Meet Gary Erickson

My name is Gary Erickson. I am an assistant professor for the Music Department as well as an assistant professor in the Digital Media Department working with the Audio emphasis.

Why I work at Greenville College?

I used to teach at a large college in Minnesota where I was the head of the Music Industry program, but when the position opened up in the CCM area here at Greenville College, it seemed like a very good fit for me. I work extensively with music technology, I was the Worship director at my church (and everything else that goes with that!) and I have a great love for music that not only sounds good, but has a good message. I was able to combine many of my interests together in this position at Greenville. Also, it was one of my goals to not only lead worship or do recording or composition work, but to come help others learn to be leaders in those areas. I liked the opportunity to help others grow. Greenville certainly has many opportunities to help students in many various ways.

How I started working with music:

I had been playing cello and piano since I was in grade school and started singing in high school. Music and computers were a passion of mine growing up. I went to college first to study music, but then decided to transfer to computer science. Computer science went alright, but music was still my main interest. However, after a while I studied to be an electrical engineer. Again, that was OK, but music was still my passion so I went back. I have since earned a number of degrees in various areas and have had jobs where I have been able to combine all the various interests into a single job. At first, music and computers wee a passion... now I teach music using some of the most advanced music technology available!

How I use music outside of my role as a professor:

I still sing, play piano, play cello, leading worship services and creating original compositions as my time allows. Having a connection to the performing arts and still be able to play, sing songs in a manner to help other is still very important to me.

My favorite aspect of my job:

I feel that I am more of a "players coach" where we work together to achieve goals together. I don't sit back and simply lecture; I roll my sleeves up and get right in there with you working together. One of my favorite parts is seeing how students grow, mature and change so much from their freshmen year to seniors. Having an opportunity to have a hand in that growth and transformation is very rewarding. Earning a degree is not the end means of the college experience, it is merely a marker along the way in the process of your life long journey and it is my pleasure to help along the way.