Center for Worship Arts

The Center for Worship Arts represents a collaborative achievement for GCU that stems from a partnership between the College of Theology and the College of Fine Arts and Production. The vision for this innovative center and its academic programs were a direct result of conversations with industry experts, members of the faculty, and seasoned worship ministers who worked together to launch the center in the fall of 2014.

The Center for Worship Arts entails the BA in Worship Arts program and the creative, Christ-centered culture that accompanies the program. The Worship Arts experience at GCU includes dynamic courses in theology, music, media, worship experiences, events connected to the academic program and the Canyon Worship project. The university has provided incredible facilities to cultivate artistry and collaboration within the program, including a state-of-the-art Recording Studio and Songwriters’ Lounge.

Mission

GCU’s Center for Worship Arts exists to educate and equip students in the discipline of worship arts, and to engage students in a life of discipleship in Jesus Christ in order that they might serve the church faithfully and imaginatively at home and abroad.

Vision

Within the Center for Worship Arts, we seek to form theological artists who are equipped for gospel ministry. By God’s grace and power, this ministry will facilitate the life-changing, sin-healing, bondage- breaking, world-changing Word of God through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. We seek to be a thriving and growing community of creative followers of Jesus who transform the world as agents of reconciliation, justice, and peace who embody the gospel in art, music, and worship.

Why Does the studio exist?

Students of the Worship Arts are encouraged to explore their musical gifting by collaborating with other musically talented students and instructors. The recording studio offers a laboratory environment for bringing musical ideas to full realization by giving students the tools to learn and experience the trade of audio recording.

The GCU Recording Studio makes it possible for musicians, singers and songwriters pursuing worship music to share their musical works.

The Recording Studio’s Mission Statement

The GCU Recording Studio supports worship artists by providing facilities, services, and skills specific to the discipline of audio recording. Facilities, equipment, and personnel are offered for the purpose of creating recorded works that could not otherwise be achieved without a recording studio.

Vision for the Recording Studio

In addition to giving glory to God, graduates of the BA in Worship Arts (BAWA) program will attribute their success in the Christian music industry to God’s grace and to the education and experience they received while collaborating with other students and instructors over musical works while spending time in the recording studio.

Canyon Worship Project

The Canyon Worship album is a priority for the recording studio. This includes rehearsals, tracking, mixdown, and post- production. Most of the student album’s recording and production takes place in the Grand Canyon University Recording Studio where students are able to collaborate with professional producers and musicians.