UVF - Music Department

We are so proud of our recent graduate, Aaron, who is already making an incredible impact in the world of music education!

Aaron shared, “I’m thrilled to be stepping in as a long-term substitute Band Director at Bensalem High School! I have the opportunity to teach band, piano, and percussion, working with amazing students who are passionate about music. It’s been such a rewarding experience helping them grow as musicians every day.”

Seeing our graduates step into their callings and inspire the next generation reminds us why we do what we do. Congratulations Aaron, we’re so proud of you and all of our graduating seniors who are making a difference in their communities! 🎶

Have you heard? A generous donor to UVF has pledged to match every gift to UVF, dollar for dollar, up to $600,000 by October 1. Click on the link below to be a part and to give to the Building a Strong Future campaign by October 1. We thank God for the Jesus-centered education students get at UVF!

https://universityofvalleyforge-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1360156

We are proud to congratulate our alumnus, Kevin Haes, on his new position as Band Director at Sun Valley Middle School! We are excited to see him share his passion for music and education with the next generation. Congratulations Kevin, we're proud of you!

We are excited to share that Dr. Silvia Atmadja has officially joined our faculty full-time!
Dr. Atmadja has been a valued member of our adjunct faculty for the past eight years, faithfully teaching piano and investing in our students. She holds a Doctorate in Piano Performance from West Virginia University and brings a wealth of teaching experience from institutions such as Rowan University, Montgomery County Community College, Community Music School, Settlement Music School, and Montclair State University.
Her love for the Lord, commitment to excellence, and dedication to student growth make her an incredible asset to our department. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Dr. Atmadja into her new full-time role!

Many of you may have already heard that long-time UVF music professor, Dr. Kent Smith, is relocating to the West Coast.
After 30 years of faithfully serving on our music faculty, Dr. Smith and his wife are following the Lord’s call into a new season of ministry as church planters. While we are deeply saddened to see him go, we celebrate his obedience to God’s direction and the exciting journey ahead.
Dr. Smith has impacted hundreds of students with his teaching, excellence, and heart for ministry. His legacy at UVF is one of faith, friendship, and dedication, and he will be greatly missed by our department and community.
Please join us in honoring Dr. Smith and praying for him and his wife as they step into this next chapter.

Xander Toner is a worship leading major at the University of Valley Forge. He chose this major because of his desire to use the musical gifting the Lord had given him for His glory. He first got involved with music in elementary school through music class, choir, and musicals. After graduation, his desire is to be a worship pastor who also pursues traveling worship ministry. His advice to current music students is, "Things may look overwhelming and maybe even impossible but take it one day and one thing at a time."

Abigail Burris is a worship leading major from the University of Valley Forge. She chose this major because despite the uncertainties she had about her future, she knew the Lord had called her to use the gifts He had given her to serve Him. Abigail began playing violin when she was in the fourth grade. A couple of years later, the Lord provided her family with a piano and instructed her parents to put her in lessons. Music became a big part of her life as she played in the symphony orchestra, youth worship band, and privately for the Lord. Abigail saw the power worship music had over her grandfather's life as he battled Alzheimer's disease. She saw the Lord move through the obedience and worship of His people through their giftings. She desired for the Lord to use her in the same way.

Her advice to current music students is "Remember everything the Lord has done in your life to bring you to this point. Remember the call that you have to serve Him. Remember why you love to worship Him through music. It is easy to take it all for granted, but it is beyond a blessing have a career doing something that you love. Continue discovering your musical passions and pay attention to what stirs your heart. He will use you in ways you may not have expected, but His ways are higher than our own. Stay close to Him so that you recognize His voice."

1 Peter 4:10 says, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."

Kurt Hartwell graduated from the University of Valley Forge in 2021 with a degree in Music Production. His time at UVF changed the trajectory of his life for the better. He is grateful for what he learned as a student in the music department, and feels that his time here prepared him for exactly what the Lord had in store. Kurt is very much involved in music today; first with his role here at UVF as the worship coordinator but also being worship lead for PennDel Youth and getting to use his music production skills to collaborate on various original song projects with different artists and groups.

His advice to music students is to "Be a part of anything you can while you’re a student! You never know what opportunity the Lord will give you, so put yourself out there and let Him open and close the doors. All we can do is serve wholeheartedly where He has us and be ready for wherever He leads next!”

Meet Rachel Martinez, a music educator, worship leader, and youth pastor at Christian Life Center in Missoula, MT! With a heart for both teaching and ministry, Rachel has dedicated the last three years to shaping the next generation of musicians, leading worship, and guiding her youth team. Her journey began here at UVF, where she earned her degree in Music Education – Choral Track. Valley Forge helped prepare and equip her to not only teach music in different environments but also grow and develop beginner musicians in school and worship ministry. Now she’s using those skills to serve both in the classroom and the church.
Her advice to current music students is: "Always follow God’s leading first. He may be calling you to different areas in music and ministry that you never thought you would be in. Get involved in your local church and learn as many skills as possible. You never know what giftings God will ask you to use."

Meet Jason Harris, Assistant Professor at the University of Valley Forge! With experience teaching in music, education, and business, Jason currently brings his expertise to the classroom by teaching Music Theory, Aural Skills, Elementary & Secondary Methods, Instrumental Music Methods, Applied Lessons, and Nonprofit Management.

Professor Harris’ philosophy in the classroom is to provide real-world connections to the assignments, projects, and classroom discussions, so that students can quickly apply what they learn to their areas of study.

In addition to his role at UVF, Jason serves as Pastor at Evangel Assembly of God and is a Certified Team Member with the John Maxwell Team, focusing on management consulting and leadership development. He holds multiple degrees and certificates from the University of the Arts, Rider University, Global University, and the University of Valley Forge.

Jason’s dedication to shaping future leaders and empowering students with practical, real-world skills exemplifies UVF’s mission to prepare individuals for a life of leadership and service in the church and in the world.

Ethan Fagan is a senior at the University of Valley Forge studying music production and studio engineering. He chose this major because of his passion for music and media. Music production is an opportunity for him to grow in both fields, and he feels that he is being equipped for whatever door the Lord may open. Originally, Ethan did not plan for music to become such an important part of his life. He did not like the idea of playing an instrument, but his mother signed him up for drum lessons. Eight years later, drumming became a catalyst for his life. God continued to use this gift to open doors that he would have never thought possible. While Ethan does not know where the Lord is leading him after graduation, he trusts that the Lord will provide. He has faith that God has brought him this far and will not fail to use him for a divine purpose.

His advice for current music students is “Do not throw away what God has given you. Understand that you have potential to achieve beyond what you know. While your time at UVF may be difficult and you will experience valleys, remember that God has brought you this far. He will not forsake you. Push yourself and you will reach the finish line.”