New World School of the Arts brings Dr. Grant Gilman, conductor and published author, to train and lead the high school and college music students, as conductor of ensembles.
“I’m thrilled to join New World School of the Arts, an institution that values the transformative power of art and the creativity of its students.”
Dr. Grant Gilman, Director of Orchestral Studies
“NWSA has a long tradition of excellence, and I’m excited to begin this journey with such talented young artists. I look forward to helping each student discover new musical insights, expand their artistic horizons, and gain the confidence to pursue their creative visions.”
Dr. Gilman also highlighted his teaching philosophy as being “built around nurturing each student’s unique artistic voice while providing a strong technical foundation. Learning music is a deeply collaborative process where students not only learn from their instructors but also from their peers, their audiences, and from the music itself.” As conductor and faculty member, Dr. Grant aims to create an environment that encourages curiosity, discipline, and expressive freedom, empowering students to think critically, perform confidently, and connect meaningfully with the music.
New World School of the Arts Dean of Music, Dr. Daniel Andai, also an NWSA alumnus (violin), welcomed Dr. Grant to the music program by commenting, “I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Grant Gilman to New World School of the Arts as the newest conductor of ensembles. Dr. Gilman comes to NWSA with extensive conducting experience. His ability to inspire and connect with the students, as a teacher and with his baton, was evident from the moment he stepped onto the podium at NWSA. In addition to his charisma and musical abilities, Dr. Gilman offers his passion and focus rooted in the growth of his students and the program. As we celebrate artistic standards expected of NWSA’s nearly 40-years of tradition in education and performance, we look forward to watching our students mature as artists under Dr. Gilman’s baton.”
Dr. Grant Gilman is an accomplished orchestral conductor, celebrated for his expertise in American orchestral music from the 19th to 21st centuries. He currently serves as Music Director of the Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra and East Cobb Chamber Orchestra, and Principal Guest Conductor of the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Grant has held notable positions with the Round Rock Symphony, Astoria Symphony, and Virginia Symphony Orchestra, among others.
Dedicated to nurturing young talent, he has led orchestral programs at the College of William and Mary, Christopher Newport University, and the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Grant is also the creator of the American Muse podcast and blog, exploring American orchestral music, with a forthcoming book on the subject. His conducting engagements have spanned cities including Cincinnati, New York, Baltimore, and San Antonio, with highlights including a Nutcracker performance with the Moscow Ballet at Baltimore’s Lyric Opera House.
Dr. Grant holds advanced degrees in conducting and violin performance from the Peabody Institute and the University of Cincinnati. He earned his Doctor of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM).
The academic music curriculum fosters creativity and develops a knowledge of musical heritage. Course work develops the student’s growth and maturity in comprehensive musicianship. The study of music history and theory is pursued by taking a variety of classes, including foundations of music; surveys of music history in the western world, jazz and pop music in America, and music of the world’s people; and seminars in composition aesthetics, jazz improvisation, chamber music, and general musicianship. Students receive private lessons each term.
The Private Lesson program offered by the music division is unique. Each student has the privilege of studying on a one-on-one basis with the New World artist faculty. Rigorous daily practice and preparation is expected of each student with their progress closely monitored. Each student is required to perform a solo jury at the end of each semester before the entire faculty of their area. Information about New World School of the Arts music division at (305) 237-3622.
A Florida center of excellence in the visual and performing arts, New World School of the Arts is an educational partnership of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College, and University of Florida. NWSA provides a comprehensive program of artistic, creative, and academic development through a curriculum that reflects our community and the rich multicultural state of Florida.
Through our partners NWSA confers the high school diploma, Associate of Arts degree, and Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees in programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, Music, Theater and Art & Design. NWSA’s rigorous eight-year curriculum and conservatory-style teaching has empowered students in our community and our nation to become leaders in the arts for more three decades.
Information about New World School of the Arts at 305-237-3135 or nwsa.mdc.edu.