Columbus Music School Produces Noteworthy Graduates

Columbus State University

The Joyce and Henry Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University has a track record of educating and producing top-level talent across musical disciplines, from performers to music educators. Since the 1970s, the school’s dedicated faculty and world-class facilities have attracted students from all over the U.S. and beyond.

“The school has grown in both quality and quantity,” says Dr. Scott Harris, director of the Schwob School of Music. “We now attract students from all over the country and, increasingly, all over the world.”

With over 250 music majors enrolled at the school, the program offers a classical performance focus with a conservatory model. Alumni have found major successes after graduation.

Among them is Michael Sumuel, a bass-baritone opera singer who will sing the role of Figaro in Le nozze di Figaro with the Metropolitan Opera and Porgy in Porgy and Bess with the Washington National Opera.

Soprano Maureen McKay has starred in dozens of performances with internationally renowned opera companies, while several trombonists have secured highly coveted positions in the National Symphony Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony.

Along with skilled performers, the school produces music educators who are doing their part to support the next generation of musicians in Columbus and beyond. Music education majors have gone on to teach at schools around the state and country, putting their highly tuned skillset to use.

“Students who study here are well-prepared and have a variety of experiences,” Harris says. “Anyone who graduates with a music ed degree can walk right into a job if he or she wants to.”

The Schwob School of Music puts on over 300 concerts and masterclasses each year, a majority of which are free to the public. In return, the school finds support from donors who have gifted the school with assets like the historic pipe organ in RiverCenter’s Legacy Hall, a 1967 Steinway piano on CSU campus and $1 million in scholarships each year.

“We’re really blessed by strong community support,” Harris says. “Columbus is a very musical city.”