We disciple, develop & deploy a new generation of worship leaders into the local Church.

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Our mission

To develop healthy, theologically grounded leaders

The Likewise School of Worship is an 8-month, two-semester program in Irvine, CA, equipping the next generation of worship leaders through discipleship, theological training, character formation, and musical excellence.

Real theological training.
Real musical development.

Keyboard
Acoustic Guitar
Drums
Vocal coaching
Songwriting
Keyboard
Acoustic Guitar
Drums
Vocal coaching
Songwriting
Keyboard
Acoustic Guitar
Drums
Vocal coaching
Songwriting
Song writing
Bass Guitar
Leadership
Audio & Visual
Production
Song writing
Bass Guitar
Leadership
Audio & Visual
Production
Song writing
Bass Guitar
Leadership
Audio & Visual
Production
The problem

The next generation of worship leaders are being set up to fail

90%

of songs sung in the Evangelical church are not written by local songwriters, worship leaders, and artists.

2–3 yrs

The average tenure of a worship leader—most are thrust into pastoral roles with no theological or pastoral training.

ZERO

Formal programs preparing worship leaders in both musical excellence and proven character for  ministry.

Our aim

Head, Heart & Hands of the Leader. 

The local church needs worship leaders who are formed, not just trained. Enroll in this two-semester gap year program based in Irvine, CA, where you, next generation worship leader, will go deep in theology, character, and craft  of leading others into worship. You will come out ready to lead with faithfulness for the long haul.

How it works

Eight month curriculum of real theological training, instrument labs, and leadership formation. Everything a worship leader actually needs.

Foundational courses

  • Worship Theology
  • Musicianship & Theory
  • Consecrated Creativity
  • Leadership Development
  • Worship Team Development
  • Principles of Stewardship

Weekly labs

  • Vocals
  • Keys
  • Acoustic & Electric Guitar
  • Bass Guitar
  • Drums
  • Songwriting
  • Production

What you receive

  • A deeper love for Jesus
  • Sound theological foundation
  • Musical confidence and skill
  • Clarity on your calling
  • Readiness to lead and disciple
  • A community of like-minded leaders
  • Proven character for lasting ministry

What to Expect

A clear look at the commitment, the schedule, and everything you need to know before you apply.

Comittment

14-Week Fall Semester

September 2 - December 11
(No Classes: November 21 - December 1)

14-Week Spring Semester

January 13 - April 23
(No Classes: April 3 - 13)

Cost: $8,000 for Full Program

*Payment Plans Available
$8,300 - Monthly Payment Plan
$8,200 - Semester Payment Plan
$8,000 - Full Tuition Paid by 9/1/26
(Discounts)
$200 deduction for applications submitted before 7/1/25

* Students Must Serve a Local Church for a Minimum of 3 hrs/week

Schedule

Tuesdays
10am - 4pm
Wednesdays
10am - 3pm
Thursdays
10am - 4pm

Commitment

Cost: $8,000 for Full Program*

*Payment Plans Available
$8,300 - Monthly Payment Plan
$8,200 - Semester Payment Plan
$8,000 - Full Tuition Paid by 9/1/26

**Partial Scholarships Available in Application Process

Location: Mariner's Church in Irvine

5001 Newport Coast Dr, Irvine, CA 92603

Course overview

Disciple, develop & deploying the next generation of worship leaders

Every course in this program is designed with purpose. Dig into what you'll learn and why it matters for a life of faithful ministry.
Worship Team Development

Grounded in Scripture and a biblical philosophy of worship, this course equips worship leaders and musicians with the spiritual foundation, musical skill, and leadership tools needed to serve the Church with excellence and humility.

Students will grow in their ability to lead confidently, flow with a band, respond to the Holy Spirit, and foster genuine congregational engagement while sharpening their craft through practical instruction in setlist curation, rehearsal leadership, and team dynamics. Ultimately, this course prepares students not just for the stage, but for a life of servant leadership, intentional discipleship, and Spirit-led ministry in the local church and beyond.

Worship Theology

Worship is not limited to music or Sunday services but is the whole-life response to God for which we were created, flowing from hearts captivated by His beauty and rooted in love, awe, and surrender. This two-semester course traces the Biblical story of worship from Genesis to Revelation, exploring how worship shapes identity and vocation from Eden to the New Creation.

More than a theology class, it is an invitation to encounter the Living God through Scripture, prayer, and reflection, creating space for the Holy Spirit to bring transformation, healing, and purpose.

Musician & Vocal Labs

Diving into tone, technique, fluency, dynamics, and musical choices, students will develop a strong harmonic and rhythmic foundation, all within the context of serving a worship environment. Students will learn to play skillfully and technically, while still supporting the song and creating a space for people to engage with God.

Consecrated Creativity

Exploring how God models the creative process in Scripture, we’ll learn ways to partner with the Holy Spirit from ideation to formation to execution to collaboration, and finally, the completion of creative works.

Leadership Development

True leadership flows from receiving from Jesus, reveling in Him, and revealing Him to the world, and this course traces His character and ministry throughout Scripture to show what that looks like in practice.

Students will examine how Jesus abided in the Father, embraced His identity, loved extravagantly, suffered faithfully, and discipled others, then be invited to cultivate those same realities through the secret place, spiritual authority, and Christlike obedience.

More than a skills course, this is a formation experience, shaping students in the image of Christ for the sake of those they lead.

Musicianship and Theory I

Exploring how God models the creative process in Scripture, we’ll learn ways to partner with the Holy Spirit from ideation to formation to execution to collaboration, and finally, the completion of creative works.

Character Development

Gifting can carry a leader onto a platform, but character sustains them over decades. This course exists to build that character before God builds the platform. This two-semester course is not about information, and it is not a behavior-management or performance class. It is a pillar for each student's discipleship and the preparation ground for a life of faithful, fruitful worship ministry.

The friendships I made here are the ones I call when ministry gets hard. That community alone was worth every sacrifice to be here.
Alyssa Fontaine
Most programs teach you to lead a great Sunday. School of Worship taught me to lead a great decade.
Nathan Cole
I came in as a musician. I left as a pastor who could lead worship. That distinction changed everything about how I serve my church.
Jake Merrill
I had the gifting but I didn't have the roots. Eight months at SOW gave me a theological foundation I'm still building on three years later.
Marcus Webb
For the first time in my life, someone asked me about my character before they asked me about my setlist.
Sophia Tran
The friendships I made here are the ones I call when ministry gets hard. That community alone was worth every sacrifice to be here.
Alyssa Fontaine
Most programs teach you to lead a great Sunday. School of Worship taught me to lead a great decade.
Nathan Cole
I came in as a musician. I left as a pastor who could lead worship. That distinction changed everything about how I serve my church.
Jake Merrill
I had the gifting but I didn't have the roots. Eight months at SOW gave me a theological foundation I'm still building on three years later.
Marcus Webb
For the first time in my life, someone asked me about my character before they asked me about my setlist.
Sophia Tran
School of worship staff

Guiding the next generation of worship leaders with wisdom, excellence, and care.

Scott Cunningham
SOW Dean
Cody Flannery
SOW Director & Instructor
Chelsea Kops
Culture Development & Discipleship | Instructor
Brian Kops
Musician & Creative Development | Instructor
Emily Martin
Admin & Admissions

Guest Teachers

Matt Redman
Worship Leader & Songwriter
Justin Unger
Worship Leader & Songwriter
Martha Irvine
Vocal Coach
Brian Albright
Worship Leader, Songwriter, and Producer
DK
Worship Leader & Pastor

FAQs about School of Worship

Are payment plans available?

Yes! You will be able to make payments through the Align student portal. This will allow for a credit card to be on file and charged monthly for the student tuition broken down over the course of the full program. The total cost for tuition using the payment program will be $8,300 for the year.

Can I apply for only one semester?

We are currently only accepting students for the full 8 month program as the first semester builds into the second. That being said, some international student exceptions have been made to accommodate some visa restrictions.

Is this program in-person or online?

This program is currently in-person only. We hope to have an online option in the future, but we are only able to offer in-person training at this time.

Do I need to bring my own instrument?

We recommend bringing your own instrument to learn on and grow with. Drummers should bring a drum pad and sticks, however drum sets will be provided. Some instruments will be supplied in certain circumstances.

When is the application deadline?

All applications must be turned in by August 31st for review and acceptance.

Note: The sooner you turn in your application the better as your spot will be held for the coming fall semester. You also can receive tuition discounts for applications turned in early.

How old do you need to be to attend the school?

We are only able to accept students who have graduated / completed high school.

testimonials

Real Leaders. Real Stories.

Chris's Story
Joanne's Story
Ben's Story
Matt's Story

Your Next Eight Months Could Change Everything

Applications are open for Fall 2026 — take the step toward becoming the worship leader God has called you to be.