Models of Worship Leader Training
There are multiple ways someone could prepare to be a worship leader:
- Worship Degree or Music Degree
- Self Trained
- Internship
- Apprenticeship
- Some combination of the above.
Each of these models has advantages and disadvantages. The college degree will certainly give you a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, but often leaves you with significant debt and minimal hands on experience. The self-trained musician may be skilled at their craft but often has very little biblical or leadership training and is often uncomfortable working with classically trained musicians. An internship, when combined with either 1 or 2 above, will certainly help a person be more well-rounded, but is typically very limited in scope.
We believe a Worship Leader Apprenticeship is the most comprehensive option. It combines the in-depth knowledge and skill training of a college degree with the hands-on experience of an internship, but integrates them throughout the training process.
Comprehensive Education
Worship Arts Conservatory's Worship Leader Apprenticeships include intensive college-level courses designed to give you a solid foundation in Bible, Worship and Music, plus key life skills to help you succeed in ministry. Here are some of the courses you will take in our 2 year apprenticeship program:
Bible Core
- Worship Theology
- Spiritual Foundations
- Old Testament Survey
- New Testament Survey
- Theology I
- Bible Study Methods
Worship
- Worship Band Techniques
- Worship Administration
- Worship Practicum
General Music
- Music Theory I & II
- Ear Training I & II
Performance
- Applied Study (Private Lessons) I & II
- Voice Class
- Guitar or Piano Class
- Ensembles
- Choral Conducting
Life Skills
- Communication
- Math
- Fine Arts
- Technology
- Logic
- Career Training
Comprehensive Ministry Experience
Our Worship Leader Apprenticeships integrate with this classroom training practical competency based experience in a local church worship ministry. Each apprentice is required to master a list of skills so that they are fully prepared to lead a worship program. Here is a list of some of the skills you will practice in your Worship Leader Apprenticeship:
Performance
- Backup Singer
- Lead Singer
- Soloist
- Choir
Song Writing/Arranging
- Writing a Chord Chart
- Making a Leadsheet
- Writing TAB for guitar
- (optional) Writing parts for traditional instruments
Leadership
- Service Planning
- Scheduling of Musicians
- Service and Music Transitions
- Public Prayer
- Creative Elements
- Song Selection
- Worship Set Flow
- Rehearsal Leadership
- Maintaining the Music Library
- Budget Preparation
- Auditions
- Working with a choir/ensemble
Technology
- Familiarity with sound production
- Familiarity with lighting design
- Familiarity with video production
Interested? Apply Now!
Since there are only 3-5 spots available, I encourage you to apply now! Click the button below to learn more about our Worship Leader Apprenticeship Program and sign up to be one of our apprentices.
Dr. Jerry Wyrick
President
Worship Arts Conservatory