MSU Department of Music

We are 1️⃣ month away from the MSU Summer and Fall 2026 application going live.

🎵Hail State🎵

🎉 Huge congratulations to Willian da Silva and his voice teacher, Peter Infanger, for winning 1st Place at the National Association of Teachers of Singing National Student Auditions! 🏆🎶

Willian is transferring to Samford University this fall, and we’re so proud of all he accomplished during his time at MSU. Wishing him continued success and unforgettable experiences on the next chapter of his journey! 💜🎤

🎶Congratulations to Olivia Boatman, Rebekah Schultz, and Rosangela Sebba for proudly representing Mississippi State University at the College Music Society International Conference in Colombia! 🇨🇴We’re thrilled to see these talented musicians performing and presenting on an international stage — showcasing the excellence and artistry of our MSU Department of Music. 🪈🎹

MSU professor Jason Baker will be giving a FREE webinar on Sunday, July 6 right in time for summer band camp. Come check it out!

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Bret Pimentel to the Department of Music as an Assistant Teaching Professor of Music - Woodwinds (starting August 2025)!

Dr. Pimentel is a performer and educator at home with classical solo repertoire, chamber and symphonic music, jazz, and rock and pop. In addition to the major modern woodwinds, he is skilled at a variety of folk, historical, world, and electronic woodwinds.

Pimentel taught at Delta State University for 16 years, and has also taught courses at Mississippi State University, the University of Georgia, and Clemson University. In 2014 he received a Humanities Teacher Award from the Mississippi Humanities Council. He is the author of the book Woodwind Basics: Core concepts for playing and teaching flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone, and maintains a popular blog and collection of web-based tools for woodwind players and educators.

In 2009 he received the degree Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Georgia, with an emphasis in multiple woodwinds performance. His dissertation research dealt with the use of folk, historical, and world woodwinds in film and theater music. His master’s degree, also in multiple woodwinds performance, is from Indiana University, and his bachelor’s degree, in saxophone performance, is from Brigham Young University.

Go check out our newest article up on our website! Here's a sneak peak:

Natalie Staggers, a senior Communications major with a concentration in Print and Digital Journalism and a minor in Music in Culture, has been surrounded by music her entire life. In this interview article, Natalie reflects on how the Music in Culture minor has expanded her understanding of music’s global and cultural significance, sharing her experiences and thoughts on her unique academic journey.

Breaking New Ground: Natalie Staggers, First to Graduate with Music in Culture Minor | Department of Music Breaking New Ground: Natalie Staggers, First to Graduate with Music in Culture Minor Natalie Staggers, a senior Communications major with a concentration in Print and Digital Journalism and a minor in Music in Culture, has been surrounded by music her entire life. In this interview article, Natalie....

🎶 A Night to Remember in Brasília! 🇧🇷
We’re thrilled to share that Dr. Rosangela Sebba and Dr. Olivia Boatman recently delivered a stunning performance at the Casa Thomas Jefferson in Brasília, Brazil! Their program of French and Brazilian works captivated the audience with its cultural connection and musical excellence. 🎹 Congratulations to these two incredible musicians for representing MSU on a global stage. ✨

Thank you Luiz Carlos for the invitation!

🎵Congratulations Olivia Boatman and Rose Sebba on their French/Brazilian Recital in the historic City of Goias in Brazil. 🇧🇷

📸Photo credit: Patrícia Mousinho

MSU students! Want to learn guitar? Sign up for guitar lessons or guitar ensemble--being a music major is not required! All skill levels welcome.

Dr. Olivia Boatman and Dr. Rosangela Sebba are performing a recital in Goias this coming Saturday, June 7, as part of the Series Dialogos Misicais They will be performing works by Brazilian and French composers.

🎸 Want to learn guitar and/or play in guitar ensemble?
📚 Earn college credit at MSU!
🎶 Lessons open to all majors (MUA 1710-01)
🎼 Ensemble meets Thursdays 6–6:50 p.m. (MU 2411-01)
📩 Email [email protected] for more information!
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