Crossworks School of Worship & Music

Introduction: Crossworks School of Worship and Music exists to inspire, educate, and equip musicians of all ages to use their talents for the glory of God and the good of man. Founded upon the truth of 1 Corinthians 10:31 "Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Crossworks School of Worship and Music desires to explain and embody what that means in the ministry and practice of music. The fundamental teaching philosophy is based on the model of discipleship given throughout the Bible, where one who is wiser and more experienced will pass on the knowledge and experience needed in order to make progress. The three-fold outline could be understood as such: "You watch me do. You do with me watching. You do without me watching." (2 Timothy 2:2) Our desire is to teach students the critical learning skills to teach themselves while always looking to others ahead of them for wisdom. Our understanding of music is that it is one of the most glorious gifts that God has given to us for the purpose of being a tool to facilitate the communication of truth as well as give us a sense of the beauty and wonder of things incommunicable. "Music is a powerful tool and should be handled with great care and used for the spread of God's fame, not man's." (1 Corinthians 14:20) Man's pride has always been an enemy, and we want to especially warn those who have a gift in music to be aware of the temptation towards the fear and praise of man. We want them to love demonstrating in their music, "Not to us, not to us, but to Your name be glory!" (Psalm 115:1) Therefore, we teach music in the context of the Creator and not apart from Him. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever! Amen!" (Romans 11:36) Music exists for the purpose of worship, and worship doesn't happen by accident. Therefore, music that aids in worship doesn't happen by accident. This is what will be taught throughout the lessons in such a way that communicates both the enormous responsibility as well as the wonderful privilege of serving others and being a musician for the glory of God. (1 Pet. 4:10) Technically, we want to teach your student both the fundamentals of music literacy, the basics of practicing effectively, as well as the the skill of playing "by intuition" or without music (aka "playing by ear"). These skills are invaluable for those who will serve the church and reach out to the world with the use of music. (Psalm 33:3) We hope that you will give us a chance to work with your student and invest our lives in them both as musicians but more importantly as followers of Jesus Christ.