Dear Donors,

My name is Dr. Nan McDonald and I am a Professor of Music in the SDSU School of Music and Dance. I'd like to thank you for making a difference in music education by supporting the California Music Project.

Begun by a motivated group of California philanthropists, the California Music Project (CMP) partnered with San Jose State University, under the direction of Dr. Diana Hollinger, Music Education to create a project for the DIRECT benefit of many K-12 music programs and Music Education teacher preparation programs throughout our State.

In 2007, CMP provided Fellowships to – 10 selected undergraduate Music Majors attending San Jose State University's School of Music – our future K-12 Music Teachers. This San Jose State project is now in its third year. The idea was to work in partnership/ collaboration with local school district arts administrators, practicing master music teachers, university music educators, and future teachers to assist emerging, inner city and mid-economic area music programs. Most schools are Title I schools with the majority of the school population from underserved populations.

The underlying philosophy of CMP is to provide assistance and hands-on experiences for future music teachers, while at the same time, providing support and help for teachers and programs in the schools. Thousands of K-12 students have benefited from this project. In short, everyone wins. The project rewards future teachers by helping with their tuition rather than having them work in unrelated part time jobs. They learn important teaching skills in real classrooms. The benefits to everyone involved are tremendous.

The San Jose CMP Project has a huge success rate on all fronts. CMP funded another full year of Fellowships in San Jose and decided to do the same here at SDSU.

Starting in 2008-2009, SDSU has become the second site for CMP, whose goal it is to fund the project at all 9 CSU campuses. CSU Schools of Music ARE the sites where most of our California music educators receive their education. Also, it is the mission of the CSU to be engaged in our communities and prepare teachers and administrators to lead within urban school settings and beyond.

The California Music Project will be a continuing program at SDSU School of Music and Dance and has already generated tremendous interest among our educational community. We have a waiting list of teachers seeking assistance. This fellowship is especially motivating for students as they select to major in Music Education at SDSU. We are anticipating a great shortage of K-12 music educators within the next few years. Contrary to popular knowledge, there ARE jobs in music teaching!

Many Thanks,

Dr. Nan L. McDonald,
Professor of Music, Coordinator of Music Education,
SDSU School of Music and Dance