Gene Rivard

Professor of Music

Degrees

D.M.A., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary MM, Northwestern University
B.S., St. Cloud State University

Biography

I have been at Crown since 2004, but this is certainly not my first four years of teaching! At Crown I teach music theory, music history, brass ensemble and Biblical Perspectives of Worship. Previous to coming to Crown I was the Executive Director for the eighth edition of the Christian and Missionary Alliance hymnal. This followed 20 years as a professor at Canadian Bible College (now Ambrose University College in Calgary). I love teaching, mentoring and investing in young people. When I do this I believe I am making my Maximum Impact For God. I am married to my college sweetheart, Linda, and we have two grown children and three grandchildren of whom we are very proud. My hobbies include oil painting, kayaking, being outdoors, reading classics, songwriting and trying new restaurants with Linda.

 

Testimony

I believe I am in the center of God's will, where "my deep gladness and the world's deep need meet." (Frederich Buechener). College is really where "the action is" in terms of investing in bright young people's lives and preparing them to become leaders in the world. In my case this involves preparing them to teach and perform music and to lead others into worship. I care enough for my students to demand their very best in academics and musical study. I also see the need to invest in their spiritual lives, as they grow in their walk with God. This is the delight of teaching in a Christian college. I did not grow up in such an atmosphere, nor did I receive the kind of care, prayer and encouragement that my students do, so I count it an extra blessing to be part of this community of faith and learning. I also grow in my Christian walk. My testimony is that God is working in and through me right here, right now at Crown, using me to make a difference in my world for Christ.

Favorite Verse?

John 15:16- "You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last."

Affiliations

Music Educators National Conference Hymn Society of the U.S. and Canada