MacPhail Center for Music Launches Contemporary Music Program – August 26, 2025
This historic milestone will expand access to jazz, pop/rock, electronic, and world music at the nation’s largest community music school.
MINNEAPOLIS — August 26, 2025 — MacPhail Center for Music today announced the creation of a Contemporary Music Program, establishing a unified and sustainable home for jazz, pop, rock, electronic, and world music across the organization. This historic expansion reflects MacPhail’s commitment to meeting the needs of today’s learners while deepening its century-long mission to transform lives and strengthen communities through music.
“This new program signals MacPhail’s commitment to relevance and innovation as a community music school,” said Paul Babcock, CEO of MacPhail Center for Music. “It is a historic investment in our future and in the communities we serve.”
The new program brings together and expands MacPhail’s contemporary offerings under one umbrella, ensuring students of all ages and backgrounds have more opportunities to explore, perform, and create. While MacPhail has offered contemporary music classes and ensembles for decades, this marks the first time those offerings will be housed within a dedicated program with long-term investment and support.
“MacPhail is creating a space where jazz, pop, rock, electronic music, and world music traditions are elevated alongside classical study,” said Michael Cain, Vice President of Music Education. “We’re building on the great work of our existing programs and expanding to better serve the diverse ways students want to learn, create, and share their music. This evolution reflects the way artists work today and how people connect with music in their everyday lives.”
Program Highlights
Expanded ensembles, group classes, and individual lessons in jazz, pop/rock, electronic music and recording arts, and world music traditions, including:
- Skill-based offerings in songwriting, composition, music production, and improvisation, such as new jazz composition and jazz improvisation ensembles led by prominent local artists JC Sanford and Brandon Wozniak.
- Innovative digital tools and platforms integrated into the contemporary music curriculum
- Partnerships, performances, and master classes that connect students with the local music community.
- Future opportunities for students to explore the music business and its evolving career pathways.
The Contemporary Music Program builds on MacPhail’s legacy of excellence in classical music while broadening access and relevance for today’s students. Financial assistance will remain available to ensure participation is accessible to all.
As part of MacPhail’s vision, the program also strengthens its commitment to cultural inclusivity—ensuring that diverse forms of music education and expression are not just offered but embedded across the institution.
Program opportunities will be posted at MacPhail.org/Play and shared via MacPhail’s email and social channels.