Liberty music faculty teach youth from around the world at summer MasterWorks Festival

Around 120 aspiring musicians traveled to Liberty University School of Music this summer to partake in the prestigious MasterWorks Festival, an intensive, four-week camp for advanced and passionate students of the classical performing arts.

The festival, which started June 15 and ends on Sunday, is being sponsored by the Christian Performing Artists’ Fellowship, a multi-denominational ministry dedicated to performing and teaching the classical arts to the glory of God and to spreading the Gospel. As part of the festival, over 48 performances were scheduled on Liberty’s campus and in the community, including orchestra concerts each Saturday night at the Center for Music & Worship Arts, Concert Hall. During the day, students received private lessons, group lessons, coaching, Bible studies, and opportunities to attend masterclasses and network with various faculty from Liberty and around the country.

Participants of all levels (middle school, high school, college, and graduate/postgraduate) came from across the United States and eight countries. Instructors included faculty from Eastman School of Music, Florida State University, and University of Georgia, as well as professional musicians who play in high-level orchestras such as the National Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, and more. Students and visiting faculty had the opportunity to stay in residence halls and enjoy many campus amenities.

Chip Hill, executive director of MasterWorks, said he is deeply grateful to Liberty for being a host site.

“It has been a joy to collaborate with several members of the Liberty School of Music faculty, whose involvement has been a strong fit, both in spiritual unity and in the high standard of professionalism they bring. The campus facilities have been exceptional, providing a supportive environment for our rehearsals and performances. We are especially appreciative of the School of Music’s administration and staff, who have consistently demonstrated excellence, grace, and attentiveness in meeting our needs. This partnership has been a tremendous blessing, and we look forward to continued collaboration in the future.”

Liberty’s relationship with MasterWorks initially began in 2020 when Dr. Rebecca Watson, chair and professor of the Department of Music Education at Liberty and professor of double reeds, first served as a bassoon instructor for the festival.

“The coolest thing about MasterWorks is that it’s the same mission as we have (at Liberty), just worded a little differently,” Watson said. “The purpose statement is to train the next generation to be excellent in their artistry and their Christian witness and share that excellent performing artistry and impact with the community. It’s really closely aligned with what we do at Liberty in Training Champions for Christ.”

When Watson learned in 2023 that MasterWorks was in search of a new host, she knew Liberty would be a great fit and helped to make the proper connections.

“We have an amazing facility (at Liberty University),” she said. “Many of the things we have here I knew would help MasterWorks as well since they (not only) have a focus on orchestra but also have piano and string intensives, flute intensives, and all kinds of other things. It’s just a perfect fit. The Lord really orchestrated this partnership. It’s an incredible opportunity for both institutions.”

This year, many Liberty faculty joined MasterWorks to help teach classes, provide private lessons, and mentor students.

Coordinator of Strings Studies and Associate Professor of Music Dr. Luca Trombetta taught private viola lessons in addition to coaching student chamber groups and performing in the symphony orchestra on Saturday nights.

“It is exciting to be part of one of the most prestigious Christian festivals dedicated to classical music,” Trombetta said. “As a faculty member at Liberty University School of Music, I’m particularly excited to share our state-of-the-art facilities with other festival faculty and students. It also gives me the chance to share about the work we do with our Liberty students.”

Trombetta said he will share this experience with his own students: “I see every professional experience as a chance to grow in my expertise. The repertoire we perform with the symphony orchestra and the daily work with conductors provides great opportunities to learn and expand my musical horizons.”

He said he appreciated the opportunities to connect with faculty members of other schools and share insights, perspectives, and testimonies of how God guided them through their musical careers. He participated in a daily Bible study with instructors and students.

“I’ve met people who exemplify spiritual maturity, a commitment to Jesus, and deep knowledge of Scripture,” he said.

Dr. Andrew Phillips, associate professor of high brass and coordinator of brass studies, taught the French horn to students in both private lessons and group formats during the second week of the festival.  He said the nightly Bible studies were a great ministry opportunity with the students, and he made it a point to discuss with other instructors the emphasis Liberty places on spiritual encouragement and support.

“I hope that my presence as a faculty member and the love that is shown to all the students pursuing music this week has shown how Liberty is focused on excellence in studies and pursuing Christ,” he said.

As a guest lecturer, Coordinator of Woodwind Studies and Associate Professor of Clarinet Dr. Cassandra Hibbard shared the research she presented last summer at the International Society of Music Education’s biennial conference in Helsinki, Finland, on an individualized, personal approach to implementing spirituality in private lessons.

“This is my third time presenting this lecture,” Hibbard said, “but my first time for a Christian audience. It was so nice to use Scripture and pray with this audience.”

The final concert open to the public will be on Saturday, July 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the Center for Music & Worship Arts, Concert Hall.