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Music Ministry

Ministering Through Music

The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Ministry is for those students called to full-time music ministry in the church. This unique program blends comprehensive and thorough technical training with the deeply spiritual emphasis one would expect from a premier Christian university. Regardless of the style, Olivet’s Music Ministry program is preparing future worship leaders and musicians for ministry in the local and global Church.

All music majors and minors study and pass basic piano proficiency. Though students with piano experience have a definite advantage, there are beginning and intermediate piano classes available to help those with little or no piano background.

Organ lessons are offered for those who are interested. With Olivet’s Ruffatti pipe organ located in Centennial Chapel, ONU organ students have a state-of-the art instrument on which to perform.

Music students perform in student recitals each semester. Applied professors help select those pieces appropriate for performance, and coach the student. Those students who choose to major in music perform a senior recital. Music Ministry students also present a 30-minute recital on their applied instrument during their senior year.

Mission Statement

The School of Music exists to cultivate the musical skills of student scholars as an act of personal commitment to Christ, and to encourage a life of service to others. The educational thrust of the School of Music is threefold: it seeks to complement a broad liberal arts education, to provide the intensive professional training that aspiring musicians need, and to meet the musical needs of the University, community, and Olivet’s educational region.

Areas of Study

At Olivet Nazarene University, we believe an invitation to study music is an invitation to influence. No matter the concentration, Olivet's expert faculty are seasoned instructors and musicians who provide a continuum of professional preparation from deep lecture to one-on-one performance coaching.

Composition ›
Music ›
Music Education ›
Music Ministry ›
Music Performance ›
Musical Theatre ›

Music Ensembles

Countless music ensembles make up the performance opportunities offered each year. From opera to orchestral, jazz to jam session — there’s a place for everyone.

Music Ensembles

Concerts and Events

Olivet’s School of Music hosts a variety of concerts and events on campus for campus and community alike. Many events are general admission and free, while some require tickets.

Olivet’s 70-member Orpheus Choir performs classic and contemporary sacred anthems in concerts across the country and around the globe.

Music students join together each year for Handel’s "Messiah" and Sounds of the Season, as well as other concerts and events.

The Olivet Marching Band has performed for the U.S. Presidential Inauguration and The Queen of England at London’s New year’s Day Parade.

Whether playing one of Olivet’s Steinway grand pianos, the world-renown Ruffatti organ, or arranging on the MIDI Mac lab, students develop musical excellence here.

With student-led bands, and numerous opportunities for music in worship on campus, hundreds participate in church services and concerts each week.

Making Music Together

Olivet offers many oulets for students to perform. From on-campus performances to traveling the globe for events, there is no shortage of exciting opportunities to be involved in music.

Meet the Faculty

Olivet professors are mentors, really. The hours spent honing your musical skills with skilled professionals goes beyond the classroom and studio. Faculty are constantly advancing their craft, in the classroom and on the concert stage.

Let's Make Music Together

The best way to see if Olivet is a good fit for you is to visit the campus. We offer unique, customized visit days every weekday, and special Purple & Gold days, too, where you can get up close at all things ONU.

Schedule a Visit