Professor of agricultural sciences by day; connoisseur of early music 24-7!
With two passions seemingly so different, plant, soil, and microbial sciences Professor Taylor Johnston enjoys finding ways to bridge the gap, and he also enjoys finding ways to help others bridge the same gap by giving back to MSU.
In the spring of 2015, he established the Taylor Johnston Early Music Series through the MSU College of Music and joined a growing number of donors who have chosen to support MSU in this unique way, by funding educational and cultural experiences for students and the community alike.
The concert series will start this fall and showcase music written before 1750, performed on the same instruments—think harpsichords, recorders, and lutes—that would’ve been used during its own time.
“Early music is simple yet complicated, soothing but moving,” Johnston says. “This series shares this wonderful music with the community. Plus, I’ll get to hear it, too.”
Along with his gift to fund the music series this season, Johnston has committed an estate gift to fund the Taylor Johnston Early Music Series Endowment, which will support the series in perpetuity. It will cover visiting artist stipends, travel expenses, and the marketing and administrative costs that go along with producing music events.
“Taylor’s gift helps diversify our curriculum and allows our students and the community an opportunity to enjoy this distinctive and beautiful music,” says James Forger, dean of the College of Music.
Most importantly, the gift will keep on giving, by allowing the early music to keep on playing.
For more information on making a gift to the College of Music, contact Senior Director of Development Rebecca Surian at surian@msu.edu or call 517-353-9872.