"I don't have words to describe how I feel about everything that happened at IVW School 2025. I don't want to sound dramatic, but I can say that those were the best days of my life so far and, without a doubt, they marked my journey forever.
First, I would like to talk about the beauty of fellowship during this adventure. There is something very special when people who are passionate about Jesus come together to create for Him and with Him! IVW School provided unforgettable moments for students to live side by side. Without a doubt, Jesus was with us as we learned, created, ate our meals, walked on the beach, and went to a café.
It was also possible to see God in the way that both IVC and IVW members treated the students and each other... they are some of the most caring and welcoming people I have had the privilege of meeting (all this affection began even from a distance, when we did not yet know each other personally and only exchanged emails). The way they love people is remarkable and very special; it is impossible not to feel at home when you are around them.
IVW School goes far beyond music. Of course, together we made incredible music there, learned about music production, different forms of composition, etc. But I must say that I learned a lot there about true worship, about how to live a life that worships the Lord in spirit and in truth, how and why to create with Jesus and for Jesus.
This experience also helped me finally understand that my identity is not based on what I do, nor on what I try to do, but on who God says I am. I had heard some sermons on this subject before, but the intense experiences I had there made me truly understand it with my heart. I can joyfully say that I came back from there feeling much lighter and more aware of who God is and, consequently, who I am.
I could talk all day about how incredible IVW School was, but you have to live the experience to understand its power of impact and transformation. If you are unsure about whether to go or not, I have only one thing to say: Go. And be prepared to live some of the best days of your life and have your journey transformed forever."
"I was so grateful for the opportunity to learn about art from creatives whose craft I admire. The community was so loving, hospitable, fun, and free. The values of this community shined through the curriculum in the school: foundational truths about our God-given identity, God’s value for us, and art that is driven by purpose. I was able to be stretched in creative muscles in new ways I hadn’t been exposed to before and grow in confidence in who I am in any room when it comes to self-expression and worship. Being surrounded by fellow like-minded students was so encouraging and inspiring; core memories were made and I am forever grateful to God, the students, and the school leaders for such a life-transforming week of life."
"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."
"IVW has a missional heart. It’s in the way the community does life with one another, ministers to those in their community and intentionally creates space for the Lord and for relationships. It’s this heart that I got to catch a glimpse of in action when I was at Isla Vista Worship School, and one that I hope to carry with me back to my life and ministry.
Coming from city life, I realised through the sharing sessions and songwriting conversations that I had areas in my heart that I hadn’t tended to. As creatives, we can sometimes slip into a mode of just doing and doing. Being at the school was a major change of pace for me that I didn’t realise I needed, and it cultivated what had been missing: a heart that’s rested in who God is, a space to slow down and seek Him wholeheartedly, and opportunities to do life with other believers as the catalyst for music and creativity.
Come to Isla Vista Worship School to discover a healthy way to create. Come and allow the community to do life with you for a week, and to let them speak into and pray over your life. Come with an open mind and an open heart that’s expectant for God to meet you, and the space you’ll have would be an amazing opportunity to."
Justin Teo Summer 2023 Student
“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."
testimonies from ivw school:
july 16th - 21st 2025
FAQs
when/where is the next ivw school?
the dates for the 2026 isla vista worship school will be announced on may 1. if you'd like to be notified when applications for our 2026 school open, please click here and sign up for our mailing 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, experience in these areas 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.
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?
your tuition covers the cost to stay in one of our community houses here in isla vista. be prepared to share a room, bathroom, and common areas with your host home and others. your tuition also 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 to the school. we have previously hosted students from other countries including Brazil, France, Singapore, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, England, and Canada.
who teaches at the school?
our isla vista worship staff will be instructing you at the school. our staff are all professional musicians, with years of experience in the industry with songwriting, production, mixing, mastering, 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 in May, the other half is due on July 1st (the remaining $500).
when are applications due?
the dates for the 2026 isla vista worship school will be announced on may 1. if you'd like to be notified when applications for our 2026 school open, please click here and sign up for our mailing 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!
IVW SCHOOL 2026 DATES & APPLICATIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MAY 1!