MUSIC MINISTrY INSTITUTE

We exist to convey the beauty of God
and the truth of the gospel through music,

and to train others to do the same.

UPCOMING COURSES

  • Duration: 20 weeks

    Dates: September 19th, 2025 - February 6th, 2026*

    *Dates are subject to change, but will be in this range

Course Cost: $7,500

*Cost is subject to change.

What does this cost cover?

Lecture Phase:

  • Tuition costs (Classroom materials, guest speakers, and more)

  • Food and housing in Lakeside, MT

  • All campus services included, free of charge (Gym, laundry, library, and more)

Outreach Phase:

  • International Travel and Transportation

  • Food and housing overseas

  • All ministry costs and expenses

  • International Health care coverage

  • Loss-prevention insurance

LECTURE PHASE

Our lecture phase has been developed around 3 main curriculums:

  • Music Development (music theory, songwriting, vocal/instrument lessons, band dynamics, personal practice, etc)

  • Technical Training (basics of sound, home/demo studios, recording music, understanding technical roles in a live event, etc)

  • Spiritual Development (various topics designed to develop a healthy biblical foundation for our artists. Identity of an Artist, Secularism and Art, Christ Centered Sexuality, Maturing as an Artist, Cross Cultural Missions, Ethnomusicology, etc)

OUTREACH PHASE

Outreach phase is an opportunity to put the training to work in practical ways, as well as to learn from other artists (both Christian and non-Christian).

Through long-term established contacts in several key nations around the world, we provide a wide variety of musical opportunities for our students to partner with their counterparts in the music scene.

Practically, this can look like anything from teaching songwriting workshops or hosting technical training sessions for production work, to gigging with other musicians at clubs, bars, and coffee houses.

We pursue a combination of both secular and church opportunities for our students, so this is not exclusively a church or worship-focused school.  

FAQs

  • Yes. MMI is an accredited UofN 2nd level training program, so a completed DTS is required to apply for the school. 

  • We have a great long-term relationship in particular with the nation of Thailand, but YWAM MT Lakeside has a focus on 6 nations (most of which are in SE Asia) so our outreach locations will primarily be headed to that region. However, God is on the move everywhere, and if He opens a door for us, we will pray into other options as well! 

  • Our school fees cover ALL expenses for students except for your travel to and from Montana. Your outreach airfare, housing, food, and transportation is all covered, along with any costs related to shorter regional outreaches during the lecture phase. 

  • Unfortunately, due to visa restrictions we aren't able to accept non-US citizens or residents at this time, but we are working on getting the correct paperwork in place, and we will update the website once this is available. 

  • Great question, and one we get a lot! SOW is an amazing school, very well established around the world through UofN. You can visit any SOW program's website for more specific curriculum info, but the main difference is that MMI is designed purposely to be much more than a worship school. MMI equips those who feel called to use music to further the Kingdom of God in any capacity that He calls them to, not just to the church world, or to a worship context. Our training will equip those who want to be worship leaders, yes, but also those who want to be a songwriter, or those who feel called to a certain music genre, touring and playing in clubs, or working in a studio, or anywhere else. Much of what we do through MMI will be related to worship, but it is not a specific focus of our training. In fact, we don't have any teaching in our Spiritual Development curriculum that focuses on worship. For those who feel called to the church world, or to worship spaces on their YWAM campuses, or a House of Prayer, or anything like that, I would recommend that they take BOTH schools, as that will effectively equip them both broadly and specifically for what God is calling them to. 

  • We are currently finalizing the application and will have it live by February 28th! Feel free to contact the MMI Leaders at MMIleaders@ywammontana.org
“The MMI school was an incredible experience for me. It was a good way for me to dabble in a variety of spheres so that I could use my gifts to serve in whatever capacity the Lord would call me to. Whether that be church ministry, songwriting, or artistry.

What I did not expect was to gain a love for the Word of God during this school. This school doesn’t only equip you musically but grows you inwardly and spiritually. A lot of identity was spoken to me during this school - that I am not simply an artist/worship leader, but I am a disciple and child of the living God... This school has a beautiful culture of artists coming alongside one another to create art and encourage each other in the process. I recommend this school for anyone who feels the Lord has called them to use their gift of music to further his kingdom and purpose in their lives.”
— Caleb Joung

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