August 2025
Dear friends,
This year is my 30th at the Blair School of Music—a place that has profoundly influenced my life, just as I hope I have helped change the lives of those around me. Many of you were once my students, colleagues or collaborators, and it is a true privilege to now serve as dean of the school we all care so deeply about.
The Blair School has always been a place where music and community intersect in powerful ways. Today, that tradition continues as we prepare students for careers that are more creative, diverse and entrepreneurial than ever before. Thanks to your continued support, I am excited to share a few highlights from the year that reflect the impact your gifts have had at the Blair School.
Equipping students for modern music careers
We are excited to announce a new minor in music technology, designed for non-music majors, which invites students from across Vanderbilt to explore sound and technology in creative and innovative ways. Concurrently, we are expanding our music technology offerings with new courses that introduce cutting-edge tools and approaches to equip Blair School students with essential skills to thrive in today’s evolving music landscape.
Fostering leadership and innovation
By opening up entrepreneurial opportunities for Blair students, we are empowering them to build sustainable and meaningful music careers. This focus encourages students to think creatively and strategically about how they contribute to and shape the future of music. Additionally, we are developing interdisciplinary courses and collaborations across campus, including Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management and the College of Connected Computing, to prepare students to excel as performers, educators and creative leaders.
Reducing barriers to music education
The Blair School’s Incidental Needs and Audition Support Fund has proven essential in helping students cover costs related to travel, instrument repairs and other critical needs. By easing these financial burdens, this fund empowers students to fully engage in their studies and performance opportunities. Additionally, through our Blair Academy Pathways Program, we are partnering with Nashville’s Antioch High School to bring high-quality music instruction directly to students at no cost to them.
Beyond the classroom and rehearsal spaces, the Blair School remains committed to community engagement through a vibrant concert season with more than 315 performances last year alone. From internationally acclaimed guest artists to innovative performances by our students and faculty, the Blair School remains a vibrant hub for music in Middle Tennessee.
Your generosity helps make all of this possible, on stage, in the classroom and throughout the community, by providing vital resources that expand opportunities for our students and faculty to thrive. With your support, we will equip the next generation of musicians and leaders to make a lasting impact—in music and in the world. Please give online today.
Warmly,
Melissa K. Rose
Dean, Blair School of Music
Mark Wait Dean’s Chair