Anderson University today announced the formal transition of its Department of Music to the Conservatory of Music, effective June 1, marking a natural progression for a program that has long demonstrated the rigor, artistic standards and professional preparation associated with leading conservatories.
The change was formally approved by the Anderson University Board of Trust at its February meeting and the announcement made during the annual President’s Gala, a performance extravaganza featuring the breadth of Anderson’s performance programs.
The new Conservatory will remain a central component of The South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University, the comprehensive arts school Anderson established on its campus to bring together programs in dance, music, theatre and art and design. The announcement comes as Anderson continues its broader institutional momentum as South Carolina’s largest private university and its status among the state’s five more selective universities, reflecting sustained growth alongside rising academic expectations.
Heading the conservatory is Dr. David L. Perry, currently chair of the music department. His new title will be Director of the Conservatory of Music. He will provide leadership over curriculum, ensembles, faculty, students and artistic standards.
“For years, Anderson’s music program has exhibited the depth, discipline and artistic excellence one expects from a conservatory,” said Dr. David W. Larson, dean of The South Carolina School of the Arts. “This transition allows us to strengthen what already exists—deepening our focus on performance, investing in faculty and expanding professional opportunities so our graduates are prepared to thrive in today’s musical landscape.”
Johnny Mann Center for Commercial Music
A signature component of the Conservatory is the Johnny Mann Center for Commercial Music, which honors the legacy of Johnny Mann (1928-2014)—the Grammy-winning arranger, composer and longtime musical collaborator of Lawrence Welk, and whose career spanned television, recording and choral performance. Mann was widely respected for bridging artistic excellence with broad audience appeal, a spirit reflected in the Center’s mission. He was a contributor to the University and a personal friend of Anderson University President Evans Whitaker and his wife, Diane. Mr. Mann’s wife, Betty, transferred his compositions and other important papers on loan at Pepperdine University to Anderson in perpetuity.
Anderson’s commercial music program prepares students for contemporary careers across genres including pop, rock, jazz, singer-songwriter, studio production, worship leadership and music for media. Through performance, songwriting, recording and industry studies, students develop both artistic voice and professional versatility.
“The Johnny Mann Center embodies our conviction that musical excellence can be both artistically serious and culturally engaged,” Larson said. “It prepares students not only to perform, but to create and lead in the evolving music industry.”
Nationally Recognized Specialized Arts Accreditations
The Conservatory’s launch also underscores the University’s distinctive national standing in the arts. Anderson is one of only four Christian universities in the United States accredited across music, theatre and design by their respective specialized accrediting bodies, reflecting a comprehensive commitment to professional artistic education.
These recognitions include accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) for music; the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) for visual art and design; and the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).
Together, these accreditations affirm that the University’s arts programs meet nationally recognized standards for curriculum quality, faculty credentials, facilities and student achievement, placing The School of the Arts—and the new Conservatory—among a select group of institutions with comprehensive professional validation across creative disciplines.
Strengthening an Already Selective Program
The Conservatory designation will sharpen emphasis on intensive performance training, ensemble excellence and industry-aligned professional development while maintaining Anderson’s personalized approach. Music programs at the University are already audition-based and selective, and leaders affirmed that the Conservatory will sustain and further enhance that selectivity as part of its commitment to artistic distinction.
“With more than 20 ensembles spanning instrumental, choral, jazz, commercial and worship traditions, our students have abundant opportunities to perform, collaborate, and develop the skills needed for professional musical careers,” Dr. Larson said.
President Whitaker noted that the development aligns with the University’s broader mission of preparing graduates for professional achievement across disciplines.
“Anderson has long believed that artistic excellence and professional preparation belong together,” Whitaker said. “The Conservatory of Music formalizes the high standards already present and positions us to cultivate musicians of exceptional skill, discipline and expressive power. Strengthening faculty, enhancing performance opportunities and maintaining rigorous admissions will ensure that our graduates are prepared for meaningful careers and cultural leadership.”