© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

“The Power of Music can Change Lives,” says MSU College of Music Dean

Jon Whiting
Jim Forger, Russ White

“We have a mission that serves a variety of constituencies,” says Jim Forger, dean of MSU’s renowned College of Music. “Our goal is to provide the best professional education we can to a highly select group of 600 music majors, 48 percent of whom come from the state of Michigan. Thirty two percent come from 38 states, and the balance from about 24 countries.

“So it is a diverse group of students studying performance, jazz studies, classical, music theory, ethnomusicology, composition - a wide array - and music education. We have one of the strongest music education programs in the country with 100 percent employment of our PhDs.”

Forger adds that the college has a big commitment to non-music major education, too, and interacts with more than 2,000 students on an annual basis in ensembles, in classes, and in lessons.

Outreach and engagement with the community are cornerstones of the college’s mission, adds Forger.

“We have two community music schools, one in East Lansing and one in Detroit, providing an array of services from early childhood music through music therapy services to adult beginner bands. In Detroit, we serve 800 on a weekly basis and we serve a population that does not have the circumstances that those in the East Lansing area are fortunate to have. We raise about $500,000 a year to provide access to a wonderful group of talented and deserving youth in the city of Detroit.”

The college is in the process of constructing the Billman Music Pavilion.

“Facilities don't build programs, people do, and we have been blessed with a first rate faculty, which has brought in a terrific student body. But at a certain point one needs to address facilities issues in light of fiscal constraints.

“Most recently, we have been blessed with the ability to move forward with the Billman Music Pavilion, which is a 37,000 square foot addition to the almost 80-year-old Music Building. It will address a number of issues. Virtually all of the space is in service of student learning, and we will have 45 new practice rooms.

“This wouldn't happen without the commitment and devotion to the university of our donors, who have really stepped forward. Jim Billman really pulled the trigger on this building because he provided the lead gift, which then permitted us to go to others. All of our major donors are eclectic donors to the university. They support music, but they support many other colleges and so they are really part of the backbone of this institution.”

Forger discusses challenges and opportunities ahead for the college and the university.

“The challenge is financial sustainability.” And in the wake of the Nassar situation, “How can we listen better? It is part of our history and we should never forget it. We need to remember that tragedy and we need to act upon it, but the only way we're going to get better is not to forget it and to keep that in our minds. That's how we'll get better.

“Finally, I would say to the students across this campus that we want to be engaged with you and there's a place for you here. I think that the power of music can change lives and it can enhance someone for a lifetime.”

MSU Today airs Sunday afternoons at 4:00 on 105.1 FM and AM 870.

Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!