We only recommend products that we use and believe in. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Music Industry Veteran Donny Gruendler Promoted to Vice President of Academic Affairs
Conversion to Flipped Classroom Pedagogical Model and Paperless Technology Begins This Fall
Musicians Institute (MI), the College of Contemporary Music in Hollywood, CA, has announced a variety of academic initiatives to update its curriculum for Fall 2014. The school’s newly named Vice President of Academic Affairs, music industry veteran Donny Gruendler, will oversee efforts to convert the school to a flipped classroom pedagogical model, and fully integrate MI’s Performance and Industry Studies divisions beginning this October. In addition, MI will begin to deliver more study materials digitally, with the institution of a paperless “Bring Your Own Device” (B.Y.O.D.) policy.
Integrated Programs with Unique Pacing
MI’s innovative 360-degree approach to music education will be paced unlike any other college, with fully revised Degree and Certificate programs for Bass, Drums, Guitar, Keyboard Technology and Vocals. Centered on Harmony, Theory and Ear Training, core subjects in Reading, Technique and Performance will be synchronized on a weekly “micro” basis, so that every topic can be explored, mastered and applied by students when they enter the working world after graduation. Performance students will also have access to expert Industry Studies instructors for Audio Engineering, Music Business, Guitar Craft Academy and the Independent Artist Program.
Flipped Classroom Model & Paperless B.Y.O.D. Policy
In addition, MI will begin to deliver more study materials digitally, with the institution of a paperless “Bring Your Own Device” (B.Y.O.D.) policy. Students will utilize the latest mobile phones, tablets and laptops on any platform of their choosing (iOS, Android, OSX, or Windows) to foster an efficient, 24/7 learning environment. Select lectures will be viewed through online videos, so that class time can be focused on hands-on learning and Q&A sessions. B.Y.O.D. will also integrate with MI’s existing courses for industry standard software such as Propellerhead Reason, Avid Pro Tools and Sibelius, Apple Logic, Ableton Live and more.
“I’m very excited to work with MI’s incredibly talented faculty to reach these goals and keep MI on the cutting edge of contemporary music education,” said Donny Gruendler, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Musicians Institute. “Our student body truly represents a microcosm of the music industry, and we’re dedicated to providing the latest communication tools to perfect their skills and prepare them for professional careers.”
About Donny Gruendler
Equally experienced as a touring musician, educator and product development specialist, Donny Gruendler earned a Bachelor’s of Music Degree from Berklee College of Music and a Master’s of Music Degree from Wayne State University. He has performed, programmed, toured and recorded with artists including Kenny Burrell, John Medeski, DJ Logic and the Funk Brothers; in addition to working on a variety of film and TV projects. Gruendler is also the author of several instructional books, and is a frequent columnist for Modern Drummer. He will lead MI’s team of academic instructional designers, including two Deans and nine Program Chairs.
About The Author
