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Dr. David L. Perry
The South Carolina School of the Arts
The South Carolina School of the Arts
Music Department Chair, Director of Music Education
dperry@andersonuniversity.edu
Rainey Fine Arts Room 117
Academic Background
Dr. David L. Perry (B.M., M.M., D.M.A., Arizona State University) is a Professor of Music at Anderson University, SC, where he serves as Music Department Chair, Director of Music Education, and teaches courses in music education and music history. Dr. Perry has published research in prestigious journals and presented research and topics in state and national conference venues. He served as President of the Higher Education Division of the South Carolina Music Educators Association and leads a home bible study group with his wife Kathy Perry.
Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Arizona State University (1983)
Master of Music in Music Education, Arizona State University (1989)
Doctor of Musical Arts, Arizona State University (2006)
Fast Facts
My classes are largely project-based. I have a balance of lecture and discussion with student projects and presentations that focus on application of knowledge and preparation for careers in music.
It is my mission to help students discover and pursue their calling in Jesus Christ, through music, with excellence. Anderson University is a place where students can receive the support they need to pursue their calling, while being challenged both academically and in expression of their faith both within and outside of the classroom. Our students, faculty, staff, and administrative have diverse gifts and roles but we are united in purpose as a community of Christ followers. Anderson University is a place where faculty and students can thrive in pursuing both personal and professional goals through mutual support and encouragement.
While most people understand that there are clear paths for careers in music teaching and music ministry, most people are not aware of the hundreds of different viable career paths that are available in the field of music. Study of commercial music, music technology, music production, studio teaching, and music directing are just of few of the many ways that students can prepare themselves to earn multiple revenue sources in music. Our faculty are uniquely qualified to help students discover, experience, and prepare students for these multiple career paths.
I directed a diverse music ensemble, the Anderson University West African Ensemble, from 2007-2024. We had the privilege of learning from and performing with Bolokada Conde, internationally acclaimed drumming artist, and Alisa Caldwell, regionally acclaimed dance artist. The AU West African Ensemble performed two annual concerts at Anderson University, presented performances and clinics at state and national conferences, and shared this rich cultural tradition at local schools.
I have contributed to the profession of music education with publications in prestigious journals including the Journal of Research in Music Education and the Grove’s Dictionary of Music. My areas of contribution included historical research in music education, teaching diverse cultural music to students, and recruiting and retaining pre-collegiate students. Likewise, I have presented at state and national conferences on topics of music education and music administration.
I am blessed to work with superb colleagues who work toward individual and common goals for the benefit of our students and community. Our students are dedicated to preparing for their chosen careers and calling, are kind and caring to one another, and are a joy to work with in the classroom and in activities beyond the classroom. While I am honored to share my knowledge and experience with students, I learn from and am enriched by my interactions with students in what I consider to be our community of scholars.
Music Teacher Preparation, Music History and Culture, Woodwind Performance, Supervisor of Music Education Field Experiences and Clinical Experiences.
Perry, D. L., Allan, A. A. (2024, February). Student and Alumni Perspectives on an Online Master of Music Education Program. Poster session paper presented at the South Carolina Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference, Columbia, SC.
Perry, D. L. (2013). Petzold, Robert G. In The Grove Dictionary of American Music (2nd ed.). New York: Grove’s Dictionaries of Music.
Rickels, D. A., Brewer, W. D., Councill, K. H., Fredrickson, W. E., Hairson, M., Perry, D. L., Porter, A. M., Schmidt, M. (2013). Career influences of music education audition candidates. Journal of Research in Music Education, 61(1), 115-134.
Williamson, R. A., Perry, D. L. (2012). Training the rising generation of worship leaders. The Journal of the Baptist Church Music Conference, January 2012.
Perry, D. L. (2006). The effects of African (Mande) music instruction on the achievement and attitudes of band students (Doctoral dissertation, Arizona State University, 2006).
