In the Worship Music stream you will have the option to focus on one of the following musical disciplines – vocals, musicianship, or songwriting. Your focus will determine your stream subjects, as outlined below:
Vocal Focus:
Subjects in the Vocal focus include: The Worship Team - Vocal Techniques - Music Theory for Vocals - Principles of Worship - Worship Ensemble
Musicians Focus: Subjects in the Musicians focus include: The Worship Team - Band Techniques - Music Theory for Band - Principles of Worship - Worship Ensemble
Songwriters Focus:
Subjects in the Songwriting focus include: The Worship Team - Songwriting Techniques - Music Theory for Songwriting - Principles of Worship - Worship Ensemble
The Worship Team
This subject brings our new Worship Music students into the heart and ethos that has built the Hillsong Creative team and its creative expression. We do this by teaching and training students for the leadership excellence necessary to thrive in a contemporary band-based worship environment. (MINWMU406 Describe and contribute to effective worship ministry | 32 hours)
Musical Theory for Vocals
In this subject we will examine the language and notation of music, and its application for vocalists in various worship music settings. Delivery is catered toward vocal students with a beginner or intermediate level of theoretical knowledge. (CUAMLT301 Develop and apply aural perception skills | 32 hours)*
Musical Theory for Band
In this subject we will examine the language and notation of music, and its application for musicians in various worship music settings. Delivery is catered toward musician focus students with a beginner or intermediate level of theoretical knowledge. (CUAMLT301 Develop and apply aural perception skills | 32 hours)*
Music Theory for Songwriting
This subject will equip the student with an understanding of how music works in the context of songwriting. Students will become a more informed songwriter as we will deconstruct and examine the standard uses, functions, and behaviours of musical elements and their application for crafting original music. Delivery is catered toward songwriting students with a beginner or intermediate level of theoretical knowledge. (CUAMLT301 Develop and apply aural perception skills | 32 hours)*
Music Development Workshops
In first semester of the Worship Music stream, students have the opportunity to choose to focus their training as a musician in a band, or as a vocalist or a songwriter, through weekly practical workshops.
Vocal Techniques
Vocal students learn the basic anatomy of the singing voice and techniques for improving vocal health, production, and performance. (CUAMPF407A Develop vocal techniques | 40 hours)*
Band Techniques
Musician students learn the principles of working successfully in a music ensemble environment to produce effective communication, musical cohesion, and inspirational performances. (CUAMPF404 Contribute to backup accompaniment | 40 hours)*
Songwriters Techniques
Songwriting students learn and apply tools and techniques for building functional songs from scratch from idea generation, refinement, and polishing, to strategies for writing blocks and trouble spots. (CUAMCP301 Compose simple songs or musical pieces | 40 hours)*
Principles of Worship (2nd Semester)
This subject will train students in biblical and practical foundations for Christian worship. We aim to enrich their understanding and practice of worship by giving students a theological insight to spiritually prepare for, engage with, and evaluate their worship practice in both private and corporate worship environments. (MINWMU401 Describe and apply a theology of Christian worship | 40 hours)
Worship Ensemble
This subject is a practical extension of "The Worship Team" and "Principles of Worship" subjects to develop musicianship and leadership abilities. In this workshop students will actively participate alongside their fellow worship stream students to practically prepare, perform, and evaluate their worship practice within a contemporary worship music ensemble. (CUAMPF404 Perform music as part of a group | 56 hours)*
*CUA Creative Arts and Culture Training Package Release 2, April 2016
To note: If you are already advanced in music theory you are able to apply for recognition of your prior learning. You then have the opportunity move on to other creative opportunities in the church or College life). Please note: We do not provide individual vocal or instrument lessons. However, a number of Hillsong Creative team members teach private vocal or music lessons.
Students in the Songwriting focus can elect to be either a vocalist or musician in the ensemble. College trainers can assist students in deciding based on their observation of the students' abilities in their first semester.