Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, CO

Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, CO

Performing Arts Profile


Impact culture through performance

If you're a performing artist looking for a university where you can pursue musical excellence and deepen your Christian faith, Colorado Christian University (CCU) in Lakewood, CO, is ready for your curtain call. The School of Music offers comprehensive undergraduate programs that prepare students to impact the world for Christ through the arts. At CCU, you'll join a community that values rigorous training, spiritual formation, and the intentional use of your creative gifts for a higher purpose. For high school students and parents, CCU provides a unique, highly-accredited, and supportive environment to launch a career in the performing arts.

Academics for the expressive artist
The School of Music at CCU is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and offers six music majors, including Composition, Education, General Music, Music Production and Engineering, Performance, and Worship Arts. You can also pursue minors in Music, Music Theatre, and Theatre. The faculty are not only expert educators but also active performers and clinicians who seek to mentor students. The focus is on combining classical, jazz, contemporary, and world music with a distinct Christian worldview, equipping you to be both a skilled musician and a leader in your field.

Opportunities for performance and development
Performance is central to the CCU experience. Students of all majors are encouraged to audition for a variety of ensembles like the University Choir, University Symphonic Band, University Chamber Orchestra, and Men's Chorus. These groups often go on national and international tours, providing valuable real-world experience. For those interested in theatre, the Music Theatre and Theatre minors offer a strong performance orientation, covering acting, voice, and stage movement. The university also features an on-campus recording studio for hands-on production experience.

Student life and a calling to service
CCU’s campus, located near the cultural hub of Denver and the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains, provides a backdrop for both spiritual growth and adventure. The university is deeply committed to fostering a Christ-centered community where students learn integrity, personal accountability, and service. Whether you’re joining one of the many student organizations or participating in a mission trip, CCU encourages you to use your talents to honor God and share His love on campus and around the world.

ACCOLADES

 

Ranked #65 among the "Best Regional Universities" in the West | U.S. News & World Report, 2025

 

Ranked #94 among the "Top Performers on Social Mobility" in the West | U.S. News & World Report 2025

 

Ranked the #1 "Safest College Campus in Colorado," receiving an A for safety | Niche, 2023

 

Named a 2025–2026 Christian College of Distinction

 

Named a 2025–2026 College of Distinction for Colorado

Music at CCU:
Passionately Pursuing Excellence to the Glory of God

Passionately: Studying music requires passion because in order to be successful in music, you have to be disciplined; you’ll need to be committed to practicing and studying your craft, focused on performance excellence, and willing to teach others to do the same. In CCU’s School of Music, we structure our programs to nurture your musical gifts and talents in a Christ-centered environment so that you can excel in the performing arts — and do so for Christ.

Pursuing Excellence: As believers, we have a higher calling toward excellence as we develop our gifts and talents in music not only for the enjoyment of our audiences but also as an offering before the Lord. Just as our Creator God does all things well, we are created in His image to pursue excellence in all that we are called to do.

To the Glory of God: In the same way that J.S. Bach signed his musical compositions with Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God alone), the CCU School of Music is committed to integrating our Christian faith into every aspect of studying music and the performing arts.

Our commitment to both the spiritual and musical development of our students offers a unique experience among Colorado’s schools. We believe that by remaining Christ-centered, we develop not only skilled musicians but also leaders who are prepared for a life of service to the Lord through the arts.

An Inside Look

What students are saying about us...

  • “I chose CCU because I wanted to be in an environment that allowed me to ask hard questions and be challenged in my faith.”

    • Emily Brown ’20
  • “Attending CCU required me to take my faith seriously in all aspects. I learned that regardless of our job titles, we’re all called to full-time ministry, whether that be in a church, an executive's office, or a laboratory.”

    • Cole Mellot ’18
  • “I’ve seen a great deal of growth in myself while at CCU. I have learned a lot about God, people, and life, and I've been really challenged and uplifted by all of the faculty and staff that I've interacted with.”

    • Keenan Garnett ’21
  • “Through participation in campus organizations, I’ve been able to use my creative ability, become more confident, and get more involved with the CCU community.”

    • Cameron Koutney ’21