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Gordy, also a Georgia Music Hall of Fame What You Should Know
inductee, went on to become an influential figure About MGA’s Bachelor
in the music industry as a studio and touring bass of Arts in Contemporary
player, as well as a producer. He worked with Elvis Musicianship
Presley and Emmylou Harris, among many other
well-known performers. OVERVIEW: During the first two years of applied
Meanwhile, Lanning is hearing from potential study, students receive classical training using
students in Atlanta and elsewhere. historical best practices. In the junior and senior
“We think this degree will draw from years, students will explore different styles, from
throughout the state and even outside of Geor- classical to gospel to R&B to country. This approach
gia,” she said. “There are a lot of people out there is designed to help students to musically
with musical street cred but no degree. This communicate with diverse cultures while giving them
program lines up well with what they are already a competitive edge in the industry. MGA’s music
doing.” program will hold a major annual event to showcase
For Rogers, the student aiming to become a the work of its students.
church music director, pursuing a music degree
that also focuses strongly on career development DEGREE CONCENTRATIONS: Classical Study or
means he can push back against the naysayers Commercial Study. The B.A. can also serve as a
who think he won’t be able to get a job. gateway to a Master of Arts in Teaching, which
“When you tell people you want to major in provides a path to teacher certification in music.
music, some of them say things like, ‘No, you need
to major in computer science,’” he said. “But that PERFORMING: MGA’s music program supports the
just wouldn’t be me.” ■ Brass Ensemble, Chamber Singers, Classical Guitar
Ensemble, Jazz Band, Marching Band, University
Bassist Tisha Simeral’s real-world experience making a living in music Band, and Woodwind Ensemble.
was among the reasons MGA hired her in 2016 to join MGA’s music
faculty. She has performed with a vast array of artists from across the COMING SOON: Commercial Combos, Gospel Choir,
musical spectrum: Grammy-winning singer-songwriters Darrell Scott University Choir.
and Jon Vezner, Christian artist Steve Green, bluegrass legend Roland
White, rocker Trey Anastasio (Phish), contemporary jazz guitarist APPLY: mga.edu/admissions.
Denny Jiosa, hit songwriter Thom Shepherd, and country-rock artist
Eric Heatherly, to name a few. JESSICA WHITLEY AUDITIONS: Take place after the application process is
completed. Contact musicauditions@mga.edu.
STILL AVAILABLE: The Associate of Arts in Music,
which does not require an audition.
QUESTIONS?
Dr. Rebecca Lanning, MGA music coordinator
478.471.5773 or rebecca.lanning@mga.edu
www.mga.edu/music
Spring 2018 MGA TODAY 15
