Greater access to music education in Detroit is being made available thanks to a $1 million gift from MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU). MSU Community Music School-Detroit (CMS-D)is the recipient.
“CMS-D is an incubator for artistic excellence and cultivates a diverse and connected community by providing opportunities for lifelong education, college and career readiness, mentorship and belonging,” said CMS-D Director Kristopher Johnson. “We need partners who share our vision and are as committed as we are to removing barriers to music education in Detroit. I am extremely grateful that we have such a supportive partner in MSUFCU.”
Michigan State University Community Music School-Detroit (CMS-D), an outreach arm of the MSU College of Music, will use the funds to provide sustainable resources through the new Detroit Regional Engagement and Access to Music Endowment (MSUFCU DREAM) Fund.
“Music is great!” said Seth Sharp, 18, an aspiring musician and student at CMS-D. “My school doesn’t have any music classes, so this became my main source of music information.”
At CMS-D, students of any age can engage weekly in high quality and accessible sequential music education through early childhood music, music therapy, group and private lessons, youth ensembles, adult ensembles and music production classes.
“The vibrant cultural legacy within Detroit combined with access to inspiring music education is an undeniable recipe for the continued success of personal development, fostering enriched lives through the power of music,” Johnson said.
CMS-D has had a significant presence in Detroit since opening in 2009. With the MSUFCU DREAM Fund endowment in place, CMS-D will be able to strengthen its subsidized tuition program. Funds will also go toward instrument loans for CMS-D students in need, an MSUFCU Detroit Arts Leadership Engagement Program and an annual MSU On the Road at MSUFCU Detroit Concert Series.
The $1 million gift is part of a $5.5 million commitment from MSUFCU that will help three MSU art programs over five years and bolster the university’s arts strategy. It is also the latest in a line of significant support from MSUFCU for MSU College of Music programs..
“As MSUFCU celebrates 85 years of partnership with MSU, we’re proud of all we have accomplished together on behalf of campus and community,” said MSUFCU president and CEO April Clobes. “We’re pleased to continue our support through these creative and innovative projects that will enhance the lives of our members.”
“Whether it be our highly successful MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence program, our career-focused MSUFCU Entrepreneurial Musical Artist in Residence program or other initiatives over the years, the College of Music and the MSUFCU have an extensive history of creative, effective and sustainable collaborations,” said College of Music Dean James Forger. “The MSUFCU DREAM Fund is a continuation of that strong partnership and will have a significant impact on music education in Detroit.”
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