Announcing a New Undergraduate Degree in Sacred Music

When Dr. R.C. Sproul established our new college to equip young men and women with a robust academic foundation in biblical and theological studies, music was also a significant component. Dr. Sproul’s vision was clear:

When Martin Luther led the Reformation, he made the observation that to understand the content of the Word of God is the single most important thing in our Christian development. Yet he went on to say, ‘In second place is music.’

Now, following the successful launch of our inaugural academic year, Reformation Bible College (RBC) announces a four-year undergraduate degree program in sacred music. Classes begin August 2012.

Click here to learn more about this degree program.

Our young people truly need a biblical worldview to inform all aspects of their vocations, and this includes the field of music. The sacred music program will complement RBC’s well-established Bible and theology curriculum. By combining instrumental and vocal training, academic preparation, and ministry and spiritual formation, we will provide the next generation with outstanding leaders, teachers, and pastors who understand and promote the good, the true, and the beautiful in the church’s music.

Randall Van Meggelen is adjunct professor of sacred music at RBC and the chief musician at Saint Andrew’s, a Reformed congregation in Sanford, Fla., where Dr. Sproul serves as senior minister. Randall had the following to say about the musical training of church leaders:

One of the first things Luther did was require that ministers be trained in music, and he also required that the music directors be trained in theology. That’s exactly what Reformation Bible College seeks to do.

More specifically, sacred music courses will include private vocal and instrumental lessons; academic courses such as music theory, hymnody, and administration; and on-site ensemble experience at nearby Saint Andrew’s Conservatory of Music.

Students will receive thorough training in excellent facilities. Utilizing the unique space at the Saint Andrew’s Conservatory of Music, all sacred music students will have access to three grand pianos, a growing music library, a digital practice organ, a fifty-seven-stop pipe organ, an Italian-style harpsichord, hand bells, and a wide range of Orff and percussion instruments. To put it simply, we want our graduates not only to be focused spiritually; we also want them to be competitive as musicians professionally.

Our faculty will engage students at a foundational level, instructing them in the importance for and reasons behind the place of music in Christian worship and life. Faculty members and instructors in the degree program have extensive college teaching experience, hold advanced degrees, maintain private studios, and are active performers.

RBC emphasizes an intimate learning environment by maintaining small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio. Therefore, space is limited. The regular application deadline for this fall is March 15, and the late application deadline is May 1.

If you are interested in learning more about the sacred music program, call 888-RBC-1517 or email admissions@ligonier.org to set up an appointment to meet with one of our faculty members and tour the facilities. For more information, visit us at ReformationBibleCollege.org.

You can also connect with Reformation Bible College on Facebook and Twitter.

Dr. Terry Yount serves as adjunct professor of sacred music at Reformation Bible College