From the moment she stepped onto a stage in kindergarten, Christian Leaphart knew she had found something special. What began as a childhood love for singing quickly blossomed into a lifelong passion — one that would carry her through classrooms, theaters, and concert halls, and eventually into the lives of hundreds of students. Through years of education and support, Christian has become a mentor, a leader, and a shining example of what it means to educate with intentionality.
Christian Leaphart is a trailblazer whose work in music education has garnered recognition at the school, district, and state levels. Across 15 years of teaching, Christian has built a legacy defined by innovation, student-focused empowerment, and leadership, both in and beyond the classroom.
Award-Winning Educator with a Heart for Students
Currently serving in one of Georgia’s top-performing school districts, Christian has been honored twice as Teacher of the Year at Silver City Elementary (2014–15 and 2024–25). This year, she was named a semi-finalist for Forsyth County Teacher of the Year, rising to the top among an exceptional field of educators. Even early into her tenure at a new school, she quickly stood out — making it to the top three finalists for Teacher of the Year in just her third year.
Yet for Christian, the true reward lies in the transformation she sees in her students. “My greatest accomplishment is creating an environment where students feel empowered to explore their talents and express themselves,” she shares. “I strive to provide opportunities for my students to shine, to learn from their mistakes, and to grow not only as musicians but also as individuals.”
Pursuing her dream has also brought Christian many full circle moments. She has gotten to see the impact of her work in the lives of former students.
“It’s the highest honor when students come back years later with hearts full of gratitude,” she says. “They remember the lessons, the laughs, and the music we shared.”
Being a music educator, for Christian, impacts every area of her life. . “It’s a calling,” she affirms. “I’m honored to help students fall in love with music and carry the skills of perseverance, determination, and dedication into every area of their lives.”
Pioneering the DRUM Program
In 2010, Christian launched a groundbreaking program called “DRUM” for Tier 2 and Tier 3 at-risk students. She has built her school’s chapter into a county and statewide model, offering students daily 45-minute sessions that focus on character-building, leadership, and rhythm-based collaboration. Not only does this program benefit students, it also has provided other educators with the training to use music as a transformative tool in their own classrooms. The program has gained recognition across Georgia, with performances at major events like the statewide Red Ribbon Week in Atlanta.
She’s also adapted the DRUM experience using iPad technology — incorporating digital drumming and student-created cadences — showing her innovative approach to engagement and learning.
Leading the Way Through Music
Christian directs a 120-member chorus of 4th and 5th grade students, who regularly perform at community events throughout the region. Her leadership extends beyond the school walls — she serves as Youth Choir Director at Mount Paran Church, where her group recently won the State Title in the Church of God Teen Talent Competition. She and her husband also led their worship team to a first-place win in Contemporary Christian Performance at the same event.
Independent Artist on the Rise
In addition to teaching, Christian and her husband recently released their debut six-song EP, which peaked at #35 on the iTunes Christian/Gospel chart — a remarkable achievement for an independent, unsigned duo. Their music ministry, which they lead together at Gateway at Friendship Church, is an extension of their shared passion for worship and community.
Her Journey as a Student at SEU
While Christian is now making waves as an educator, program director, and leader at her church, her college years were formative to developing her into who she is today.
Christian earned her bachelor’s degree in Music Education at SEU in 2009. During her time here, she immersed herself in campus life — leading music education groups, participating in chapel, and even starring in the university’s production of The Mikado. “Even though it was 8 hours from home, I truly felt drawn to come to SEU because of the community,” she says.
SEU’s strong biblical foundation deeply impacted Christian’s spiritual walk. Chapel services and Bible classes challenged her to explore and own her faith during formative years. “I learned how to understand God’s word and developed a deeper connection with Him,” he reflects. These lessons continue to shape her approach to teaching, worship, and life.
Christian is candid about the challenges of the music education path. “It’s not for the faint of heart,” she says. “It combines the intensity of a performance degree with the rigor of an education degree.”
But she also emphasizes how worth it the journey is by highlighting how her Elementary and Secondary Methods classes at SEU equipped her with real-world tools, from lesson planning to handling tough parent conversations. “I still use those skills today,” she adds.
Along with the education and practical experience she was a part of as a student at SEU, it was the mentorship of faculty like Dr. Daniel Gordon, Dr. John Seybert, and Professor Edward Bryant that shaped her into the musician and educator she is today.
Producing a Lasting Impact
From launching countywide initiatives to guiding students toward their potential, Christian Leaphart is a powerful example of how one educator can change lives. Her story is one of passion — a reflection of the mission she lives daily: to help others find their voice through music. Her story also reflects the mission of Southeastern University: to equip students to serve others with excellence and purpose through their Divine Design.
SEU School of Music
The SEU School of Music offers students the opportunity to enhance their passion for music and the arts. As a student of this program, you will be encouraged to find your voice in Christ and gain a firm foundation of music education that translates to today’s most in-demand musical careers.
Through this program, students participate in hands-on, personal instruction in written and aural theory, instrumental and vocal technique, music history and literature, worship leading, pedagogy, and performance etiquette. Our faculty members — who have degrees, training, and performance experience that range from large state schools to major conservatories — work to prepare you for a career as a professional musician.
To provide students within the SEU School of Music with even more practical musical experience, SEU launched a new program called Applied Music Education in Spring 2025. For students pursuing a BA in Music, Bachelor of Music Education, BS in Commercial Music, and BS in Worship Studies, this program provides students with more podium time that they need to be equipped and succeed in the world of music.
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