THE RECORD Online

Spring 2002

CCM Program Stays Multi-faceted

The contemporary Christian music program at Greenville College continues to evolve, preparing students for the ever-changing music industry. And it’s not just performers who benefit from such instruction. In fact, the CCM program may be geared more for those interested in studio and recording work, as well as those pursuing careers in music business, marketing and promotions, according to the CCM program director.

“I think the CCM program will appeal more to people who aren’t necessarily looking at a performance career,” said Dr. Michael Johnson, assistant professor of music at GC. “They do learn a number of facets of the industry, and become prepared for any job they might take.”

Johnson would know. Prior to taking the reins of the CCM program in 2001, he worked as a recording engineer in Miami, and performed in several bands. His wife, Andrea, who also teaches in the CCM program at GC, worked in marketing for both recording artist Gloria Estafan and Island Records, and was involved in the start-up of several record labels in Miami. Presently, she is helping establish the first GC record label, named “BlackRoom Records.”

Johnson received his master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Miami, studying studio music and jazz performance. He also studied studio recording at the University of Colorado in Denver under Bill Porter, Elvis Presley’s original sound engineer.

CCM majors at GC pursuing other avenues besides on-stage performance, like their professor, take classes and independent studies in recording and business.

There are other GC students, who are not CCM majors, who take CCM courses. The college’s ITEP (Individually Tailored Education Program) allows students to build their own major. Some ITEP students have combined business and music disciplines into a potent mixture for success, said Johnson. And there are still brave GC students who have double majors in CCM and another area of study, such as public relations.

The college’s new media promotions major continues to blossom as well. Although that major is not under the auspices of the CCM program, it does incorporate some of the same classes. The MP major is designed to “develop and enhance specific strategies for promotion, publicity, management, writing, and delivery of digital media while exemplifying moral and responsible Christian professionalism,” according to its mission statement.

The major actually is a part of the communication department and, according to Department Head Veronica Ross, “it still feels multi-discipline in many ways.”
Johnson and Ross both said internships are important for anyone interested in the music business, be they CCM majors, MP majors or something else.

“But students first have to have knowledge to do those internships,” said Johnson.

And that, he said, is where the college experience becomes such an integral part of their career foundations.

View more information about the CCM major at Greenville...

Last updated: March 19, 2002