School of Music
2023-24 Awarded Amount: $8,256
Title: IMPACT! Project
The IMPACT! Project was an innovative series of residencies aimed at inviting high-profile guest artists with new ideas about what a degree in Music Performance looks like in the 21st century. Each residency was scheduled with similar ideas in mind: work with students on their craft through a public masterclass, showcase each artist’s professional prowess through a recital performance, and interact with students at the U through Town Hall style convocations.
The background for the visits was a desire on part of the Professor Borup to invite influential artists to campus to shed light on their views on where the artform of classical music is headed; in terms of educational standards, but also how it fits into social norms, audience popularity and ultimately, how the profession could look like for our graduates.
Activities
Two performers came to campus with the following schedules:
Dr. Alicia Valoti, Professor of Viola, Central Michigan University
- November 16, 2023, Town Hall (Convocation)
- November 17, 2023, Masterclass with students from the string and chamber music programs
- November 18, 2023, Recital
Dr. Ernest Salem, Professor of Violin, University of California at Fullerton
- April 4, 2024, Town Hall (Convocation)
- April 5, 2024, Masterclass with students from the string and chamber music programs
- April 6, 2024, 2023, Recital
Each visit was very different in approach and outlook. Dr. Valoti provided a great series of activities during her residency and a very engaged discussion with students during the Town Hall. Her outlook was very internationally informed, with a quite practical approach to the central question of the Residency: where is the profession headed? While no conclusive answers were given, it was clear that many students benefitted from the perspective provided by Dr. Valoti and were highly inspired in their own progress by the clear display of her artistic mastery.
Dr. Salem equally brough tremendous experience as both an educator and performer to the students. His work in the greater Los Angeles area has brought many new innovations to the education of string players and he kindly shared his outlook with students and faculty alike. Dr. Salem’s masterclass was tremendously impactful on both the students that got to perform and to the audience in attendance.
Professor Borup feels that the IMPACT! Project achieved its goals: spur a discussion among students about their future profession, highlight the artistry of the invited artists, and inspire students to strive hard for mastery of their profession.
Professor Borup kindly thanks the Council of Dee Fellows for supporting this vision!