"it was here where i really learned how to identify as God's child before anything else... had a lot of questions about my identity and how that tied into my art before coming into this. i also felt distant from God because although i could intellectualize what it meant to be a "good Christian", i didn't know how to actually FEEL like i was, or how to position my heart that believed that He loves me for me - just the way He created me. leaving the school, i have so much more belief + confidence in Him, and my flame was reignited. my heart is so full, knowing now what it means to be His child and build a relationship with Him... i never thought that i would ever get to experience something like this. God's let me experience a lot of incredible things in my life, but this will be imprinted on my heart forever. it was here where i really started to uncover who i am in Him."
"I was last to arrive for the school but to my pleasant surprise, my presence was highly anticipated. That small but loving gesture of being celebrated was exactly the tone I had experienced for the entire weekend. I've been to other schools and workshops where it felt easy to disappear and just be a wallflower but not at ivws. My biggest takeaway wasn't even the fact that we wrote over 16 songs that weekend or the wonderful sessions that made me feel understood as an artist/worship leader. It was hope. It was the reassurance that the Lord looks after His kids. It was the way you can see the tangible love of God through His people. It was leaving, knowing I just made some really kind and Jesus-loving friends that are all on this journey with me."
“I had no expectations for this trip, but everyday blew me away. God showed up in the most unexpected ways and grew me in many different areas. I learned that doing new things can be very hard, but so worth it ... Every time I was nervous or doubtful, He used the people around me to lift me up. I realized how fun it is to meet people, write songs with new friends, and live in community. Out of all the things I learned, one main thing I took away was something my friend Ethan said. He encouraged me to block 2 hours out of my week just to write songs by myself or with my siblings. I’ve been able to create space and connect with more God through music. I am so thankful and blessed for the time I had at IVW school!”
Sophia Kreuz Fall 2022 Student
“IVWS for me was a unique experience. It was about understanding, once again, that no matter where I was, how many resources were available to me. I heard the Father's voice and followed, and he took care of the details. All of them. And it still surprises me. IVWS was an opportunity to learn how to make art in a group and see the great value in it. I believe that of all that I will keep, with a lot of love and affection, it was the connection with people that this small season brought to me. It was a time of great inspiration, great encouragement and so much fun - with people and with Jesus!"
Bia Buchacra Spring 2022 Student
"The handful of days we had together were so sweet. Isla Vista Worship/ Church/ Mission AKA Jesus Burgers community was one of the most hospitable and servant-hearted groups I've ever spent time with. Our time was full of bonfires, eating together, worshiping, listening to teachings on worship, talking about Jesus endlessly, and then songwriting sessions with coaches who have written music with IVW or on other projects... During our time, I was able to help co-write two songs! I was stretched creatively, as I haven't had a lot of opportunities to co-write with others. I'm so grateful for the women I did this school with who helped create such a safe and encouraging atmosphere to learn and create with the Lord."
FAQs
when/where is the next ivw school?
the next isla vista worship school will be taking place in July of 2025. our school takes place in isla vista, CA (just outside of santa barbara). exact dates for the 2025 school will be announced in January of 2025 on social media and via our email list.
should i apply to ivw school?
if you’re at least 18 years old and love creating music that brings God and others joy, then you definitely should! we feel our strong suit is songwriting and artistry, however, this is not a requirement have to come to the school. the biggest qualification is a desire to learn and grow. experience in songwriting could be helpful, but it’s not necessary. applications for our 2024 school are now closed.
i think I do want to apply, but what will I do there?
when you attend the isla vista worship school, you will get to jump right into our community of creatives and church here in our little beach town. each day will be filled with worship, creativity, fellowship, and fun! each day will be different, but expect to attend songwriting sessions, hear from guest speakers, workshop production, walk to the beach, and soak up all that God has in store for you!
is food or lodging covered by tuition?
most students will stay in one of our community houses here in isla vista. be prepared to share a room, bathroom, and common areas with others. your tuition covers the one meal that we share together daily, and the rest is up to you.
i'm not from the USA, can i attend the school?
yes! we love creating with people from all over the globe and would love to have you come hang with us. we have previously hosted students from other countries including Brazil, Singapore, South Africa, Argentina, England, and Canada.
who teaches at the school?
our isla vista worship staff (plus a few surprise guests) will be instructing you at the school. our staff are all professional musicians, with years of experience with songwriting, production, touring, worship leading, and artistry. you'll also get the chance to hear from a teacher in our community when we attend church together.
what does it cost?
tuition for our isla vista worship school is $1,000 US dollars. half of this amount ($500) is due upon acceptance, the other half is due on July 1st (the remaining $500).
when are applications due?
applications are currently closed. application dates for our 2025 school will be announced in early 2025 on social media and our email list.
picture this:
you find yourself sitting on the back porch of a beachside home. you’re surrounded by christian creatives who have devoted their lives to making music for God and for others. you’re talking about different songwriting techniques, the importance of creating with God, and making all sorts of new friends (and maybe making a new demo or two).
what you just pictured is what we like to call isla vista worship school. this “school” is more like a plunge into what a life surrounded by God and creativity can look like, rather than a formal education in making tunes. think apprenticeship over student: working with your hands instead of your head.
the ivw school is an invitation to experience and imagine a new way of life. a way that emphasizes community, the presence of God, and using the gifts that we’ve been given to bless the world and the person that made it. if that sounds like a good time to you, then you should apply! we would love to see you there.
dates for our isla vista worship 2025 school will be announced early next year! click here to join our mailing list so you don't miss the announcement.