Exploring contemporary praise and worship music at Nashville conference

Several ISM faculty, alumni, and students gathered at Belmont University in Nashville on July 28–29 for “Contemporary Praise & Worship Music: Interdisciplinarity, Industrialization, and Imagination,” a conference exploring the development, cultural impact, and creative possibilities of contemporary praise and worship music. Organized by ISM alumnus Adam Perez (M.A.R. ’16), the conference brought together scholars and practitioners from across the field, with Professor Blenda Im serving on the planning committee and Professor Melanie Ross delivering a keynote address. Current ISM student Ellie Grace Lashier (M.A.R. ’27) and YDS student Peter Miles (M.Div. ’27) also presented papers, representing the next generation of scholars engaging critically with contemporary worship practices and their broader cultural contexts. The gathering provided an opportunity for members of the Yale community to share their research and perspectives while connecting with colleagues working at the intersection of music, religion, and contemporary culture.