Current Instructors

Dr. Joe Cruse began his musical career in Odessa, Texas at the age of 8, when he was selected to be a part of the Odessa Boys Choir under the direction of Dr. George Peck. Being part of a musical family, The Cruse Family, he was involved in Christian music most of his school days. His Junior/Senior year of high school, he was selected as UIL All State First Tenor along with numerous other awards. Joe and his family were recipients of two GMA Dove Awards for their Contemporary Album of the Year, “Transformation”. Dr. Cruse’s family recorded 35 albums over the span of their ministry. He has led worship for some of the largest ministries in the US and abroad.

In 2002, Joe and Becky founded Institute for the Arts, in Austin, Texas. They received both their honorary Masters and Doctorates through The River Bible Institute and Life Christian University, Tampa FL in Sacred Music and have ministered over 40 years together leading people in worship and ministering the gospel in over twenty countries and on every continent.

Dr. Joe Cruse is the primary instructor for MUAP 1401/1402 – Vocals, THEO 1406 – Essential Elements of Worship I, and THEO 1407/ 1408 – Principles of Leadership IA/ IB.

Dr. Becky Cruse’s love for piano began at the early age of 3, sitting next to her sister as she played piano for church. Becky began studying piano at the age of 5 and was encouraged by her piano teacher to pursue a classical music career. At the age of 8, she was invited to be a part of the Guild Auditions hosted by the National Guild of Piano Teachers, and the National Fraternity of Student Musicians. Scoring very high in these competitions every year, Becky was offered a full scholarship to the University of Corpus Christi, TX; however, Becky met her future husband and family, The Cruse Family in 1970, and in 1972, the Cruses invited her to travel as their accompanist. In 1973, Becky, Cindy Cruse and Nancy Cruse, were awarded the ASCAP award as songwriters of the year for their #1 single, “Bless Your Name”. In 1976, she married, Joe, the love of her life, and together with his family, went on to serve the Lord in a full time capacity.

In 2002, Joe and Becky founded Institute for the Arts, in Austin, Texas. They received both their honorary Masters and Doctorates through The River Bible Institute and Life Christian University, Tampa FL in Sacred Music and have ministered over 40 years together leading people in worship and ministering the gospel in over twenty countries and on every continent.

Dr Becky Cruse is the primary instructor for: MUAP 1411/1412 – Piano/ Keyboards and THEO 2401 – Biblical Finance.

Glenna Morrison is the Academic Dean of Cruse Institute for the Arts. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Texas in 1978 and her Master of Education degree from Texas A&M University – Commerce in 1986.

After a 24-year career in the public school systems of Texas as a teacher and academic counselor, Glenna was offered the opportunity to help build and develop the programs and curriculum for Institute for the Arts. Developing a program to train excellent worship leaders and musicians for ministry has been one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of her career.

In addition to teaching/ administration, Glenna enjoys a variety of past-times such as genealogy research, photography, gardening, needlework and music. She also volunteers at one of the local arts venues in Austin, Texas where she currently resides. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Glenna will be the coordinator for all courses in affiliate churches. These courses include MNPR 1201/1202 – Ministry Practicum IA/IB, MUEN 1201/1202 – Basics in Worship Lab IA/IB and WPVA 1201/1202 – The Creative Element IA/IB.

Jody Cruse in a consulting clinician for MUAP 1441/1442 – Drums.

Ryan is a consulting clinician for MUAP 1421/1422 – Bass Guitar.

Growing up as a pastor’s daughter, just outside of Tyler, Texas, Cindy was constantly surrounded by talented people who loved the Lord. One of five children, her journey of music began very early as she traveled alongside her family, “The Cruse Family”, a vibrant, evangelistic ministry of music and preaching, traveling and ministering throughout the world. Traveling day after day, singing night after night, this became the norm for Cindy.

Throughout her childhood, Cindy’s family gained popularity as they traveled and ministered full time, recording 23 albums and winning multiple nominations and two awards, one of which was the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Award, for “Contemporary Album of the Year”. At the age of 6, she recorded in her first recording studio, and by the age of 9, she became the youngest licensed ASCAP songwriter. At 19, Cindy signed as a solo artist with CBS Records. During her tenure with CBS, she earned a nomination from the Gospel Music Association for Song of the Year and also Songwriter of the Year. Soon after that, she launched her own studio and production company to help other artists fulfill their dreams and visions.

During the next four years, Cindy launched a career ministering and leading worship for a series of different churches. Then, Cindy became the Director of Music and Worship at Lakewood Church. Through the support of her pastor, Joel Osteen, and family, Cindy oversaw every aspect of the music ministry. She spearheaded the production and recording of multiple albums. Under her leadership, Lakewood recorded three “Lakewood LIVE” CD’s, entitled, “ We Speak to Nations”, “Cover the Earth” and “Free to Worship”, each of which sold in excess of 100,000 units. Last year, Cindy recorded her highly anticipated solo album entitled, “Twenty-Three” This album is a unique mixture of genres blended to create an album expressing the faithfulness of God and the promises He has made to His children. This year, Cindy began her 6th year on tour with Joel Osteen to sold out arenas and stadiums throughout the US and the world.

Cindy is an assistant instructor for MUAP 1401/1402 – Vocals.

Austin graduated from Cruse Institute for the Arts in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Ministry and an Associate’s degree in Theology. He’s been playing guitar since 2002 and leading Worship since 2008. He currently serves as Associate Pastor over the Creative Arts Ministry at the Crossing Church in The Woodlands, TX. He resides in Houston, TX with his wife, Allison, and their two sons, Judah and Zion.

Austin Vespa is the primary instructor for MUSI 2402 – Studio Concepts IB