of Conducting
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Seon-Young Im
Adjunct Professor of Piano
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Curtis James
Adjunct Professor of Worship Technology
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Ricky Johnson
Adjunct Professor of Worship Bands
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Hyun Mi Cho
Adjunct Professor of Cello
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Tanya Karyagina
Adjunct Professor of Piano
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Jung Eun (Jennifer) Kim
Adjunct Professor of Theory and Composition
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Hyejin Lee (HYlee@swbts.edu)
Adjunct Professor of Violin
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Sueda Luttrell
Adjunct Professor of Organ
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Anna Mitchell
Adjunct Professor of Music Theory
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Ron Montgomery
Adjunct Professor of Voice
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Joy Mote
Adjunct Professor of Voice
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Don Wyrtzen
Adjunct Professor of Composition
Degree Programs
Performance Opportunities
In addition to solo performing opportunities in recitals and master classes, the School of Church Music and Worship offers a variety of ensembles for students to gain experience in their performing areas and to acquaint themselves with a wide range of repertoire, from the masterpieces of oratorio literature to the latest in worship music for the church. Above all, the ensembles provide the opportunity for glorious moments of communal music making.
You can experience the performances of many of these ensembles through one of our many music videos:
The Southwestern Music Academy
The mission of the Southwestern Music Academy is threefold: to offer quality music instruction to children and adults of all ages, to provide a venue for School of Church Music and Worship music majors to gain valuable teaching experience before graduation, and to serve as a vehicle of outreach to the neighborhood children and community.
Artistic Theologian
Artistic Theologian is a ministry of the Southwestern Seminary School of Church Music and Worship and exists to provide quality resources to equip churches for worship that is biblically faithful, musically excellent, and ministry focused.
For Prospective Students
Auditions, Placement, Examinations, and Orientation
Every new music student will audition and take placement examinations prior to registering for the first semester. Normally, students are not excluded on the basis of these auditions and examinations, and appropriate leveling work will be assigned as needed.
Former students who have not been enrolled in music courses for more than five years will also audition and take placement examinations.
The School of Church Music and Worship provides an orientation period prior to the beginning of classes for the fall and spring semesters. All new music students at every degree level are required to participate during their first semester. Students entering during the summer session will attend orientation before the following fall semester.
Auditions for our ministry-based ensembles, graduate assistantships, and scholarships occur yearly in the spring and fall months.
Upcoming Audition Dates
- October 21, 2022
- Prepare & Register for Your Audition
New Student Orientation
Graduate and Doctoral Audition Requirements
Current Student Resources
Academic Manuals and Seminar Projections
Health and Safety Information
Got Questions?
We’re here to answer them. Reach out to our Admissions Team and we’ll be in touch by phone, text, or email.