��Ƶ to host Mississippi Music Teachers Association state conference

An ensemble sings with a piano accompanying — ��Ƶ will host the prestigious Mississippi Music Teachers Association state conference in the university’s state-of-the-art Music Building on Oct. 27-28. (Photo by Megan Bean)

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State’s Department of Music will host the prestigious Mississippi Music Teachers Association state conference on Oct. 27-28.

The state affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association, MMTA serves to further the art of music and promote the growth and professional development of musicians, students, instructors and music enthusiasts from across the state and beyond. This includes more than 100 student-performers from Hinds Community College; and university concert pianists and guest clinicians Slawomir Dobrzanski of Kansas State, Joseph Kingma from Palm Beach Atlantic, and Ronald Shinn of Samford.

“MMTA is the backbone for the music community in the state, connecting university students and faculty, private teachers and early career musicians,” said Rosangela Sebba, an ��Ƶ professor of music and Steinway Artist. “Having such a conference on campus confirms our position as the leading research university in the state, giving our students the opportunity to witness professionals present their research, perform in concerts and compete with their peers. It is also an opportunity for our MMTA members to use a state-of-the-art facility, new Steinway pianos and the latest technology. It is a win-win situation for all.”

Friday’s [Oct. 27] events include presentations, master classes, performances and the MTNA Competition, from which winners will advance to the Southern Regional Competition. The day concludes with a free piano recital by guest artist Joseph Kingma at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Building’s lecture recital hall. On Saturday [Oct. 28], students in grades 1-12 will compete in the pre-college concerto competition, giving each an opportunity to perform with another musician.

“We are honored to host the MMTA state conference here at ��Ƶ. Music is the heartbeat of our culture and history. As we bring together Mississippi’s musical talents, we are committed to nurturing today’s artists and shaping the state’s musical future,” said Teresa Jayroe, dean of the College of Education, which houses the university’s music department.

The competitions and Friday evening concert are free and open to the public; other events require registration and fees. More information is available at .

All conference events will take place in the Department of Music’s new $21 million, 37,000-square-foot Music Building, which includes classrooms, a choral rehearsal hall, sound-proof practice rooms, a high-tech recording studio, an acoustically advanced lecture recital hall, over $2.2 million in Steinway pianos and more.

��Ƶ’s College of Education is home to five academic departments, a division of education, one research unit and numerous service units. Learn more about the college and its Department of Music at and .

��Ƶ is taking care of what matters. Learn more at .

��Ƶ