Center for Music and the Worship Arts
OUR STORY
Message from the
SCHOOL OF MUSIC Thank you for your interest in the Liberty University School of Music. As you learn more about our unique vision, we hope you can see God’s work in our mission of training and equipping musicians to be Champions for Christ. The Center for Music and the Worship Arts is home to over 1,250 students studying music in a variety of genres and fields, including performance, music education, and worship. In order to enrich the student experience in our competitive music programs, the center features state-of-the-art equipment, multiple concert halls, and spaces dedicated to both practice and creativity. Through these amenities and the diverse, talented community within it, the Center for Music and the Worship Arts allows the School of Music to encourage the appreciation and practice of the arts not only in our student body but also in the entire community. If you are interested in joining our mission or want more information, please call (434) 5926568 or visit us online at Liberty.edu/Music. We hope you join us as we seek to change the world for God’s glory through music. Blessings, Liberty University School of Music
A BRIEF HISTORY of the School of Music In 1973, Dr. David Randlett and Liberty founder Dr. Jerry Falwell established Liberty University’s first music curriculum. Their mission was to create “a community of God-honoring musicians committed to a culture of worship lifestyle . . . and sharing the Gospel through music.” As time passed, scores of talented, credentialed faculty joined the founders’ mission by training vocalists, marching bands, orchestras, and ensembles to use music for the glory of God. In 2012, the Department of Music & Humanities and the Department of Worship & Music Studies merged to become one entity: the Liberty University School of Music. That same year, President Jerry Falwell commissioned the construction of a 141,000-square-foot music and worship arts building. By 2015, the School of Music had been named an “All-Steinway School,” and on Nov. 20, it achieved membership in the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), the official accrediting agency for college and university music programs. Today, Liberty University School of Music is one of the largest institutions of its kind in the country, which allows us a national and global platform to proclaim God’s greatness. God’s blessings on the School of Music are evident, and the faculty, staff, and student body will continue to praise Him as we look enthusiastically toward the future.
“Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” PSALM 40:5 - NKJV
THE CENTER FOR MUSIC AND THE WORSHIP ARTS features state-of-the-art lighting and audio technology and is a performance venue for students. It is home to all undergraduate and graduate music students and is comprised of two joined buildings designed to meet the academic and performing needs of Liberty’s growing arts community.
The building serves the unique needs of Liberty’s vibrant and growing School of Music with special features in each of the 119 separate teaching and performance areas.
THE INSTRUMENTAL REHEARSAL CLASSROOM is a 280-seat classroom that provides rehearsal space for the LU Symphony Orchestra, marching band, wind symphony, university band, percussion ensemble, and instrumental ensemble. Theroom includes specialized acoustical treatments, the ability to record live concerts directly to the recording studio, and more than 100 cabinets for storing instruments.
CHORAL REHEARSAL CLASSROOM is a 180-seat space that hosts the concert choir, university singers, worship choir, LU Praise, chamber singers, junior and senior classical recitals, worship programs, and weekly studio presentations. Large worship, music theory, and methods classes also meet in this room. Students and faculty enjoy state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment and the ability to record choral presentations directly from this room to the recording studio.
The CENTER for MUSIC and the WORSHIP ARTS building has three 45-seat rooms designed for teaching music theory. Each room is equipped with a Crestron Media System that provides instant access to internet and audio presentations, multiple writing boards, Steinway grand pianos, and electronic pianos for Praxis music theory presentations.
THE MUSIC EDUCATION CLASSROOM is a 45-seat room designed for teaching music education methods courses. The room is equipped with the Crestron Media System and storage for music education equipment and resource literature.
THE CONDUCTING METHODS AND PEDAGOGY CLASSROOM is a 45-seat room designed for undergraduate- and graduate-level instruction in choral and instrumental conducting. The room is equipped with the Crestron Media System, uniquely designed tables for creative classroom projects, and wall-mounted mirrors for individual and group instruction.
THE MAC LAB is equipped with 24 workstations complete with piano keyboards and Apple computers. Each computer features sequencing and notation programs and ProTools software. Students have the opportunity to create, compose, and print their own music for publication, performance, and distribution.
THE AL DENSON SONGWRITING LAB includes eight studio-quality workstations for songwriting, artist development, film scoring, and recording engineering students to collaborate in the recording process. Students are able to use the sequencing, notation, and ProTools software included at workstations to create professionallevel recordings of original compositions and songs under the supervision of highly trained, qualified instructors of commercial music.
CENTER FOR MUSIC AND THE WORSHIP ARTS, CONCERT HALL has a seating capacity of 1,600 and is designed to accommodate live acoustic or electronic presentations. The room is equipped with the Meyer Constellation Acoustic System and the most advanced lighting and media equipment available. Permanent space is provided for a 150-seat choir, a full symphonic orchestra pit for opera and special effect presentations, and additional 150-seat automated retractable choir risers.
TEACHING STUDIOS provide students the opportunity to enjoy private music instruction in a sound-isolated environment. Six larger rooms, each with two Steinway grand pianos, are dedicated to piano instruction. Twelve rooms are designed for vocal instruction, and 25 rooms provide space for woodwind, brass, percussion, strings, songwriting, and film score instruction. Each studio is uniquely designed with double walls, floating floors, and acoustically precise insulation (below left).
FIFT Y WENGER REHEARSAL MODULES give students time to practice from 7 a.m.2 a.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2 p.m.-2 a.m. on Sundays. Rehearsal modules are available in three sizes so students can enjoy private and small group rehearsals in a nearly soundisolated space.
THE GRAND LOBBY is uniquely designed, complete with a spiral staircase to the second floor; large video monitors; two gathering rooms for dining, receptions, and small group interactions; and a walkway into the concert hall. The Grand Lobby is located at the entrance to the Center for Music and the Worship Arts.
THE WORLD MUSIC EXHIBIT is a collection of more than 200 musical instruments on display for students, faculty, and guests in the room immediately adjacent to the Grand Lobby. Instruments are representative of more than 50 different countries and more than 75 people-groups.
THE DOUG OLDHAM RECITAL HALL is named in honor of the longtime recording artist, featured vocalist on the Old-Time Gospel Hour television program, and member of Thomas Road Baptist Church. This 50-seat recital hall includes advanced lighting, state-of-the-art sound equipment, and innovative acoustics. Because the walls and flooring are structurally designed to be virtually soundproof, the room is ideal for producing professional-level sound recordings.
THE MACEL FALWELL RECITAL HALL is a 124-seat recital hall that provides up-to-date lighting and sound furnishings, quality acoustics, and the option to record live music and events. The recital hall is named in memory of Mrs. Macel Pate Falwell, beloved wife of Liberty University founder Dr. Jerry Falwell.
VOCAL, GUITAR , AND INSTRUMENTAL COMMONS are large, acoustically designed rooms set aside for group instruction, collaborative music communication, and disciplinespecific interaction for vocal, guitar, and instrumental students.
THE PERCUSSION ROOM is dedicated to students studying percussion. Commercial, jazz, and worship drummers enjoy electronic and acoustic drum sets, while percussionists use this area to sharpen their skills on a complete set of mallet, world, and traditional percussion instruments. Two large practice rooms adjacent to the lab provide students the opportunity to learn and rehearse their technique in a soundproof environment.
THE PIANO LAB provides 20 electronic keyboards for group piano instruction. Instructors use “Adult Piano Strategies” curriculum to prepare students for the Piano Proficiency exam, a required milestone for every music major.
THE HAROLD AND PATRICIA MATHENA RECORDING STUDIO is one of only two spaces on Liberty’s campus that focuses on top-level studio recording. The layout, acoustics, and sound isolation are designed by Walters-Storyk Design Group, one of the top studio design firms in the world. This studio is equipped with microphones, software, outboard processing gear, studio-grade instruments and equipment, remote control cameras, audio monitoring capabilities, and sight lines for recording sessions. The centerpiece of the recording studio is the 48-channel SSL Duality Delta large format mixing console (pictured above). The recording studio is named in honor of the Harold and Patricia Mathena Family, which has a longtime commitment to training and equipping students for a life of Christian service in music and worship ministry.
THE DAVID AND M.J. RANDLETT STUDENT LOUNGE is a spacious area for student fellowship named in honor of Dr. David and M.J. Randlett. Dr. Randlett was a longtime minister of music at Thomas Road Baptist Church, founding director of the Sounds of Liberty, and the first academic chair of the Liberty University Division of Music.
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
God has ALWAYS done amazing things at Liberty University, and He is doing it again. You can join in on the experience by naming one of the rooms in the Center for Music and the Worship Arts building. Take time to review the list below, then ask the Lord to direct your heart and mind regarding how you can make a contribution to His Kingdom and His work in the Liberty University School of Music.
Persons interested in investing in the Center for Music and the Worship Arts should contact Mr. Tom Arnold, Liberty University Office of Development | (866) 602-7983 | tarnold@liberty.edu.
AVAIL ABLE ROOMS
MINIMUM DONATION
Small Teaching Studios
$5,000
Wenger Rehearsal Modules (8-by-9)
$5,000
Large Teaching Studios
$7,500
Wenger Rehearsal Modules (9-by-12)
$7,500
Commons Rooms
$8,500
Music Theory Room
$10,000
One of Five Large Classrooms
$10,000
Reception Room and Display
$20,000
World Instrument Exhibit
$20,000
Band, Orchestra, & Instrumental Classroom
$25,000
Choral Rehearsal Classroom
$25,000
Mac Lab
$30,000
Concert Hall
$5 Million
Liberty.edu/Music SOM@liberty.edu | (434) 592-6568
@LibertyUMusic