Gregory Genter (Music: Sacred Piano ’02) has had a passion for music since childhood. “I started learning piano at age four and took off pretty quickly,” he said. “By the time I was eight years old, I decided I was going to be a career musician, and I never changed my mind!” After graduating from Pensacola Christian College with a degree in music, Gregory achieved his dream and started The Piano Express, a piano studio that shares the joy of music with thousands of children.
Prepared to Make Music
Although Gregory discovered his love of learning piano at a young age, his parents weren’t able to take him to lessons in his teenage years. However, his love for music motivated him to continue practicing on his own. In high school, he realized a college education in music could propel him to the music career he’d always wanted. “I chose PCC for my undergrad degree because I knew they had a great music program,” he said. “I knew that the facilities were amazing, and I had heard good things about the faculty. I did not want to graduate with a lot of debt, so the low tuition was definitely a draw. Most importantly, I wanted to be in a place where I could continue to grow in my faith.”
“I chose PCC for my undergrad degree because I knew they had a great music program.”
Gregory knew his time away from formal lessons had affected his musical abilities, but PCC Performing Arts faculty were ready to help him succeed in his music classes. “I went into college with pretty bad technique and with almost no knowledge of classical music,” he recalled. “The faculty at PCC got me on track. I learned so much about music history and the repertoire in each era. I learned better technique; I learned music theory—and loved it.”
Each of Gregory’s classes equipped him with the tools he would need to start his studio. He considers his college experience with music software a significantly useful asset in his career. “I still use it now, almost 20 years later, to help me write the music in my curriculum,” he stated, adding that this was just one of the many ways his music education prepared him to serve others.
Giving Music to Others
When Gregory graduated, he wanted to use his degree to share music with children. Pulling from his college classes, he put together lesson plans that met students at their music proficiency level. The final product was a curriculum that has helped many young people engage with and develop a love for music.
In 2005, Gregory started The Piano Express, a studio that used his curriculum as its educational foundation. At the time, the studio’s main function was to provide an immersive music camp experience in Ashburn, Virginia. But as the number of students grew, so did The Piano Express. The studio has since added a year-round, after-school program that meets Monday through Saturday, and Gregory has expanded his curriculum into online formats. “We work with over 300 students a week in my local community, and we license our education materials to over 100 teachers worldwide,” he said. “Altogether, we have over 3,000 students a week using our books and online education platforms.”
“I try every day to show God’s love to my staff, my students, and their families.”
Gregory’s career hit a highlight when The Royal Conservatory (RCM) honored him with the Teacher of Distinction Award. He received the award for providing a well-rounded learning experience that combines modern online learning tools with traditional teaching methods. “My students nominated me, and the RCM picked me out of all the regional nominations to receive the award in 2020,” Gregory said. “When I learned that I was the recipient, I did not yet realize I had even been nominated!”
Although Gregory Genter has many accomplishments and has influenced many people through music, he credits his success to the biblical foundation he gained at PCC, which has helped him represent Christ in his daily life. “At PCC, I learned to use my words to build others up,” he stated. “I try every day to show God’s love to my staff, my students, and their families. As I try to walk in obedience to God’s calling for me, His love has a way of shining through and reaching others.”
Read more about how God is directing and working through PCC faculty and alumni.