MSU Achieves Prestigious All-Steinway School Status
The Mississippi State University (MSU) celebrated a significant feat on Friday, marking its recognition as an All-Steinway School. The institution now joins an elite group of less than 250 schools globally that exclusively utilize Steinway & Sons’ pianos for practice, instruction, and performance.
MSU President Mark E. Keenum hailed the day as historic, emphasizing that the accomplishment was a team effort involving the university’s faculty, staff, and donors. “All the things we’re doing here at Mississippi State are because of the great people we have here as part of our university,” Keenum said. “This gives our students an opportunity to have access to the finest and best instruments in the world.”
The All-Steinway Initiative
The All-Steinway School status commemorates the successful conclusion of MSU’s All-Steinway Initiative’s fundraising campaign initiated in 2012 and formally launched two years later. The initiative secured more than $3.5 million from 142 benefactors, enabling the university to purchase 50 Steinway pianos.
Key supporters Bob and Kathy Olsen gifted a Spirio | r, a high-tech piano reproducing live performance capturing, to MSU. “We would not be here today without the generosity and support of our alumni and friends who were passionate about this effort,” Keenum added.
Commitment to Excellence in Music Education
Keenum also acknowledged the efforts of the music faculty, particularly Professor of Music and Steinway Artist Rosângela Sebba, a recent recipient of the university’s Grisham Master Teacher accolade. Keenum acknowledged that “Thanks to their determination, the music program has continued to expand. MSU is a place for musicians and where performing arts are thriving.”
MSU revamped its commitment to music education in 2022 with a new 37,000-square-foot Music Building containing classrooms, sound-proof practice rooms, a high-tech recording studio, an acoustically advanced lecture recital hall, and a choral rehearsal hall. Each of the practice rooms now hosts a Steinway piano.
Impact on MSU’s Music Program
Teresa Jayroe, dean of the College of Education at MSU said, “Achieving All-Steinway School status is a testament to our dedication to providing our students and faculty with the finest instruments for their practice and performances. This milestone reflects the generosity of our donors and the hard work of everyone involved in the All-Steinway Initiative. Our new Steinway pianos will elevate the quality of music education and performance at MSU for years to come.”
MSU’s College of Education is a dynamic entity comprising five academic departments, a division of education, one research unit, and multiple service units, including the certified All-Steinway School’s Department of Music. The accomplishment will likely draw aspiring musicians from around the world to apply for instruction in an environment boasting state-of-the-art facilities and top-rated instruments.
