Gardner-Webb Hosts Renowned Music Literacy Specialist Dr. Carol Krueger

Department of Music Welcomes 60 Music Educators from Across the Carolinas and Virginia

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb University Department of Music welcomed Dr. Carol Krueger to campus recently. The internationally renowned conductor and music literacy specialist led a three-day workshop for 60 elementary to middle and high school band, chorus and orchestra directors from across the Carolinas and Virginia. Using interactive techniques, Krueger demonstrated a sound before sight approach to teach students how to read and appreciate music.

Kyra Tribune, a senior music education major at Gardner-Webb, enjoyed networking with other music educators and practicing Krueger’s teaching methods. “The games and activities she introduced to help enrich the learning were so much fun,” shared Tribune, who begins student teaching in the fall. “This workshop has really opened my eyes to my future students’ perspectives and how I can help them enjoy the experience as much as I have.”

Krueger visited GWU in 2022, and Associate Professor of Music Dr. Joshua Cheney uses her textbook in beginning Aural Skills classes. Aural skills involve the ability to identify pitches, intervals, rhythms, chords, and melodies, as well as to hear and understand musical structure without relying on written notation.

Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Eric Johnson said the department received several requests to have Kreuger back to campus. Johnson, who coordinates the music education program, attended his first workshop with Kreuger in 2008 and has attended at least 10 different workshops with her over the years. “These workshops were some of the most beneficial professional development opportunities I had as a young middle school choral director,” Johnson affirmed. “They transformed my teaching for the better every time. I implement these same practices with our music education students at Gardner-Webb so they are prepared to help build musical literacy in the chorus and instrumental classes they will eventually teach.”

Krueger formerly served as the director of Choral Activities at Valdosta State University, Emporia State University, and Florida Southern. She also served as the associate director of Choral Activities at the University of South Carolina and the University of Montevallo. A native of Wisconsin, Krueger received her bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and both an M.M. and D.M.A. in choral conducting from the University of Miami.

Krueger has presented interest sessions at the American Choral Directors National Convention in New York, the OAKE (Kodaly) National Convention in Charlotte, other regional events, and workshops in 28 states. Oxford University Press publishes her book, “Progressive Sight Singing.” Learn more here.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.