Is it possible to visit the Grace College School of Music?

Yes!  We have several pre-planned opportunities for you to visit us during our Music Days .  Visiting the campus is a great way to see first-hand what Grace College has to offer.  You can audition for admission and scholarships, visit classes, meet with faculty and even stay in the dormitories.  If one of these pre-planned visits isn't convenient for you, just call the School of Music office to set up a visit that works for you!

Questions about being a Music Major

Is the Grace College School of Music qualified to prepare me for a future career in music?

Which college is right for me?

What major field of study do I want to consider?

What help can I get in paying for college?

What will campus life be like when I get to college?

Do you have more questions? We'd be glad to help you find the answers! Just e-mail your questions and concerns to us at music@grace.edu, and you will receive an answer back from the faculty and staff at the School of Music. We would like to hear your thoughts and questions.

Is the Grace College School of Music qualified to prepare me for a future career in music?

The Music Department at Grace College is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). NASM accreditation assures that a College/University music program meets the high standards set by this national Association.

The faculty members of the Grace Music Department are experienced and highly trained teachers and performers.

Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh conducts the Symphony of the Lakes and is a well known composer and author.  His doctoral studies were completed at the University of Maryland in theory and composition.

Dr. James Kraft performed as trombonist with the National Symphony, the New Orleans Philharmonic, and the Navy Band.  He received his doctoral training at Catholic University.

Professor Don Bernardini has performed in opera houses throughout the world and received training at Indiana University

Professor Gert Kumi concertmaster of the Symphony of the Lakes received training at the Juilliard School and has performed in concert halls both in the United States and in Europe.

Dr. Peter Gano received his doctoral training from the University of California system and was chairman of the Ohio State University Music History department for many years before coming to Grace College.

Dr. Timothy Sanborn received his doctorate from the School of Music at Indiana University. He is an accomplished trombonist, having performed professionally all around the U.S. as well as in South America and the Orient.

Professor Ardis Faber conducts Chamber Singers & Ensemble, and teaches music education classes. She earned her graduate degree from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, and is currently completing her doctoral studies.

Recent graduates of the Department of Music at Grace . . .

. . . Are presently attending graduate school in major programs such as Cincinnati Conservatory, University of North Carolina, Michigan State University, VanderCook School of Music

. . . Perform professionally in orchestras in the U.S. and in theatrical production companies

. . . Work as published writers and arrangers, and as professional accompanists

. . . Teach music in public and private schools in the U.S. and abroad, both K-12 and college level.

. . . Hold positions as church musicians/worship leaders

Which college is right for me?

The right college for you is a very individualized decision.

Grace College offers a very high level of excellence in education, in a campus setting where nurture is very important as well.

Grace’s motto is “character, competence, and service.” We are very interested in the growth of your character, in your decision-making process, and in helping you become the man or woman God designed.

"Competence” comes in preparing students thoroughly to be trained for the career choice they make. Grace music students routinely go on to graduate school programs or enter performance, ministry, and teaching careers very successfully.

“Service” is fostered in a Grace student through multiple ministry and missions opportunities. Musicians may choose from any of four traveling music teams, with opportunities for ministry and performances in the U.S. and abroad.

What major field of music study do I want to consider?

The Grace College School of Music offers three separate music major fields including the Bachelor of Music in Music Education (All Grade – All Area), Bachelor of Music in Performance (Orchestral Instruments, Piano, or Voice), and Bachelor of Arts in Music. A Minor in Music is also available.

The education degrees include thorough training in teaching techniques as well as musical training. The performance degrees focus on preparation for professional performance.  The B.A. in Music program provides the highest-quality music training designed to prepare you for a career in music and graduate work in your music specialty.

What help can I get in paying for college?

There is a great deal of financial aid available in the form of grants, loans, and scholarships. The School of Music offers scholarships to music majors and minors, and when possible to non-majors. Music scholarships are renewable yearly.

Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.

What will campus life be like when I get to college?

Life on the Grace College campus is a very important facet in a student’s overall experience. Residence hall life offers friendships that last a lifetime. Grace offers numerous activities for students throughout the school year. See the Student Affairs Department for more information about Grace College's campus community, ministry, and student activities.