Director of Parish Music Program
Help your congregation worship through song in the DPM program.
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Lead in Ministry Through Music
Learn to plan a vibrant worship life with pastors as it relates to music when you successfully complete the Director of Parish Music (DPM) program at Concordia University Irvine.
The DPM program equips leaders for ministry who are passionate about the Gospel and the role music and worship can have in sharing the good news of Jesus. Our program will help you to become a capable leader in choral, contemporary, organ, handbell, and/or children’s music. Three pipe organs, two digital organs, state-of-the-art equipment for live sound, one exceptional studio, numerous student studios, and four types of handbells provide a palette for your skill development. Study songwriting, arranging and composition with a slate of composition faculty with a wide variety of industry expertise, and train to lead other musicians with Concordia’s caring music faculty. On top of all of this are classes steeped in Lutheran theology and practice of worship.
You will be prepared to serve effectively in a congregational setting in the following roles or a combination of roles:
- Minister of Music
- Organist
- Choral Conductor
- Instrumental Conductor
- Music Teacher
- Worship Arts Director
- Leader of Contemporary Worship
Career Relevant
Experience exceptional training in traditional and contemporary music practices in order to serve most ably in modern congregations.
Collaborative Classes
Experience how contemporary enhances traditional and how classical enhances commercial in Concordia’s collaborative environment.
Opportunity Awaits
Become a part of numerous Southern California musical communities as an in-demand Concordia musician.
“The Director of Parish Music Program prepares leaders for various kinds of music ministry — from organ and choir to contemporary ensembles. My calling is not about me standing in any kind of spotlight, but about lives that are changed by God.”
Brandon Li ‘18
Getting Started
The Director of Parish Music program is a rigorous post-baccalaureate certificate program which prepares students for called worker positions in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Full certification includes a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Church Music Concentration (Music Department) and a Director of Parish Music minor (Christ College).
Church music studies take place in the Borland-Manske Center, a premium music learning center in Southern California that has the best teaching studios and practice rooms in Southern California, a large collection of top-line instruments and recording gear, a renowned professional recording studio, exceptional rehearsal facilities, and many comfortable stations for students to study and socialize.
Next Start
January 11, 2027
Curriculum
The Director of Parish Music (DPM) program grants the bachelor’s degree and Christ College certification, making the candidate eligible to serve in a congregation or other agency affiliated with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).
- Enduring Questions & Ideas (GE) (44-45 Units)Normally completed during the first 2 years of attendance. Students may, if placed by examination, substitute MUS 201 in the music major for the MUS 111 Why Art? option in the Q&I general education.
- Major Requirements (Music Major with Church Music and Worship Arts concentration) (72 Units)
- Minor Requirements (26-28 Units)
Note: The Director of Parish Music minor is required for all DPM students. - Additional Information
All students in the program are required to meet annually with the program director to discuss their personal, professional, intellectual, and spiritual growth for DPM ministry.
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. View tuition costs and fees.
Admission Requirements
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for full details on application and admission requirements.
Explore Financial Aid
Reduce your tuition costs with financial aid — with help from a team that wants to make your time at Concordia as affordable as possible.
Meet Our Faculty
FAQs
What makes the Director of Parish Music program at Concordia stand out?
The curriculum at Concordia trains versatility in musicianship, including music theory and aural skills to develop classical and commercial skill sets for all music majors. This serves church musicians, many of whom will lead a praise band, plan a service, rehearse an adult choir, and teach a children’s class all in the same day.
You’ll learn and perform in the state-of-the art Borland-Manske Center, which features teaching studios, rehearsal halls, student lounges, and a 1,700-square-foot recording studio, as well as 22 practice rooms outfitted with various instruments, including pianos, drums, an electric organ, and a harpsichord.
You can also practice on several concert-quality instruments by Steinway, as well as pipe organs by Casavant, Schlicker, and Goetz. Concordia also regularly offers masterclasses and solo performances by performers and educators in the field.
Plus, Concordia ensembles tour the world, play in major venues such as Irvine’s Segerstrom Concert Hall, and produce an annual, nationally televised PBS special.
What kind of parish music will be taught?
Whether you prefer a traditional or modern musical style, or parish family music, you can prepare for your career in church music through Concordia’s Director of Parish Music program.
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