One of my favorite parts of this job is telling people about the School of Music. There are so many people — faculty, staff, and students — that make this school what it is. Each of these individuals work together so perfectly, and it’s amazing to witness!
The faculty in the School of Music are competent, credentialed practitioners who teach, mentor, and inspire our students. If you compiled all the years and breadth of professional experience of our faculty, you’d see the core that makes our education so diverse and special.
Our students embrace that world-class education and bring their talent and passion with them. Hearing our students perform and listening to them share what God has been doing in their lives is so rewarding. It’s so much more than music or a job for our students — it’s being who God created them to be and doing what God created them to do!
We serve a wonderful God who loves, redeems, restores, and gives purpose to our lives. He invites us to use our gifts and abilities to share His love and the Gospel with a world that desperately needs the message of hope that only He can give.
We’re so excited to share highlights from our programs, upcoming events, and the accomplishments of our faculty, staff, and students with you.
Dr. Stephen Müller Dean, School of Music
TICKETS GO ON SALE STARTING TUESDAY, AUG. 15, AT LIBERTY.EDU/TICKETS. Christmas on the Boulevard tickets on sale in October.
Faculty Recital Series
AUG. 31 7 p.m.
Faculty Recital Series
SEPT. 5 7 p.m.
SEPT. 8 7 p.m.
SEPT. 14 7 p.m.
SEPT. 26 7:30 p.m.
OCT. 19 7:30 p.m.
OCT. 27 7:30 p.m.
NOV. 3 7:30 p.m.
NOV. 7 7:30 p.m.
DEC. 5 7:30 p.m.
DEC. 7 7:30 p.m.
Faculty Recital Series
Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Macel Falwell Recital Hall, Room 305
Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Macel Falwell Recital Hall, Room 305
School of Business, Towns Auditorium
Faculty Recital Series
LU Symphony Orchestra* featuring David Feldman, Cello
Jazz Ensemble*
Commercial Music Showcase* featuring Michael W. Smith
Chamber Singers Reunion: Homecoming Concert
Concert Choir and University Chorale*
Christmas on the Boulevard: POPS*
Christmas on the Boulevard: CLASSIC*
Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Doug Oldham Recital Hall, Room 170
Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall
Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall
Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall
Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall
Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall
Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall
Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall
Dr. Wayne Kompelien has made many contributions to the School of Music over the years — from beginning the Opera Workshop program to establishing the tradition of Honors Recitals. Most notably, he has been teaching, mentoring, and guiding voice students since he began his teaching career at Liberty University in August of 1986.
In 1986, Dr. Kompelien was finishing his Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance degree at the University of Kansas. When he was visiting the main office there and looking through the posted job opportunities, he saw a position for a voice teacher and choral director at Liberty University. After securing the position that summer, his family moved to Lynchburg.
The Chamber Singers ensemble is at the core of one of Dr. Kompelien’s favorite memories. In 1996, Liberty’s recruitment department helped fund a Chamber Singers spring tour. The group performed a week of concerts along the East Coast. This tour was such a success that the Chamber Singers have had a tour every year since then.
Among the hundreds of concerts that have been performed throughout the years, one stands out — while in Chambersburg, Pa., the ensemble performed
for people in need at a rescue mission. The choir’s performance brought tears to the eyes of those gathered that night. Some in attendance remarked they had never heard anything like they heard that night. The Lord used the group to minister in a mighty way.
This will be Dr. Kompelien’s last year at Liberty as a full-time professor. He will continue to teach as an adjunct professor and see his current students through their graduation. He looks forward to traveling and pursuing performance opportunities in the future.
All current students and alumni of the Chamber Singers ensemble are invited to participate in a reunion concert. This is a great opportunity to sing together under Dr. Kompelien’s direction one last time. The concert will feature some
of our alumni in special performances as well as have the entire group sing spirituals and other pieces that have been performed throughout the years. To receive more information, please share your contact info with us.
Throughout the year, many performers visit campus for Student Activities events — some being nationally-recognized artists. However, the most special and beloved performances are ones given by other Liberty students.
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.”
Here are a few statistics on how many 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
School of Music students regularly lead worship for the School of Law Convocation under the direction of Joy Davis, guest and student services coordinator for the School of Music. She
had the following to say about students’ participation in this event: “This is a great way for our students to get out of the School of Music bubble and bless the law students who also want to worship
the Lord through singing. Our students get the extra blessing of using their God-given gifts — gifts they are here to sharpen and perfect — in a practical and demonstrative way.”
In March of this year, Vice President Mike Pence spoke at two private events for the School of Law. Michael W. Smith led attendees in worship, singing Come Thou Fount, Great is Thy Faithfulness, and I Surrender All. Michael W. Smith serves as the executive director of Liberty’s Michael W. Smith Center for Commercial Music.
Melanie Lamm, administrative assistant to the dean for the School of Law, said, “Michael W. Smith did a beautiful job, of course, and he is such a kind and humble man!”
OUR STUDENTS ARE EXPERTS IN THEIR FIELD
Hope Dornfeld, a current graduate student assistant, was one of several students who represented the School of Music during Research Week this year. She had the following to say about her experience and her research:
“It was such a blessing to be able to participate in Research Week again this year! My primary research topic was derived from my M.A. thesis, Songs of Sorrow, Hope, and Praise: Toward a Historical Analysis of Negro Spirituals.
The historical research behind this project inspired my presentations in the Oral: Creative and Artistic Division categories as well as the 3MT (3 Minute
Thesis) Competition. In the Performing Arts category, I presented an analysis of Friedrich von Flotow’s use of prosody — the rhythmic timing of consonant and vowel sounds, word stresses, and intonations — in his solo vocal setting of the traditional Irish folk song, The Last Rose of Summer
It is always fascinating to witness the varied presentations that comprise Research Week and see the ways in which God is glorified through the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge.”
The following students represented the School of Music during Research Week:
Hope Dornfeld | Prosody in Friedrich von Flotow’s Setting of The Last Rose of Summer & Songs of Sorrow, Hope, and Praise: Toward a Historical Analysis of Negro Spirituals
Samuel Johnson | Deconstructing Petrine Succession: A Historical-Exegetical Inquiry Into Roman Dogma
Joshua McKinnis | Tchaikovsky’s Influence on Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concertos: Apotheosis, Cadenzas, and Jazz Tendencies
Eunice Nogueras | The Puerto Rican Diaspora of the 20th Century and Her People’s Response in Song
Q: A:
Grammy Award-winning Christian recording artist Michael W. Smith plays a special role in the School of Music. He helped found the Michael W. Smith Center for Commercial Music in 2019 and currently serves as its executive director. Here’s a quick Q&A with the artist himself!
What do you do in a season when you’re struggling with your faith but still have an obligation to perform?
If you don’t have enough, then your people on stage with you do. I’m reminded of the guy on the stretcher who couldn’t get in to see Jesus. It wasn’t the faith of the guy on the stretcher — it was the faith of the friends who lowered him through the roof. Stay the course. All God’s promises are true.
Q: A:
Do you have any words of encouragement?
Be grateful — that is the key. We are not entitled to anything. We deserve death but God gives us life!
Q: A:
Have you ever changed or rewritten one of your songs?
While writing This Is Your Time, I woke up one morning hearing bagpipes. I rewrote the ending, lying in bed!
MICHAEL WILL BE PERFORMING FOR STUDENTS AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE FALL COMMERCIAL MUSIC SHOWCASE IN OCTOBER.
Schedule is subject to change. For latest updates, visit LIBERTY.EDU/MUSIC/EVENTS.
I began teaching at Liberty in the Fall of 2016 — the grace of God and following His calling brought me here. I am thankful for His faithfulness and trust in me, and I'm honored to serve Him and our students, colleagues, and community in equipping Champions for Christ!
Our future music educators at Liberty are building the Kingdom of God through their passion for teaching music and reflecting Christ to others. It is through them that the Lord is working to reach students, teachers, and school communities to share love and the fruits of the Spirit with them as well as encourage and connect with others in growing closer to God.
Liberty's music educators are placed in schools all across the country — Connecticut, Washington, Texas, Wisconsin, and more — and in ministry locations across the world like China, Spain, and the Dominican Republic. Our students have presented at conferences, won awards for their teaching, and pursued certificates and graduate degrees to further their instructional skill.
Our National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Student Chapter elects 4 student officers who work together to plan and organize 4-6 NAfME events each semester. These events are designed to build connections with experienced teachers, explore innovative topics in music education, and help equip our future music educators.
For more information on our music education programs, SCAN HERE.
The NAfME Student Chapter builds a community of music education students who encourage and pray with one another, provide advice and guidance through mentorship, and form long-lasting bonds that construct a network of Christian educators throughout the country.
Liberty also has a Music Teacher's National Association (MTNA) Chapter which strives to equip future music educators to lead private lesson instruction. Liberty hosted the Virginia Music Teacher's Association (VMTA) annual conference in the fall of 2022 and provided facilities for the state level of the National MTNA competition. One of our faculty members, Professor Parker, is currently serving as the VMTA President.
I believe the Lord has great plans for the School of Music. I'm excited to see the development of new music degrees in our school — such as expanding our programs to include guitar, ukulele, recorder, and conducting intensives — as well as the work toward developing Orff and Kodaly certification programs. I know our students will continue to present at state and national conferences, publish excellent papers, participate in Research Week at Liberty, and compete at regional and national competitions — I look forward to seeing their success!
Stephanie completed her B.S. in Music and Worship: Worship Technology (Audio) in 2018 and recently completed her M.A. in Music and Worship: Commercial Music Performance this year.
Stephanie began working full time at Liberty in October of 2018 and currently serves as the Facilities and House Manager for the School of Music. In this role, she oversees general care of the building and facilitates the audience experience for academic and seasonal concerts. She also manages a team of 50 student workers who serve in 6 different areas in the School of Music.
Stephanie said, “I’ve learned so much about management, delegation, organization, and relationships in this position, and enjoy the challenge it provides!”
Stephanie recently founded Dissertation Editing Services — a side business that provides editing services to master’s and doctoral students who are in the final stages of their thesis or dissertation. She enjoys helping students refine their final projects through the editing process as well as learning new information while editing students’
papers. Stephanie said it’s been a blessing to see the Lord’s faithfulness as He has taken experiences, jobs, and hobbies and turned them into a successful business that has blessed both her and her husband, Matthew.
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.
In the past year, over 70 students completed their internships with churches, recording studios, music camps, orchestras, and more across the country and overseas. Our students have fulfilled their internships with organizations such as the Academy Center of the Arts in Lynchburg, Va., Blackbird Studios in Nashville, Tenn., and churches around the country. Each of our students has a special set of gifts and abilities — internships help train our students and provide practical experience in their degree field. Providing these opportunities to our students helps cultivate their skills. We
love creating new partnerships between the School of Music and organizations from around the country and the world. Email musicinternships@liberty.edu if your church or organization is interested in hosting a School of Music intern. The position must be at least 20-40 hours per week for at least 10 weeks, and your organization must provide or assist in finding housing for the student.
For more information on our internships, SCAN HERE.
The Sch ool 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 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 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 majors 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 trains and equips musicians to serve in the commercial music industry. Entrepreneurship is a fundamental principle and skill we teach our students as it’s necessary for students who want to create, produce, or perform in this industry. Musical styles vary from R&B to jazz, from film scores to Christian contemporary music, and so many other styles in between! Our collaboration with Michael W. Smith has opened opportunities for our students here at Liberty, in Nashville, and around the country.
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:
Need a degree? We have undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral options available.
Interested in hosting an intern? We’d love to talk with you about setting up a partnership.
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? We have many specific and general opportunities for you to do just that.
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, Shcool of Music
Liberty.edu/Music
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Training Champions for Christ since 1971