Wycliffe Hall appoints Dr Christopher Blakey to lead new Theomousikos programme
Announcing a vibrant programme equipping musicians for church ministry
October 2025
Wycliffe Hall is delighted to announce the launch and pilot of the Theomousikos programme, supported by the award of a substantial grant by the Church of England.
The Theomousikos programme is a unique formation experience cultivating theological depth, artistic excellence and multi-dimensional diversity in congregational music and worship music leaders. As part of Wycliffe Hall’s New Renaissance Project, Theomousikos’ vision is to offer all-round musical excellence, equipping the Church to engage intelligently, creatively and compellingly with our society, offering it a better song to sing.
October 2025 sees the launch of the Theomousikos pilot year with a select group of Wycliffe students. Applications will open widely for 2026 entry later in the academic year.
Dr Christopher Blakey says:
“I am delighted to be co-ordinating this exciting new programme at Wycliffe Hall. My vision for Theomousikos is of an accessible programme that forms diverse, creative, and collaborative musical leaders, working towards theological wisdom and musical excellence to the glory of God.”
“Theomousikos has sparked enthusiastic uptake among our current student community, and we anticipate strong interest when we open applications more widely in 2026.”
Dr Blakey studied music at Durham University, earning a BA in 2017 and MA in 2018. He continued his research at Durham, completing an AHRC-funded PhD in 2023 on natural theology and the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams. Whilst at Durham, Dr Blakey taught extensively on music and theology, music analysis and music theory. He also leads the development of the International Network for Music Theology a global research collaboration founded in Durham and Oxford, dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary scholarship in music and theology.
An accomplished instrumentalist, singer, and composer, Dr Blakey has served for over 20 years as a worship leader and musician in various church communities, including as Director of Music (interim) at St. John’s College and Cranmer Hall.
His lifelong commitment to using his musical gifts in the service of worship is born from a deep personal dedication to worship and a sense of calling.
Dr Blakey is also a keen amateur naturalist and wildlife photographer.
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ARE YOU INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT THEOMOUSIKOS? The Theomousikos programme is for anyone who wants to grow in their preparedness to serve the church and its mission through music. The programme will be tailored both to those just starting out in their calling and to those with substantial experience who want to deepen their theology and improve their craft for greater impact. Applications will be opening for 2026 entry later in the academic year. If you would like to express interest or have an exploratory chat, we warmly encourage you to contact Dr Christopher Blakey who will be delighted to hear from you. |
Dr Christopher Blakey
Credit: Stu Jotham Photography
