Story content provided by Bethany Shipp
Photos: Grace Cockrell
A Milestone for Mississippi: How Rosângela Sebba Elevated Music Education at MSU
In 2024, Mississippi State University reached a transformative milestone—earning the prestigious designation of an All-Steinway School. With fewer than 250 institutions worldwide holding this distinction, the achievement signals a new era for music education in Mississippi, placing MSU on par with leading conservatories and universities across the globe. It’s more than an institutional honor; it’s a triumph for the state’s students, artists, and music lovers who can now take pride in knowing that world-class music training and performance are thriving right here in Mississippi.
At the heart of this transformation is Rosângela Sebba, a professor of piano, theory, and ear training, whose vision and persistence led to this achievement. Over 12 years, she spearheaded the All-Steinway Initiative, ensuring that every student at MSU has access to the finest pianos available. Her work not only elevated the university’s standing but also enriched the broader arts community, providing aspiring musicians in Mississippi with resources once thought out of reach.
“When I first started the All-Steinway Initiative, nobody thought it was going to happen, even myself,” Sebba said. “But when I start something, I have to finish. That’s who I am.”
Sebba’s impact extends beyond campus walls. She founded the Community Music School, which now serves nearly 100 elementary and secondary students, giving young musicians across the region access to quality music education. In 2022, the university unveiled a $21 million state-of-the-art Music Building, providing the perfect setting for performances, training, and collaboration. These advancements not only benefit MSU students but also make the university a cultural hub, attracting talent, performances, and partnerships that enrich the state’s artistic landscape.
Her leadership has earned her prestigious accolades, including induction into the Steinway & Sons Teachers Hall of Fame, recognition as a Steinway Artist, and multiple teaching excellence awards. A mentor to generations of students, she remains a guiding force, with many alumni continuing to seek her advice long after graduation.
Sebba’s journey with music began in Brazil, where she started piano lessons at age six. Her passion led her to study at the Federal University in Goiás, followed by a move to the U.S. to earn her master’s and doctoral degrees. Since joining MSU’s faculty in 2001, she has transformed the music department, making it a place where students from Mississippi and beyond can receive a world-class education without leaving home.
“I still can’t believe this is where we are, and this is what we have,” Sebba said. “Before, we didn’t have the resources we needed, and it was a struggle to have even a small recital. Now, we are equal to the world and on par with other institutions.”
This milestone is a source of pride for the entire state—a testament to Mississippi’s commitment to the arts and the power of persistence. It means students no longer have to look elsewhere for premier music training. It means young artists can see a future in Mississippi. And it means the general public can enjoy performances and programs at a level once only found in major cultural centers.
For Sebba, it’s always been about more than pianos or accolades—it’s about giving back. “I want to be a resource and a safe harbor for my students, just as my teachers were for me,” she said. “I can never thank them enough for what they did for me, so I just want to pass that forward.”
Thanks to her vision and dedication, Mississippi’s musical future is brighter than ever.
