University of South Carolina plans first-in-nation degree concentration and teaching-artist credential

The University of South Carolina is developing a new academic and credential pathway for teaching artists, Hassan Anderson told participants during a South Carolina Arts Commission webinar.

Anderson, coordinator of teaching artistry at the University of South Carolina School of Music, said the university is creating "the first in the nation" bachelor of music performance degree that includes a concentration in teaching artistry. He said the university is also negotiating a separate partnership to offer a short credential for working community teaching artists; that credential would consist of roughly 12 credits and provide a teaching-artist credential through USC.

On funding, Anderson said a large philanthropic family is preparing to announce "a multimillion dollar gift" focused on teaching artistry; specifics and the timing of any public announcement were not provided in the webinar. He said the planned credential would be available to people working in communities across South Carolina and could be delivered in summer or fall formats.

Anderson described elements the credential will include: coursework at USC and a pathway for community practitioners to enroll in targeted classes. "It will be 12 credits," he said in response to a participant question, adding that the credential is intended to serve both early-career undergraduate performance students and mid-career teaching artists seeking formal recognition of their practice.

There was no formal vote or contract announced during the webinar. Anderson invited interested organizations and individuals to follow up for additional details once the university finalizes partnership terms.