DALLAS --  The GMWA Academic Division will soon offer distance learning for those unable to attend annual conventions as well as an opportunity to earn a two-year career diploma/certificate in church music.
       "This has been a vision of mine for several years," said Dr. Charles Reese, Dean of the Academic Division.  "There are hundreds -- no, thousands -- of potential students who would like to have access to our academic offerings.  They simply can't attend our conventions.  We're in the process of taking our classes to those who can't come to us."
        The Gospel Music Workshop of America has teamed with World Wide Virtual Academy to develop online and interactive distance learning courses.  Jonah Cooper Jr., CEO of WWVA, will offer a preview of things to come during informational seminars during GMWA's convention in Dallas August 12-18.
       "I've been aware of the contribution GMWA has made in the academic arena for several years," Cooper said.  "I'm very excited about this opportunity to work together and to make this type of learning available to everyone."
       The Academic Division makes the Gospel Music Workshop of America unique among the many gospel music organizations currently in operation.  Many of the division's course offerings are accredited by colleges, universities and seminaries across the country.  Student can receive undergraduate, graduate or continuing education (professional development) credit upon completion.
       In addition to establishing partnerships to provide distance learning opportunities, Dean Reese also is working with Sinclair College in Dayton, OH, to develop curriculum and content for a two-year career diploma/certificate in church music.
       "I find it gratifying as an educator and as one who loves gospel music that our institutions of higher learning are recognizing church music as a valid career and educational track," Dean Reese said.  "I'm especially gratified that the Gospel Music Workshop of America can be an integral part of this development."