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Programs and Initatives

RUNNING START

Dedicated staff help students find the resources they need to prepare them to creatively channel their passions into vibrant careers.

Explore Running Start

Dedicated staff help students find the resources they need to prepare them to creatively channel their passions into vibrant careers.

Explore Running Start
Programs & Initiatives

What is the Running Start Office?

The Running Start Office is your curated career services and education office. Run by musicians for musicians to help you pursue your career, no matter what field you’re looking into! 

Running Start prepares students to creatively channel their passions into vibrant careers by providing:

  • career advising appointments
  • online career resources 
  • workshops & masterclasses
  • funding & grants
  • opportunities in music (performance, teaching, internships, etc.)
  • engagement and networking
  • AND MORE!

Check out these QUICK LINKS to upcoming events, workshops, and career development opportunities!

Upcoming Career Events and Workshops

Running Start hosts a number of group intensives, guest artist workshops, and other events throughout the academic year. Presenters include faculty members, guests, and alumni. Events and workshops cover topics essential to young performers and teachers, including self-promotion, resume-writing, building a private studio, constructing a teaching philosophy, planning engaging, audience-friendly programs, and more!

Registration on Handshake is required for all workshops unless seperate registration link is noted in the event listings below. To search Music workshops on Handshake, go to the workshops tab and use the keyword “MUS.”

Check out the schedule below for upcoming opportunities!

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Newfound Chamber Winds Reading Session, EMAR
7:30 pm
Cook Recital Hall
Reading Session

Newfound Chamber Winds reads students works.

Event Details
Free
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
EMAR: Lunch and Learn with Newfound Chamber Winds
11:00 am
Music Building Room
Running Start

Join members of Newfound Chamber Winds during this residency event! This is an informal networking lunch where you can meet their members and learn about their careers in music AND learn about their upcoming engagements. Spots are limited, so sign up as soon as the link is live!

Location: Billman Pavilion

Free
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
EMAR: Coffee Chats with Newfound Chamber Winds
9:00 am
Music Building Room
Running Start

Sign up to have an intimate, small group chat with members of Newfound Chamber Winds! These industry professionals specialize in everything from traditional job paths in higher education, different types of freelancing in music (recording/session artist, orchestra subbing, building a private studio), running a chamber music group, starting a summer festival/non-profit, and more!

Location: Billman Pavilion

Free
Thursday, February 5, 2026
EMAR Newfound Chamber Winds: Entrepreneurship Workshop
4:30 pm
Music Building Room
Running Start

Career Workshop: Engaging Modern Audiences

Join members of Newfound Chamber Winds for an hour-long entrepreneurship workshop, discussing all things audience engagement, professionalism in the music industry, building a personal brand, and more! Lunch provided!

Location: MB135

Free
Friday, February 6, 2026
EMAR Newfound Chamber Winds: Chamber Music Masterclass
3:30 pm
Music Building Room
Masterclass

Newfound Chamber Winds members masterclass at MSU chamber music class

Location: Large Rehearsal Hall

Free
Online
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Live Pitch: 2026 Running Start Competition
1:00 pm
Murray Hall
Music Student Presentation

Watch student entrepreneurs present bold ideas and business ventures to a live audience and judges, competing for up to $3,000 in funding. 

Event Details
Free
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
OSAS Lobby Takeover
11:00 am
Music Building Room
OSAS

Swing through Billman Pavilion to chat with the OSAS team, grab a snack, and enjoy the last few weeks of the Spring 2026 semester.

Location: Billman Pavilion

Free
View All Event Listings

News & Announcements

Successes and Outcomes: The 2025 Annual Report

Read the 2024–2025 Annual Report and discover how Running Start is fueling music careers and sparking innovation across the College of Music.

View PDF

Contact Us / Follow Running Start

Sign Up for an Advising Appointment via Handshake

Emily Henley – henleyem@msu.edu

 

Follow us on socials!

Instagram Linktree Facebook

The Running Start Program is supported by Dortha J. and John D. Withrow Career Building Endowment in the College of Music and the MSU Federal Credit Union Entrepreneurial Musical Artist in Residence Endowment. Special thanks to the MSU Federal Credit Union for their support of other Running Start programs, including the Running Start Competition and Ed Engagement Residency.