The DePauw University School of Music plans to key a transformation of its programs with a $15 million gift from alumni Judson and Joyce Green.
The gift will establish the 21st Century Musician Initiative (21CM), which is intended to revamp the school’s curriculum and other offerings to help prepare students for the changing demands on professional musicians.
“The world of music is changing rapidly, but presents so many new opportunities for musicians and music students,” said Joyce Green, who graduated from DePauw in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in music. “The goal of 21CM is to create talented and entrepreneurial musicians who can thrive in this new musical paradigm."
The Greens made an earlier gift of $15 million to DePauw in 2007 to establish the Judson and Joyce Green Center for the Performing Arts, which houses the school of music.
Along with rigorous musical training, the 21CM program will emphasize community engagement, audience development and business skills for musicians, as well as expanded efforts in advocacy and entrepreneurship.
The School of Music introduced a pilot phase for the program in 2011. Its initiatives included a guest artist series, residencies for professional chamber ensembles, and national and international touring opportunities for the university’s ensembles.
Joyce Green currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. A 1974 DePauw graduate, Judson Green held top executive positions with The Walt Disney Co., including chief financial officer. He is a past chair and current member of DePauw’s Board of Trustees.