Gary S. Grant

Dr. Gary S. Grant serves as Professor in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts (Music Program) at Pennsylvania Western University, where he has been faculty since 1993. His tenure includes 16 years as Music Department Chair and Director of Bands from 1993-2002, with current responsibilities spanning undergraduate courses in Fundamentals of Music, World Music, Jazz, and Country Music.

His academic foundation comprises:

• Bachelor's degree in Music Education from University of Illinois
• Master's degree in Conducting from University of Missouri-Columbia
• PhD in Music Education from University of Missouri-Columbia

Research interests emphasize student-centered music pedagogy across diverse genres, particularly Jazz history, World Music traditions, and Country Music analysis. His international engagement includes co-coordinating the Scotland Study Abroad Program where he taught 'Music of the British Isles' across four trips.

Recognition includes the 2005 Edinboro University Advisor of the Year and 2009 Orpheus Award from PHI MU ALPHA Sinfonia for significant contributions to American music. He was twice a finalist for Educator of the Year.

Dr. Grant actively mentors students as faculty advisor for PennWest Edinboro's Kappa Kappa Psi National Band Fraternity chapter, which he helped establish, and maintains ongoing involvement in student development through advising and study abroad initiatives.