Trained in music and scripture, Johnson brings his expertise in these fields to the students at SCA. Whether in music or theology classes, Johnson is able to weave together the two disciplines and enable students to understand the ways in which worship, truth, and scripture can be amplified through the use of sacred hymns. Using the Psalms as a starting point, Johnson’s teaching methods encourage the students at SCA to more fully understand the intersection of faith and music and the ways in which sacred music, in particular, elevates our understanding of God.
Johnson holds a Masters Degree in Piano Performance and Music History from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. A regular contributor to the Lutheran musical canon, Johnson has served as a church musician in LCMS congregations for nearly 25 years. A composer and trained concert pianist, he has completed several commissions over the years including the Kantorei at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
When asked what brings him joy, Johnson responded, “I love composing music for the church. My work of making music with young people, almost none of whom have been in a choral performance group before in their lives gives me joy and fulfillment. I am also very happy when I hear other people singing the music and hymns that I have composed. If I show up at a pastors' conference or visit a church or hymn festival and I hear a choir or congregation sing something I wrote, it just makes me very happy.”