New Gaither Studio at Taylor University Expands Opportunities for TU Musicians

This year, we are bringing professional music recording opportunities to campus with the opening of Gaither Studio at Taylor University. The new state-of-the-art studio will provide students with hands-on experience in music production and recording, opening doors for aspiring music industry professionals.

The studio is made possible by the remarkable generosity of Bill (H '11) and Gloria (H '10) Gaither. The Gaithers are among the most influential figures in Christian music, having written more than 700 songs, including beloved classics such as "Because He Lives," "He Touched Me," and "The King Is Coming." Over a career spanning more than six decades, the husband-and-wife team has earned numerous Grammy and Dove Awards, helped shape modern Christian worship, and introduced gospel music to generations of listeners through their acclaimed Gaither Homecoming concerts, recordings, and television programs. Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Gaithers have devoted their lives to sharing the hope of the Gospel through music, storytelling, and a remarkable legacy of Christian artistry.

The Gaithers have had connections with Taylor since Bill attended the University for a year of his own college experience, and the music studio is only a continuation of the generosity they've demonstrated to our community. In 1985, they partnered with PJ and Mary Zondervan to supply our Chapel with brand new hymnals. Over the years, Taylor has honored both Bill and Gloria for their impact on the world of Christian music, presenting Gloria with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 2010 and Bill with an Honorary Doctor of Music in 2011.

A Vision Come to Life

"I'm sure I could find a hundred students on this campus right now who are recording music in their rooms," said Dr. Todd Syswerda '91, Professor of Music Composition, Songwriting & Music Technology.

Dr. Syswerda has dreamed of Taylor having a space like this since he started as an adjunct professor. When he saw some underutilized space in the Smith-Hermanson Music Center, he asked, "What if we convert that to a studio and at the same time start a major that deals with music production, songwriting, and business?"

With the opening of Gaither Studio, that dream has come true.

The new studio will be split into three distinct sections (the production room, the live room, and a drum room) to allow for a professional-quality recording space that can be used by faculty and students.

Additional funding for the live room was provided by the Matthew and Kathy (Cherwek '91) Teal family.

Dr. Syswerda's hope is for the space to be a true lab—a place to practice, experiment, discover, collaborate, and grow. Additionally, the live music space is being designed with 360-degree projection technology that will allow producers to immerse artists in different projected settings, adding a visual art element to a sonic space.

New Music Production, Songwriting & Business Major

Alongside Gaither Studio, Taylor is launching a new major in Music Production, Songwriting & Business (MPSB). This major has collaboration at its heart, pulling classes from music, business, and communication. And many of Taylor's music production courses will be conducted in this new, state-of-the-art space.

Dr. Syswerda consulted with music industry experts and professionals as he crafted the curriculum and tenets of the major. The goal is for students to be equipped with practical skills and professional experiences that create a strong foundation for a career in the music industry. Another goal was to provide a holistic education in the music production process. Whether participating in the studio, facilitating a creative session, or releasing original work, students will understand how the different processes connect and confidently navigate between them.

Speaking to this holistic vision, Dr. Syswerda explained, "If you're going to be in the studio, then you better understand the music production side of things, from the hardware to how it's all connected to how you make artists sound good. And then the songwriting side, how to be creative. The goal is to make the new major a kind of a three-legged stool."

The MPSB major consists of 69–70 credit hours, and while the traditional classes of applied music and ensembles are present, students will also take entrepreneurship, management, marketing, and finance courses, creating a unique bridge between the Music program and the Cornwall School of Business & Leadership.

The program will end with an ambitious senior capstone project that will bring out the best in the students creating it. The project consists of a major recording—an EP of 5–10 songs—that students will market and release. Majors will graduate with a portfolio of pieces that demonstrate their professional ability to create, produce, and collaborate.

The Gaither Legacy

We hope the name of Gaither Studio at Taylor University serves as a reminder for students to work unto the Lord, and we pray that the Gaithers’ legacy of generosity and worship is realized in every student and faculty member who uses this incredible resource. The studio is nearing the end of its construction, and we are excited to welcome the Gaithers to campus on November 9 to attend a special dedication ceremony.

So, get out of your rooms and into the studio, Taylor students. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord. We’re ready to listen.