Music

With about 50 music majors and 20 minors, Concordia has the largest undergraduate music program of any of the ten schools in the Concordia University System. All of our music programs are fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Students who are not music majors also contribute to Concordia’s musical life. Ensembles and private lessons are open to all students regardless of major, and any prospective student accepted to Concordia may apply for a music scholarship. Visit the Music at Concordia showcase for more information. Learn more about the music programs at Concordia.

The music department is a family that encourages learning both in and out of the classroom. The department's outstanding faculty, staff and students make the department a very special place. The experiences and connections I made while at Concordia prepared me well to serve Christ's church through music." Paul Soulek '07

In brief from the Department of Music

[POSTED 2007-12-04]
The Chamber Choir was invited to join voices with the First Presbyterian Church, Lincoln chancel choir for a hymn fest in October. Dr. Charles Ore, professor emeritus, was the organist for the event. 

[POSTED 2007-12-04]
The University A Cappella Choir was one of two Nebraska college choirs invited to perform for the Nebraska Music Educators Association (NMEA) choral hour during the convention in November.

[POSTED 2007-12-04]
Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, chair of the Department of Music, had several pieces published this year including his setting of “Praise and Thanksgiving” which was included in Jubilate, his setting of “Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me” which was included in Song of the Gospel: Organ repertoire based on hymns of Paul Gerhardt and four collections including A Thousand Voices: 7 hymn preludes. He also performed at the hymn festival at the Chapel of Sts. Timothy and Titus, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

[POSTED 2007-12-04]
Dr. Joseph Herl, professor of music, spent a week this summer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a reader/grader for the College Board’s Advanced Placement examination in music theory.

[POSTED 2007-12-04]
Dr. Brian Pfoltner, adjunct faculty in music, recently released a CD recording called Light From Out of Darkness. The CD is a compilation of live recordings at First-Plymouth Church in Lincoln, Neb., where Pfoltner serves as the director of music.

[POSTED 2007-12-04]
Dr. Kurt von Kampen, associate professor of music, served as the conductor/clinician this fall for the LCMS Omaha city-wide Service of Mission and Music, the Norfolk Catholic Conference Choral Clinic, and the Lipscomb University Fall Choral Clinic.

[POSTED 2007-07-29]
The organ in Concordia's Heine Recital Hall was removed to make way for the new organ, Opus 3868 of Casavant Frères.  

[POSTED 2007-07-15]
Dr. Joseph Herl, associate professor of music, had a choral piece entitled "Advent Alleluias" published by MorningStar Music Publishers.

[POSTED 2007-05-11]
Dr. Kurt von Kampen, associate professor of music, was honored with Concordia's Outstanding Teaching Award at the 2007 commencement ceremony.

[POSTED 2007-08-15]
Student Paul Soulek’s article “Hymn Playing 101: Empowering the Church’s Song” was featured in the April/May issue of Grace Notes, a publication of the American Association of Lutheran Church Musicians.