He never participated in orchestra, band, or choir in school. So John Kratus, music professor emeritus, used his unique perspective to push the boundaries of traditional music education.
The John Kratus Tipping Point Endowed Scholarship in Music Education, established through a charitable bequest in his estate plans, intends to support students who aspire to lead music education toward a more diverse and inclusive future.
Traditional music education, Kratus says, can be narrow in focus, appealing to just a small segment of the school population, and out of step with 21st-century musical experiences and teaching. It’s a concept he has explored extensively, and the subject of his article “Music Education at the Tipping Point”—the most frequently cited piece ever published in Music Educators Journal.
“In 30 years, music education may be very different from what it is today,” Kratus says. “This scholarship will help future educators prepare as many students as possible to enjoy and engage in music.”
“John continually challenged us to identify and keep creativity at the core of the music education profession,” says Dean James Forger. “His generosity through this named, endowed scholarship ensures we will continue to attract and retain talented students and future leaders in this premier Music Education program, who will go on to make an impact on the direction and value of music education in the world—both today and tomorrow.”
For more information about supporting the College of Music, contact Senior Director of Development Rebecca Surian at surian@msu.edu or by calling (517) 353-9872.