Everybody goes through it – that awkward phase known as puberty. Unfortunately, the most dramatic changes become evident when you attempt to be your most melodic.   Dr. Cameron LaBarr, director of choral studies at Missouri State University, knows the incredible value music adds to life. He shares about sticking with music even when the voice doesn’t seem able to stick to a … [Read more...] about Changing voices: Keeping kids in choir

Research shows a connection between children learning to play string instruments and experiencing success in school. Missouri State University’s String Project can help parents get their kids on that track. Bringing Missouri State and local kids together through music The String Project is a partnership between Missouri State music students and elementary school students in the … [Read more...] about String Project creates ties between area kids and MSU music students

Missouri State University music students, faculty and staff have moved back into a renovated Ellis Hall. Now it’s time to cut the ribbon. The university will host a dedication ceremony at 2 p.m. Sept. 24 at the building’s north entrance. The event is free and open to the public. Self-guided tours of the building will begin at 1 p.m., and refreshments will be available. “We’re … [Read more...] about Music to their ears: MSU dedicates Ellis Hall

“We don’t want this to be pretty music,” said Dr. John Prescott, professor of music at Missouri State University. In 2016, in preparation for the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, Prescott composed a rearrangement of the four notes in “Taps.” The piece, entitled “Quadrivium,” was performed by four students Sept. 11, 2016. “We want this to be music that makes people … [Read more...] about Remembering 9/11 through music

There is a new leader at the helm of Missouri State University’s College of Arts and Letters. Dr. Shawn Wahl, former department head of communication, took charge of COAL as interim dean on July 1, 2017, after Dean Dr. Gloria Galanes retired. Wahl talks about COAL’s active engagement with the community and shares some highlights from each of the seven departments in the … [Read more...] about Spotlight on the College of Arts and Letters