Meet a teacher - Gary Verkade

Gary Verkade is Professor of Music Performance and contact person for the Church Musician specialization.

In which courses do students meet you?

- You will find me in organ courses, counterpoint courses, seminars on a whole range of interesting topics related to performance practice, music theory, form and analysis, etc. As well as in courses in free improvisation.

How are you as a teacher?

- I am committed as a teacher and am prepared to do what it takes to make myself understood.

Why is it so much fun to teach?

- It is the sudden twinkle in the student's eye that makes teaching so much fun, when the student manages to play a phrase so that it begins to speak. Knowing that you have delivered an experience that makes a difference is the best part of the teaching profession. I am still a student myself, continuing to learn, and framing teaching as a shared journey with the student.

What do you want students to take away from your courses?

- I am mainly looking for the students to understand the content and meaning of music and what it means to be a musician.

Why should you study music at Luleå University of Technology?

- Studying at Luleå University of Technology is a unique opportunity to meet and work with qualified teachers of national and international reputation. It is easy to meet other students and create joint projects. The School of Music's organ instrumentation can compete with any university in the world. The students' willingness to work across borders is admirable and a great asset to the whole institution.