Debbie Lou Ludolph
Dean of Chapel; Director, Kanata Centre for Worship and Global Song; Instructor, Practical Theology
I successfully defended my doctoral dissertation — as part of Martin Luther University College's PhD in Human Relationships program, field of Pastoral Leadership — in January 2021. I received my Master of Arts in Theology degree from Luther in 2009, when the school was known as Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, and my bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1982.
Prior to working full-time at Luther, I performed in the musical theatre industry; taught vocal pedagogy, musical skills and voice at Laurier and in the community; and led music and worship at conferences and retreats.
In addition to teaching, I co-ordinate worship in Luther's Keffer Memorial Chapel.
Please feel free to read my dissertation, or view a video reprising the defence of my dissertation, "Singing Difference Amid Relational Connectedness: A Narrative Study of How Singing Together Shapes Worldview."
View my Meet the Prof video.
The main focus of my research is the power of music as a bridge-builder between communities and cultures. As director of the Kanata Centre for Worship and Global Song, I have created opportunities for public conversations and workshops about Christian worship practice, and I have co-ordinated ecumenical, interfaith and musical events that promote working towards the common good in the community. I also direct a community choir at Luther called Inshallah, which sings primarily songs of faith from the global south. For details, visit the website inshallah.ca.
Research / Areas of Expertise
- Singing as a bridge-building strategy.
- Global song and community singing.
- Programming for multifaith and ecumenical gatherings.
- Laurier Community Music Award of Recognition (2010).
- Companion of the Worship Arts, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (2006).
- Sing the Circle Wide (2016).
- "Sing Fires of Justice: The Power of Song!" Lee Willingham, Debbie Lou Ludolph (2011, 2013).
- "Singing Global Song in a North American Church Context," master’s degree thesis (2009).
- Contributor to DVD Christian Music from Asia for the World: The Legacy of I-to Loh. GIA, 2013.
- CDs: Inshallah Sings 1, Inshallah Sings 2, Singing Peace (2010, 2012, 2014).