Conducting the future of music at Mizzou

Robert Shay, former chief academic officer of Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Mass., became director of MU's School of Music July 1. Shay stepped into the top leadership position held by Melvin Platt for the past 17 years. Platt is on research leave.

Shay has led the Longy music conservatory since 2000 as vice president for academic affairs and dean. Under his tenure, the conservatory experienced several significant changes, which included a 33 percent growth in its student population.

"Rob Shay brings strong academic and administration skills to the position at MU," says Michael O'Brien, dean of the College of Arts and Science. "At the Longy School of Music, he gained experience in academic affairs, faculty and staff administration, collaboration on budget and development issues, and implemented improvements in these areas. His prior experience at Duke University and Lyon College also helped prepare him as the ideal person to lead our School of Music.

"As the college and campus begin a campaign to build a new performing-arts center, Rob is well suited for his integral role in this project. He and his family are wonderful additions to the college, the campus and the community."

The prelude to Shay's academic career was a bachelor's degree in vocal performance from Wheaton College (Illinois) in 1983. He earned two master's degrees — choral conducting from the New England Conservatory of Music and musicology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — and a doctorate in musicology from North Carolina.

Shay agreed to an interview to introduce himself to alumni and friends of the School of Music.

Meet Robert Shay, Director, School of Music

Q: Why did this Mizzou music school position draw your interest?

A: When I saw the job announced, I was initially unsure if I would throw my hat in the ring, but I eventually did, and soon after I found that the MU School of Music was a very people-oriented place. I enjoyed some great phone conversations and e-mail exchanges with members of the search committee, who expressed how deeply they believe in the place, and I felt this even more strongly while visiting campus in early December. Not only the faculty, but the administration, the members of the Friends of Music, everyone was interested in building on past achievements to build a better and stronger School of Music — the excitement was really palpable.

Q: What do you see as strengths of our School of Music?

A: First and foremost, the School of Music enjoys a highly dedicated faculty that cares deeply about teaching and professional activity, and that really wants to see the School of Music stretch and fulfill even more of its tremendous potential. There is a talented and dedicated staff in place, too.

Q: What changes will you work toward?

A: I think there will be some changes. To speak in the broadest terms, we all want to see the School of Music raise its profile, to become better known among its peers for excellence and true distinction in programs, and in student and faculty activity. This statement has many ramifications, and we will have to examine all kinds of things from teaching loads to student scholarships. Funding will be a recurring theme in a lot of these discussions, I suspect, but I firmly believe that creativity and hard work can get you to the finish line, even when there seem to be obstacles in your way. I am also eager to engage the School of Music community in a strategic planning process, so that we can collectively shape a vision and plan for the next several years.

Q: Should the School be actively engaged in the Columbia community?

A: This is essential as I see it. I hope we can create a real buzz in Columbia and the region about the School of Music's activities. I would like to see more student groups — including small groups — get off campus for both formal and informal performances and perhaps other kinds of musical activities. We will also have to look at our Community Music Program, which is an important part of a university music school, as I see it, and determine how it fits in with our larger mission and vision.

Q: A Friends of Music volunteer group helps raise scholarship funds. Are there other potential ways to involve this group?

A: The members of this group whom I've met have great energy and are really committed to the School of Music. I think their efforts to raise funds for scholarships have been essential to the School, and there is potential for the Friends of Music to expand their role, to help us create that buzz I mentioned before. More specifically, the Friends will need to be some of our key ambassadors in getting the word out to an even larger group of friends and supporters. We will need an expanded network as we work toward a new facility for the School of Music.

Q: How important for MU music is the proposed performing arts center?

A: Everyone is thinking about this, and there are clearly frustrations about the current situation. Up-to-date and ample facilities are essential in competing for the best students and faculty, and, more than that, everyone needs to feel like the facilities are supporting and enhancing their efforts. Right now, too many people are saying that they do good work in spite of the facilities.

I know that MU is committed to a new facility for music, but it will take some time. Many of us will need to play a role, in raising both awareness about the needs and the necessary funds to get the project going. One of my roles will be to keep everyone focused on the goals but also to encourage some patience. This effort will play out over several years.

Q: Should the music school present artists as a complement to the University Concert Series? If so, what sort of artists?

A: This is an interesting question. As I see it, the University Concert Series has a mission of bringing top performing artists to campus for the benefit of the entire community. When appropriate, it would be great for the School of Music to partner in these efforts so that artists can present master classes or other educational programs while they are here. But I can also imagine the School of Music occasionally presenting performers, as well as scholars, composers and others, in ways that directly support and bolster the School's activities.

Q: We are looking forward to meeting you in person. What's your personal view on moving to the Midwest?

A: My wife, Betsey, who is currently a fundraiser with a Boston arts organization, and daughter Katie, who is in 10th grade, are excited about the move. Any move comes with a little sadness as we think about saying good-bye to friends, but we all see this as an opportunity and a new adventure. Also, my wife and I began married life in a large college town (Chapel Hill, N.C.), and we have always missed that environment and the sense of community that comes with it.

Link:

School of Music



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