Music

Songwriting class available for students in January

The newest addition to the music department is the upcoming J-Term songwriting class. Todd Syswerda, professor of music composition, songwriting and music technology, spearheads the class that will be available for students to take in January.

Student musician groups perform at the Homecoming Concert

Family, alumni and students enjoyed a night of magical music

Watts releases fourth full-length album

It is not typical of the average college student to end a long day of classes with long hours in the recording studio, but for junior music composition major Ethan Watts, this is second nature.

A professor’s love for students that is 'Greater Than'

Todd Syswerda wanted to quit piano his freshman year of high school to play basketball. But his parents wouldn’t let him. Syswerda chose to stick with music for his career and is so thankful that he did.

From student teaching to teaching students

Rivera (‘23) teaches music at a K-8 school in Chicago and manages 11 classes. Currently, she teaches general music, but hopes to branch out by teaching choir, private lessons and organizing ensembles in the future. 

Mainstage entertains campus with music-oriented events

What’s not to love about music and dance? The sounds that fly across the audience to give you a taste of life’s nightly flavors, and our expression of the passion for life is the dance of the moment.  Fortunately, our university has the opportunity to relish these special events, and who does it have to thank? Taylor’s Mainstage!

Spring Spotify: Welcoming the season with fun, uplifting songs

Off the field: De'Ariss Hope and Darien Taylor produce music, film

De’Ariss Hope and Darien Taylor’s vision is not exclusive to the football field. Their abilities expand to the creative landscape. The two major in Film and Media Production creating award-winning films and carving out their path in the entertainment world.

'The guy with the bluetooth speaker'

Wesley Jones — a name that speaks for itself. Many know Jones for his on-the-go music, elaborate stage presence or, perhaps, his visionary leadership.

Your Spotify Cue

As the school year wraps up, many are preparing for long road trips. Whether your drive leads back to a childhood hometown or an exciting and new place (or somewhere in between), this final edition of Spotify Cue is here to fill your car with a playlist that will highlight the adventure that summer offers.  

Chorale finds community in Alaska through music

Taylor University’s Chorale spent their spring break in Anchorage, Alaska.

Indie pop star performs at Taylor University

Jake Scott — one of indie music’s hottest artists — is set to take the stage on March 12 inside Rediger Chapel. 

Students take the stage in Nashville with CMC

The Contemporary Music Center (CMC) in Nashville hosted several Taylor students this fall. 

Your Spotify Cue

 In the midst of listening to my long-time classic songs, I have been on the search for some new hits. Through my searching process of less popular songs from the past few years, I have acquired some new winter wonderland songs that I am head-over-heels in love with and some covers of songs that are soon to find their way onto your Spotify queue.  

Jenkins’ appreciation for music grows at Taylor

Mini Scoops: The music behind the Rice Bell Tower

Your Spotify Cue

Smith pursues music career while being a full-time student

MyGen offers communal experience again

Kerr describes music department impact

Senior music education major, Abigail Kerr, was in the middle of teaching a music lesson to her elementary-aged class, when a student turned to her and said, “Miss Kerr, last night my mom lost 37 teeth.”