The MSU Department of Music Head, Dr. Daniel Stevens, and the MSU Foundation respectfully request your consideration to help MSU meet annual artistic and academic budgets, build endowment funds for scholarships and faculty professional development, and ensure music continues to serve the greater Starkville community for many years to come. Underwriting support, estate gifts, direct donation, stock transfer, and ticket purchases are all welcome and appreciated.
Concert Underwriting
More than 80 annual public events need underwriting support for artistic excellence. Supporting funds build the music performance library, provide technology to complement concerts, create engaging print media, and provide quality instruments on stage. Events can be underwritten for $1,000-$30,000 based upon the scope of each event, and support can be directed by the donor toward a solo artist recital, studio concert, or ensemble (band, choir, opera, or orchestra).
Steinway Initiative
In addition to a new beautiful facility, the MSU Department of Music is proud to be a rising All-Steinway School. While many new pianos have been donated to the program by generous donors, we continue to seek sponsors to provide new pianos to replace some of the aging inventory, continue to fill additional practice rooms with new upright pianos, and build an endowment for annual repair and piano tuning. A gift at any unrestricted level that goes into this fund is greatly appreciated.
Student Scholarships
Through direct one-time support or endowed funds, scholarships are integral to attracting the finest student musicians. Scholarships are needed by the Department of Music to support 150+ Music Majors and professional development opportunities for students, as seen through performance travel and peer-reviewed publication and presentation at national conferences. In addition, ensembles at MSU, including four choirs (Cantaré, Opus, Schola Cantorum, State Singers), the Famous Maroon Band, four Wind Ensembles, Jazz Band, Opera, Orchestras, and numerous Studio Ensembles provide performance opportunities for 1,000+ student musicians on the MSU campus. Student scholarships from these ensembles support students in every college on the Starkville campus, in nearly every available major. Direct scholarships from $100-$20,000, or endowments at $25,000+ are integral in making MSU a premier music program.
Faculty, Program, and Endowments
For donors that are able to envision with us on a larger scale, endowments are needed to secure the longevity of the MSU Music program. Endowment opportunities are available to provide for: market-competitive salaries for tenure track faculty lines, recurring applied studio and ensemble needs, and music facility capital needs.
Building Naming Rights
A cornerstone commitment for the new music building can bring with it a special opportunity to name the facility. Donors may also name specific featured areas in honor or in memory of family members, friends, or mentors. All naming commitments are payable over a five-year period.
For gift assistance at any level, contact the College of Education Director of Development at 662-325-3717 or visit www.educ.msstate.edu/development.
