Voice, Piano
Gary Pyland is an accomplished music educator and director whose career has spanned continents, cultures, and classrooms. A devoted mentor and passionate advocate for the transformative power of music, Gary has spent over two decades inspiring students and communities alike with his innovative approach to music education and performance.
Born with a calling to both educate and inspire, Gary pursued that dual purpose with academic rigor and deep-rooted passion. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Education and Choral Conducting from Boston University, building on earlier degrees in Sacred Music and Music Education from Williams Baptist University and Arkansas State University, as well as a Master's degree in Secondary Education from the University of Phoenix. This strong foundation enabled him to blend academic excellence with a heartfelt connection to the arts.
Gary's professional journey began in New Mexico, where he led choirs, orchestras, and piano programs across several schools, including Cibola High School and the Albuquerque Public Schools. At the Santa Fe Indian High School, he created a vibrant performing arts department that not only included choral ensembles and instrumental groups but also incorporated handbells and drama, fostering a rich, inclusive environment that celebrated cultural diversity and artistic expression.
His reach extended internationally when he served as Head of Music and taught GCSE and IB music programs at the International School of Gabon. There, he brought a global perspective to music education, crafting curricula that encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation of world music traditions.
In Texas, Gary continued his leadership in music education, first as Head Choir Director with the Dallas Independent School District, where his programs saw a marked increase in both student participation and public acclaim. At Ferris Independent School District and Rockwall ISD, Dr. Pyland further elevated choral instruction through curriculum innovation and student-centered teaching strategies.
Gary's work in sacred music has had a similarly profound impact. Over the years, he has held directorial roles in numerous churches—from Rio Rancho to Mesquite—developing worship music programs that enhanced congregational life and fostered spiritual engagement. His leadership in these settings consistently bridged the sacred and the musical, creating worship experiences that resonated deeply with diverse congregations.
Throughout his career, Dr. Pyland has been guided by a steadfast belief in music's power to build community, cultivate discipline, and uplift the human spirit. His dedication to curriculum development, choral excellence, and cross-cultural communication is matched by his warmth, leadership, and ability to reach learners of all backgrounds, including English language learners, thanks to his TEFL, TESOL, and CETL certifications.
Today, Gary continues to teach, direct, and inspire, ever committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians and educators—one note, one student, and one song at a time.