MSU Department of Music

09/01/2026

Dr. Sebba premiered two works by composers based in France and inspired by Brazilian music.
This is a conjoined work with Groupe de Recherche Musiques Brésiliennes (Brazilian Music Research Group), IReMus (Institut de Recherche en Musicologie), a prestigious joint research unit shared by Sorbonne University and the IPB (Brazilian Piano Institute).

The performance was recorded by Dr. Human, assisted by William Ferguson, at Mississippi State University Road Studio; a state of the art recording studio based on campus in the music building.

Napoleao: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYywc55amGo&list=RDkYywc55amGo&start_radio=1

Lambert: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0l9mauejnUM&list=RD0l9mauejnUM&start_radio=1&ra=m

Les jongleurs [Os malabaristas] Op.51, capricho - estudo de gênero ...

08/30/2026

🌟 MSU Voice Student Spotlight: Paulina Roman! 🌟

Paulina, a voice student of Dr. Jeanette Fontaine, spent an exciting summer at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan, serving as a cabin counselor while also growing as a musician, educator, and conductor.

She worked as a Symphony Band Assistant, had the opportunity to conduct a band in rehearsal, taught music theory, and sang in the Blue Lake Staff Choir under several outstanding conductors from across the country.

What a wonderful summer of music, leadership, and growth! We are so proud of you, Paulina! 🎶🐾

08/27/2026

Emory Freed, a piano major in the Mississippi State University Department of Music, earned second place in the Great Composers International Music Competition – Best Claude Debussy Performance.

The competition, held annually, attracts young instrumentalists, singers, and ensembles from around the world. Emory is a rising piano major who studies under Dr. Sebba and is pursuing a minor in Music and Culture under Dr. Damm. She performed Debussy’s Prélude VI, “General Lavine – eccentric” from his second book.

Dr. Sebba highlighted the student’s dedication, noting her consistent practice, intellectual curiosity, and strong commitment to musical growth. “This award reflects not only her talent but also her discipline and passion for the piano,” she said.

08/24/2026

What a beautiful afternoon of music and flowers at today’s faculty recital, Color Contrast! 🎶 Featuring flute, piano, and percussion, the program explored a vibrant range of colors, textures, and musical instruments. Congratulations Olivia Boatman, Anne Katherine Ragsdale, and Robert Damm!

08/22/2026

Please join us Sunday, August 30th for a concert to benefit the Backpack Meals Charity of Starkville, which provides food for local school children in need each weekend.

08/19/2026

What a wonderful first day of school! 🎉📚

The Department of Music gathered for a fun welcome party this afternoon to get to know one another. It was such a joy to see new friendships beginning and our music students coming together. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

08/14/2026

With school less than a week away, we have enjoyed having students from the Famous Maroon Band in the building this week for band camp. This year 15% of the marching band students are majoring in music. It is the largest major in the ensemble!

08/12/2026

It was a wonderful weekend at the National Flute Association Convention in Portland, Oregon! Dr. Olivia Boatman and Dr. Rosangela Sebba presented a lecture recital featuring the flute and piano works of Brazilian composer Osvaldo Lacerda Additionally, Dr. Sebba collaborated with Miyazawa Emerging Artist Caleb Estrada-Valentin on music from Puerto Rico.

05/20/2026

Congratulations to the 2026-27 Famous Maroon Band drum majors! Chosen from auditions, the 2026-27 drum majors include:

—Olivia Dickerson, senior biochemistry major, Gautier

—Josh Ducey, sophomore aerospace engineering major, Arlington, Tennessee

—Ava Hinyub, junior music education major, Gulf Shores, Alabama

—James Leon, junior electrical engineering major, Biloxi