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College of Music
Giving & Alumni
College of Music
Programs & Initiatives

Carillon

The Muelder Summer Carillon Series

With consecutive Wednesday recitals throughout July and into August at the MSU Beaumont Tower, we present performances featuring one of the most recognizable sounds of MSU. Located next to the MSU Museum on West Circle Drive, each concert begins at 6:00 p.m., rain or shine (canceled if there is severe weather is present). Concerts are free and open to the public. Picnics welcome.

Click here to view details about performances scheduled for this series.

The Summer Carillon Series was established in 1996 through the generosity of Dr. Milton Muelder whose career spanned more than 40 years at MSU. “People enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of an outdoor recital and you can’t get much better than the scenery MSU has to offer,” said MSU Carillonist Jon Lehrer. “All are welcome to attend and even bring along a picnic and spread out a blanket while they listen. It’s a great opportunity for children to come to a recital, too, as they don’t have to sit and be quiet all the time.”

All Carillon recitals are free and open to the public. Beaumont Tower is located in the West Circle Drive oval area on the MSU campus. It is recommended that those attending park at Stadium Lot #62. After each recital, the tower will be open for tours and a demonstration of the carillon. Click here for a map to Beaumont Tower.

Upcoming Carillon Events at Beaumont Tower

Monday, January 20, 2025
Carillon Recital: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
12:00 pm
Beaumont Tower
Artist-faculty and Guest Recital Series

Enjoy the MSU 49-bell carillon at Beaumont Tower with carillonists Jon Lehrer, Laurie Harkema, and guests.

Event Details
Free
Monday, February 10, 2025
Carillon Recital: Lunar New Year
12:00 pm
Beaumont Tower
Artist-faculty and Guest Recital Series

Delight in seasonal selections reflecting Asian cultures and traditions.

Event Details
Free
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Jon Lehrer, carillon
12:00 pm
Beaumont Tower
Artist-faculty and Guest Recital Series

University Carillonist Jon Lehrer performs popular tunes and original works composed for carillon.

Event Details
Free
View All Event Listings

carillonist Jon Lehrer performing on MSU's carillonTours

About 15 free public tours are scheduled throughout the year, typically at noon on the first Wednesday of each month, when classes are in session, and after most Muelder Summer Series evening concerts. Pending availability, additional tours can be scheduled for a fee. Groups wishing to arrange a special tour of the tower and carillon should contact University Carillonist Jon Lehrer at least one month before the proposed date of the tour.
The Carillon performance chamber is on the fourth floor of the tower (73 steps up) behind the clock face. There is no elevator or restroom facility in the structure. Accessible tours of the ground floor practice studio and tower architecture can be given as well.

Lessons

MSU College of Music and Community Music School are offering students the opportunity to learn to play MSU’s 49-bell carillon in Beaumont Tower, on either a credit or not-for-credit basis.
Our carillon is a fully mechanical, touch sensitive keyboard instrument played with the hands and feet and is one of only several hundred of its kind.
If you are:
A current or former student or community musician (yes, childhood piano lessons count!) who is looking for a musical activity at MSU?
Someone who wishes to serve the university community and contribute to the soundtrack of campus?

Someone with an interest in rare or unusual musical instruments?
A person who enjoys developing their advanced physical coordination skills?
The carillon may be for you.
Prerequisites include the ability to read bass and treble clefs and to easily locate the keys for each written note on a piano keyboard. When demand exceeds availability, lessons are offered by audition.
Interested students should contact University Carillonist Jon Lehrer for more information.
Additional Information