The Academic Division of the Gospel Music Workshop of America has the
primary responsibility for educational, curriculum development and general
training within the organization. The organization is praised for its
ability and commitment in putting together such a "giant" that
meets the needs of the church, the community, corporate America
and the high standards in education.
GMWA is respected for how it gives back to its delegates.
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Dr. Charles Reese, Dean |
Many great recording
artists, musicians, and leaders in the music industry have come from this
established convention to go on and further study in higher education and
other areas. Many have become some of the greatest and renowned artists
and musicians in the world.
Through the Academic
Division scholarships are offered along with grants, foreign
teaching opportunities, college credit and more.
The Academic Division is headed by a
Dean, Dr. Charles Reese. The Dean appoints persons to help carry out operations and
developments within the Academic Division. All appointments within the
Academic Division are made by the Dean.
Education at the Gospel Music Workshop of America brings together:
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The world of persons, events and ideas in
African-American and Euro-American sacred music analysis, sharing and
performance.
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The heritage of Christian faith and practice
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The given characteristics of an African-American
and Euro-American sacred music community
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Experiences that contribute to the learning
process
The annual workshop would not be
complete without the numerous workshops, seminars and business forums that
occupy the key hours of each day at the convention.
GMWA has found its niche among the
growing number of gospel conventions by providing an extensive and
thorough academic curriculum designed to fine-tune virgin voices, sharpen
entrepreneurial skills and offer trendy tricks to aspiring songwriters,
musicians and producers, alike.
The expanding presence and curriculum of
the Academic Division has given credence and legitimacy to the name
'workshop' in GMWA.
Under the loyal leadership of Dr.
Charles Reese, the academic division has sent thousands of eager students
back to their respective homes, more
Special Academic Program
The Board of Directors of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, via the
Dean of the Academic Division, approved the development of various
academic partnership arrangements between the Academic Division and
various colleges/universities and corporations that can help promote and
advance the overall purposes, objectives and goals of the Academic
Division. There are thirteen Special Academic Programs available. They
are:
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The
University Consortia
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Graduate & Continuing Education
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GMWA
Certification Program
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The Peer
Matching Program
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The
African-American Sacred Music Network
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The
International Connection
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The Local
Workshop Connection
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Partnership
Arrangements with Similar-Type Organizations
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Professional
Development Credit
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The Seminary Connection
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Integrated Music Technology & Concepts in the 21st
Century (Corporate sponsorship)
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GMWA Public Relations Internship Program
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The Distance Learning Program
The Special Academic Programs Book of the Academic Division
fully explains each program. For a copy, please contact the Office of the
Dean at
dean@gmwanational.com.
From the beginning GMWA
realized the need for a platform in which delegates could support
post-secondary preparation in African-American Sacred Music. The inclusion
of scholarship opportunities allowed for this platform. Scholarships help
delegates realize their success potentials and provide financial
assistance to those who qualify and pursue serious study within the
African-American Religious Music Experience.
The scholarship
programs are a commendable way GMWA has given back to its delegates.
Presently GMWA makes available 3 different scholarship funds in African
American and Sacred Music perspectives.
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Thurston G. Frazier Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Thurston G. Frazier Scholarship Fund was established in 1969 under
the leadership of Rev. Cleveland. It was a way of recognizing the
talents, efforts, and achievements of Mr. Thurston G. Frazier, a widely
known and respected person in church music at the time.
"There is a different
contest held each year that is announced by the Academic Division."
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