Celebrating 20 Years of Momentum

For generations, patrons, alumni, donors, students, faculty, staff, and friends have helped shape music at Michigan State University. As we celebrate 20 years as the MSU College of Music, we also honor more than 160 years of music as an integral part of the university experience.

Since becoming an independent college in 2007, the College of Music has expanded academic programs, strengthened its faculty, enhanced its facilities, and created new opportunities for students to grow as artists, scholars, educators, and leaders. This momentum has positioned the College to innovate, respond to the evolving needs of the music profession, and prepare graduates for meaningful lives in music.

Throughout this anniversary year, we celebrate the people, partnerships, and shared commitment that have shaped the College’s success while looking ahead to a future defined by continued innovation, artistic excellence, and community impact.

20 Years as a College. Generations of Musical Excellence.

Growth and Opportunity

Since becoming a college in 2007, the MSU College of Music has expanded academic programs, strengthened its faculty, enhanced its facilities, and broadened opportunities for students and audiences alike. The College designation provided greater independence to evolve programs, invest in people and spaces, and respond to the changing needs of musicians and the music profession—building a highly competitive institution with national and international distinction that continues to grow.

Reach and Community Impact

Over the past two decades, the MSU College of Music has broadened its impact beyond campus through expanded outreach, partnerships, and scholarly activity. Creative endeavors abound within our student body and faculty, and at the MSU Community Music Schools in East Lansing and Detroit, music education flourishes in communities across the region. The schools also provide valuable internship experiences for MSU students. Through service, research, and creative activity, the College contributes to the cultural vitality locally, nationally, and internationally.

Music for Today’s World

The College prepares students for dynamic careers through a forward-looking approach to music education. Alongside exceptional performance opportunities and a robust calendar of concerts, students develop entrepreneurial thinking, engage with emerging technologies, and participate in diverse and multi-genre musical experiences. A strong emphasis on community, wellness, and healthy performance practices supports a learning environment where musicians grow as artists, scholars, and leaders.

Momentum Toward the Future

The 20th anniversary of Music’s designation as a college aligns with a clear vision for the future outlined in the university’s “Uncommon Will. Far Better World.” campaign. This effort strengthens scholarships and fellowships to attract outstanding talent and reduce barriers to access. It invests in distinguished faculty and expands innovative programs that prepare students for evolving musical careers. Together, these initiatives will deepen the College’s impact, ensuring the momentum of the past twenty years continues for generations to come.