Course summary

Theology and Creative Musicianship is a combined and integrated programme catering for gifted students with substantial experience in music and worship. It provides the opportunity to strengthen and extend skills and knowledge through a wide-ranging and diverse curriculum. As part of the suite of programmes provided by the Music and Worship department, the Theology and Creative Musicianship programme is unique in Europe. Key to the programme is the intentional integration of theology and practical musicianship, in which students are offered a varied curriculum encompassing performance, ensemble work, applied musicianship skills, and creative studies, together with vital theological training. The programme, offered at Certificate, Diploma, and Degree levels, is specifically targeted at gifted and experienced musicians who lean toward informal/intuitive music learning (for example, learning and playing by ear and improvising). Applicants will already possess a range of technical and creative musical skills, and the programme allows students to hone and advance these to a high level within the context of theological education and a pastoral Christian environment. Mature students with relevant experience are most welcome to apply, and we encourage applications from a diverse range of instrumentalists or vocalists in any style or genre. The Theology and Creative Musicianship programme builds knowledge and practical skills. Students are equipped for a wide range of careers, especially as musicians and worship leaders in a church context, or as music producers, and creative and artistic directors. A range of stimulating module options caters for individual skills and interests. Faculty members include leading practitioners and thinkers in music, theology, and related fields, and the programme is enhanced with regular visiting guest lecturers and musicians. This wealth of experience, combined with a rigorous approach to the integration of creative musicianship with theological and biblical insights, promises a challenging, but rewarding and enjoyable programme of study. First Study An important feature of the Theology and Creative Musicianship programme is our focus on individual musical development. All students on this programme receive individual tuition on their first study instrument, voice, or in music production, and are assessed by recital or portfolio. The lessons are given by professional instrumental, vocal, and music production tutors engaged by London School of Theology, and a specific course of study is tailored to each student. Almost any instrument can be accommodated; if we don’t have a current tutor for your instrument, we will locate a suitable one for you. For a list of current first study tutors, please see the ‘Music Faculty’ page. We place a strong emphasis on the development of performance and music production, and this is reflected in the credit allocation for first study. Students testify that the end-of-year recitals/portfolios are an eagerly anticipated highlight of their studies in music at London School of Theology. Time Commitment Full-time students are expected to commit around 40-50 hours per week to their studies. For students studying on campus, lectures will take place between 9am – 6pm on Mondays to Fridays. This equates to around 12 hours of lectures and 30 hours of personal study time.