Collaborations can facilitate and maximize learning and research opportunities. This issue of Music Notes highlights a variety of collaborations that have been of benefit to students, faculty, and the broader community. They include the following:
• Collaborations between the jazz and classical studios, in this case the bass studios of Professors Jack Budrow and Rodney Whitaker. These kind of experiences can diversify and deepen the skills and understanding that students gain in their approach to learning their instruments. It can also inform their decisions in music making, not to mention provide greater opportunities in the job market!
• International collaborations, which foster and deepen cultural and human understanding, are highlighted in the vocal exchanges initiated by Professor Richard Fracker and internationally known baritone Haijing Fu between the MSU School of Music, the Shenyang Conservatory, and Southwest Normal University in Szechawan Province.
• Intergenerational collaborations between undergraduate music education majors and senior members of the community in the New Horizons Band provide the “opportunity to learn about teaching from people who have the experience and knowledge to help us learn in such a meaningful way,” in the words of Associate Professor Mitch Robinson, while helping to maximize the learning and musical experiences of senior music makers (Music Never Gets Old: Students working together).
• Research led by Music Therapy Professor Ted Tims with an interdisciplinary team of collaborators from medicine, biochemistry, psychiatry, psychology, and other disciplines (Music and Wellness) documents the healing force of music and is making a difference in the lives of many individuals.
• Institutional collaboration can lead to good things: ask Mary Alice Stollak, director of the MSU Children’s Choir who participated with her exceptional choir in the premiere performance and recording of the William Bolcolm Songs of Innocence with excellent musical forces from the University Michigan, and won two Grammy Awards.
All of these collaborations require funding and are made possible by the many individuals who invest in the School of Music. This issue of Music Notes also highlights those who have provided an annual gift and many who have become our lifetime collaborators through the creation of endowments. These endowments make the difference between a good and great School of Music. They enrich student learning and creativity, support outreach and engagement, facilitate faculty research, and ensure robust and lively music making and learning in communities well beyond the borders of the MSU campus. We are grateful to all the School of Music collaborators who have helped us exceed $15 million so far in the current capital campaign. We look forward to the work ahead in partnership with you.
Sincerely,
James Forger, Director
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