CALENDAR OF EVENTS | SPRING CONCERTS
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT LIBERTY.EDU/MUSIC/EVENTS.
JAN. 29-31
7 P.M. “The Magic Flute” Opera Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Macel Falwell Recital Hall, Room 305
FEB. 1
2 P.M. “The Magic Flute” Opera Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Macel Falwell Recital Hall, Room 305
FEB. 27
7 P.M. Wind Symphony* Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall
MARCH 5
7:30 P.M. LU Symphony Orchestra Concerto & Aria Concert* Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Macel Falwell Recital Hall, Room 305
MARCH 10
7:30 P.M. University Chorale, Women’s Choir, & Concert Choir* Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall
MARCH 24
7:30 P.M. Chamber Singers Home Tour Concert* Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall
MARCH 31
7:30 P.M. Jazz Ensemble* Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall
APRIL 12
7 P.M. Night of Worship Thomas Road Baptist Church
APRIL 21
7:30 P.M. Songwriter Café* LaHaye Event Space
APRIL 28
7:30 P.M. Commercial Music Showcase* Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall
MAY 5
7:30 P.M. LU Symphony Orchestra & Choirs Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall
*Ticketed Event
Schedule is subject to change. For latest updates, visit LIBERTY.EDU/MUSIC/EVENTS.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
DR. JOHN HUGO
Dr. John Hugo has served at Liberty University since 1988 — he has presented more than 100 choral performances on campus and many major choral and orchestral projects for the Roanoke and Lynchburg Symphony Orchestras.
Appointed co-chair of the President’s Task Force on Traditions by Liberty’s founding president Dr. A. Pierre Guillermin, Dr. Hugo helped preserve Liberty’s unique character by:
Designing the Mace — a ceremonial staff used during Commencement.
Composing the Alma Mater song and Fight Song
Helping to design school rings
Dr. Hugo was also the Music and Humanities Chairman from 2000-13, an era of explosive enrollment and growth for the School of Music. He has curated choral resources at Liberty for 37 years — seeing the school’s collection grow from 300 to 900 works. He has been a longtime instructor of music history, choral conducting, and other voice-related courses. In addition, his wife of 45 years, flutist Alycia Hugo, served actively on the instrumental adjunct faculty for 33 years.
Dr. Hugo’s contributions to music were honored by official commendations from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s House and Senate in 2023.
Born in Schenectady, N.Y., in 1956, Dr. Hugo displayed an early aptitude for singing. After graduating from Wall High School in New Jersey, he attended Houghton University in New York, where he studied conducting with Donald L. Bailey. He earned a Master of Music in Choral
Conducting under Lorna Cooke deVaron at New England Conservatory and both a Master of Vocal Performance and Doctor of Music Arts in Choral
Music from Arizona State University under the guidance of tenor Warren Hoffer and choral legend Douglas R. McEwen.
Dr. Hugo considers serving alongside outstanding Christian faculty as an immense privilege. He says, “Training young musicians for rich futures in music performance and music education at Liberty has been an opportunity provided by God Himself.”
CAMPUS COLLABORATIONS
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Throughout the year, School of Music students perform at many events across campus. Here are a few statistics on how many of our students perform per year in Student Activities events:
300 PERFORM AT OPEN MIC
220 PERFORM AT COFFEEHOUSE
100 PERFORM AT SPECIAL EVENTS LIKE COUCH ACOUSTICS, FALL FEST, AND MORE
30 PERFORM AT BLOCK PARTY AND AFTER PARTY
According to Cort Comfort, director of Student Activities, “We benefit greatly from the musical and performing abilities
of the students at the School of Music. The students we work with are consistently professional, engaging, and well-practiced for our events. Not only does this make Student Activities better, but it also shows the great pool of talent we have at Liberty.”
RESEARCH IN MUSIC
OUR STUDENTS ARE EXCELLING IN THEIR FIELDS
We had four of our current graduate students represent the School of Music during Research Week this past year.
Hope Dornfeld Of Cicadas and Ducks: Humor in Chabrier’s ‘Les cigales’ and ‘Villanelle des petits canards.’
Hope Dornfeld had the following to say about her experience: “It was a joy to participate in Research Week again this year, both as a faculty mentor and as a Ph.D. student presenter. The purpose of my research was to provide a scholarly analysis of two French melodies via literature and performance review. Special attention was given to issues of diction, coordination of the piano-vocal
ensemble, and the importance of biblical worldview when interpreting humorous art. The two vocal pieces that I presented have been favorites of mine for quite some time, but this project allowed me to study them in a deeper and more thorough manner.”
Bill Holmes | Improving the Work-Life Balance of the High School Marching Band Director: A Case Study Bill Holmes also participated in Research Week and had this to say about his experience: “Research Week was an incredible blessing. I presented my research findings on the effects of reducing after-school rehearsal
requirements on judge scores of the high school marching band featured in the case study. The study also shared the opinions, experiences, and perceptions of the high school students who participated in the marching band and showed current high school marching band norms through surveying directors across North Carolina. Preparing for Research Week was incredibly valuable in helping me prepare for my thesis defense as it was another avenue to boil down my scholarly work into fifteen minutes of engagement. It was an honor to represent the School of Music at this event.”
Here are some university-wide events the School of Music participated in:
“ONE HOPE, ONE VOICE: A GLOBAL MOSAIC OF PRAISE” — A NIGHT OF AFRICAN WORSHIP AT THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS’ CEO SUMMIT FEATURING ENKAY OGBORUCHE
UNIVERSITY COLLABORATIONS
FROM NIGERIA, MINISTER MOG FROM GHANA, AND LU PRAISE.
COMMENCEMENT DRONE SHOW — OUR COMMERCIAL MUSIC STUDENTS CREATED A MUSIC COMPILATION FOR THE DRONE SHOW AT THE 2025 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY.
We are very grateful for these opportunities for our students to be able to share their gifts and talents outside of the School of Music.
MASTERWORKS FESTIVAL
GLORIFYING GOD THROUGH THE PERFORMING ARTS
The School of Music had the privilege of hosting the MasterWorks Festival this summer. The MasterWorks Festival is an intensive, 4-week festival for advanced students of the classical performing arts. Together, faculty and students present performances in an atmosphere of dynamic Christian faith.
The Christian Performing Artists’ Fellowship (CPAF) sponsors and organizes the MasterWorks Festival. CPAF is a multi-denominational ministry dedicated to performing and teaching the classical arts in an effort to glorify God and spread the Gospel — their mission is to see the classical performing arts world full of the love of God and empowered by the message of Jesus Christ.
2025 marked the 29th consecutive MasterWorks Festival in the United States. They have also held festivals in England, Honduras, and China. This
year, the festival had over 100 students attend from 8 different countries. Students presented 48 free concerts, recitals, lectures, and masterclasses in a span of 4 weeks. The students and faculty utilized many of the facilities on campus, including the Center for Music and the Worship Arts, dorms, the Reber-Thomas Dining Center, and more.
We thank the Lord for providing this opportunity to host the festival this year. Our prayer is that all who attended experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit during their time at Liberty and that they continue to develop the gifts and talents that the Lord has given them.
For more information about the MasterWorks Festival, SCAN HERE.
GUEST ARTISTS
Liberty is blessed to have many guest artists and performers visit every academic year. We are grateful for these opportunities for our students to be able to engage with and learn from artists who not only have industry
experience, but more importantly, have a love of sharing the Gospel through music. Here are some guests who visited the School of Music this year:
Grammy award-winning artist Matt Redman visited our school last spring. Redman is an English Christian worship leader, singer-songwriter, and author. During his visit, Redman recorded a video sharing about the beauty of worship and seeing God through it as portrayed in his new song called “Let Me See Jesus.”
Our students sang “Let Me See Jesus” at the School of Music’s Night of Worship last spring, which was a highlight of the program. We enjoyed having Matt Redman visit us, and we hope to have him back for future events.
You can watch the video online — SCAN HERE.
Grammy award-winning artist Michael W. Smith, executive director of Liberty’s Michael W. Smith Center for Commercial Music, led worship with 160 students at the Night of Worship. The School of Music has been hosting the Night of Worship event at Thomas Road Baptist Church for many years, and it has become one of the most beloved events of the year.
“I’ve had the privilege of leading worship all over the world, and every experience is meaningful, but there’s something uniquely powerful about what happens here at Liberty,” Smith told Liberty News before the event kicked off. During his visit, our students had the opportunity to collaborate with him in a song development class. The students also got to watch a music video of his new single “Arms Around the Sun.”
MATT REDMAN
MICHAEL W. SMITH
COMMERCIAL MUSIC HIGHLIGHT:
FILM SCORING DEGREE
Since its inception in 2013, the film scoring degree program has provided music for over 100 student film productions in partnership with Liberty’s Cinematic Arts program. Our students have created scores for commercials and video projects and have won awards in the U.S. and abroad.
After graduation, film scoring students have launched careers as composers, arrangers, orchestrators, and audio/video programmers in the video game industry. Students also find work producing music for television and film. Many have started their own video production
companies, creating commercials, documentaries, and other films.
One of our students recently had the opportunity to work with Steven Jablonsky — a Hollywood film composer whose credits include "DC League of Super Pets" and several "Transformers" movies.
The film scoring degree program continues to excel under the tutelage of professors David Schmal and Chris Piorkowski, who also continue their work as composers and writers of books and resources in the film scoring space.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
NIRVA READY
Nirva Ready is a worship leader, recording artist, and speaker whose career began when she joined Joyce Meyer’s Youth Ministries as a touring vocalist. A providential meeting with TobyMac in 2001 marked the beginning of a 17-year journey as a singer with his Diverse City band, sharing the stage with leading artists such as Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Natalie Grant, and many more.
In 2021, Nirva joined Liberty’s School of Music as an assistant professor of commercial music. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Liberty as well. She considers it a deep honor to be part of a team dedicated to training leaders who will serve, shape, and even reform the music industry. She quickly fell in love with the university’s mission of training Champions for Christ What she cherishes most about Liberty is how it brings together her three greatest passions: young people, music, and the Kingdom. She regularly invites guest lecturers from the music and ministry world to her classes to share realworld insights and best practices with her students.
Nirva, alongside her husband, Seth, formed the musical duo Seth & Nirva. Together, they often serve as guest artists at marriage conferences, Easter productions, worship services, and youth camps such as Impact 360 and Camp Agape in California. They currently lead worship at Patriot Church in Bedford and enjoy using their home studio to produce music, collaborate with fellow artists, and mentor students in the craft and calling of worship music.
Nirva is currently working on a doctoral degree in worship studies. She is committed to Liberty’s mission and finds great joy in equipping the next generation of artists to walk confidently in their calling and to engage the music industry with both excellence and faith.
INTERNSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
SEE WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE UP TO!
The School of Music is grateful for its many partnerships with churches and organizations that have provided incredible internship opportunities for our students. Internships provide hands-on training for students in their areas of interest and opportunities to cultivate the gifts and abilities God has given them.
This year, many students completed their internships with churches, recording studios, music camps, orchestras, and more across the country and overseas. Our students worked at organizations such as Shadow Mountain Community, Camp of the Woods, Prestonwood Baptist Church, Academy Center of the Arts, Woodmen Valley Chapel, Freemind Ministries, and Hambone Studio.
One of our internship participants, Rachel Snodgrass, said, “Interning at Freemind Ministries this summer not only worked my heart and mind, but also deepened my love for music, transforming how I plan to share it with the world. From firsthand singer, songwriter, and artist-focused
sessions to theologically rich and faith-based conversations, this internship has forever shaped my soul and truly been a blessing.”
Another participant, Caitlyn Echols, said, “The opportunity to serve alongside staff at Children’s Impact Network and others whose hearts were on fire for God was amazing. The Lord was so gracious and faithful in teaching me and allowing me to experience His presence through everything while I led worship in Spanish and prayed over people in their homes. The Lord really showed up and made Himself known.”
If your church or organization is interested in partnering with the School of Music, PLEASE SCAN HERE.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR TEACHERS OF SINGING
WRITTEN
BY
DR. MARK GREENAWALT
Founded in 1944, the National Association for Teachers of Singing (NATS) aims to advance excellence in singing through teaching, performance, scholarship, and research.
NATS holds conferences annually, sponsoring competitions at the state, regional, and national levels for children through avocational adults.
I have served as the President for Virginia NATS for the past 3 years — this involves leading board members in decisions regarding the annual conference, masterclasses, logistical operations, getting to know members from the state, and more.
Liberty University hosted the regional conference in 2018 and 2023. Students from Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., were welcomed to campus with approximately 500 people in attendance for both events.
Liberty’s students have competed over the years with great success, often securing a spot in the top three while competing against the best music schools in the area. Two or three students advance all the way to nationals, which is a competition between the top 14 singers in the nation per category. Most recently, Melody Wimberley, a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre student, won 2nd and 3rd place at the national level in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
This year, Liberty sponsored commercial music students Jacob Kamborian and Nicholas Brueggemann as they competed at the semifinals in Philadelphia, Pa.
CENTERS OVERVIEW
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CENTERS IN OUR SCHOOL
The School of Music has three centers, each with its own unique function. These centers were created based on marketplace and career applications.
The Center for Music & Worship
The Center for Music & Worship trains and equips musicians to serve the evangelical community. This center functions as the training hub for students pursuing a career in local church ministry. There are more opportunities in ministry now than ever before, including roles in worship leadership, assisting, and administration. Music technology and media have now become viable employment options for those with that skill set and calling. With relevant internships and practicum opportunities, our students gain knowledge and hands-on ministry experience by partnering with churches around the country.
The Center for Music Education & Performance
The Center for Music Education & Performance trains and equips musicians to serve as performers and music educators. Music education is a rewarding career with many job opportunities around the country. Teaching K-12 music provides a wonderful opportunity to inspire and encourage students in the school setting while also living out the calling to be a shining light for Christ. Our performance students are prepared to audition for professional jobs or to pursue graduate degrees in music through our provided curriculum and lessons and ensemble participation.
The Michael W. Smith Center for Commercial Music
The Michael W. Smith Center for Commercial Music trains and equips musicians to serve in the commercial music industry. Students have the opportunity to build entrepreneurial skills necessary to succeed in this multi-faceted and competitive industry, while engaging with a variety of musical styles and types of projects — from film scores to worship music. Our collaboration with Michael W. Smith has opened up opportunities for our students here at Liberty, in Nashville, and around the country.
CODA:
The End
We hope you’ve enjoyed the news, features, and spotlights in this newsletter. I’d like to sign off by sharing several of my favorite things about the School of Music:
Our amazing faculty who teach here every day and inspire students with their passion, skills, and experience.
The range of course and degree offerings — I don’t know where else you could find such excellence in classical, worship, and commercial music all in one place.
The students God has sent to us who are such a wonderful reflection of the work that God is doing and the plans He has for the future!
Our former dean and my friend and mentor, Dr. Vernon Whaley, would regularly say, “If God has called you to a career in music, He has called us to equip you.” I believe this is true, and I share this regularly. Let us know how we can help equip you for your calling:
Want to develop your skills? We offer certificate programs, as well as undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree options.
Want to host one of our music groups? Reach out and let us know — we are more than happy to help.
Want to provide funding for scholarships? The School of Music General Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to students pursuing a career in music as God's calling. Scan here to donate:
Please reach out to us at SOM@liberty.edu for more information, and let us know how we can assist you.
Thank you for being a friend of the School of Music!
Dr. Stephen Müller Dean, School of Music