Support the future of music at the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music

Your generosity helps provide scholarships, strengthen academic programs, enhance performance opportunities and support the students and faculty who bring artistic excellence to life each day. Gifts of every size create meaningful impact by expanding access to education, fostering innovation and preparing the next generation of performers, educators and industry leaders.

When you give to the Scheidt School of Music, you invest in more than a program. You invest in student success, cultural enrichment and the continued growth of Memphis as a city shaped by music. Contributions can be directed to the area that matters most to you, including scholarships, ensembles, faculty support, special initiatives and student experiences that inspire creativity and achievement.

Every gift helps open doors for talented students and ensures the School of Music remains a place where artistry, learning and opportunity thrive. Join us in shaping the future of music through the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music.

Your Support IsINSTRUMENTAL!

We invite you to contribute to our mission by donating to the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. Your generosity will directly impact the lives of our students, providing them with the tools they need to excel in their musical pursuits. Whether you support the life-changing scholarships, the acquisition of instruments, the enhancement of rehearsal spaces, or the advancement of our music laboratories, your donation will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of music education.

Every gift helps create life-changing opportunities for students while strengthening Memphis as a city known around the world for music.

Your support ensures that the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music remains a place where artistry, education and innovation thrive.

Live performance is at the heart of a music education. Support for ensembles and performances helps fund concerts, recitals, opera productions, jazz showcases, chamber music, touring opportunities and collaborative events. These experiences allow students to refine their craft, build confidence on stage and connect with audiences through the power of music. Gifts in this area also help expand access to high-quality performances for the campus and Memphis community.

Outstanding faculty members are central to the student experience. Support in this area helps attract, retain and empower accomplished educators, performers and scholars who mentor students at the highest level. Gifts may also fund guest artists, masterclasses, residencies and professional development opportunities that enrich instruction and connect students with nationally recognized leaders in the field.

Some of the most transformative moments in a student’s education happen beyond the classroom. Gifts supporting the student experience help fund travel to conferences and competitions, audition opportunities, internships, career preparation, networking events and special projects. These experiences broaden perspectives, build confidence and help students transition successfully from the classroom to professional careers.

A strong academic foundation prepares students for success in a rapidly evolving musical landscape. Gifts supporting academic programs help enhance curriculum, classroom technology, studio instruction, research opportunities and specialized training across all disciplines. Whether students aspire to teach, perform, compose, conduct or lead in the music business, these resources help ensure they graduate ready to excel.

Scholarship support opens doors for talented and hardworking students pursuing careers in performance, education, composition, conducting and the music industry. Many students balance rigorous academic schedules with rehearsals, performances and financial responsibilities. Your gift helps reduce financial barriers so they can focus on developing their artistry, academic success and professional goals. Scholarships also allow the School of Music to attract and retain exceptional students from Memphis and beyond.

High-quality instruments, technology and rehearsal resources are essential to musical growth. Support in this area helps maintain and upgrade pianos, percussion equipment, recording tools, sound technology, practice resources and classroom equipment. These investments ensure students learn and perform using tools that reflect professional standards.

Ways to Make Your Gift

Give Online

Making your gift online is the fastest and most convenient way to support the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. Browse available funds, choose the area that matters most to you and complete your contribution through the University of Memphis secure giving portal. You may choose a one-time gift or establish recurring support that creates lasting impact throughout the year. Online giving allows you to invest in student success quickly and securely.

Recurring Gifts

Recurring gifts provide dependable support that helps sustain scholarships, performances, academic programs and student opportunities year-round. Even modest monthly contributions add up to meaningful impact over time. Recurring giving is a simple and effective way to make philanthropy part of your long-term commitment to music education.

Give In Person

Donors who prefer a personal connection may make their gift in person through the University of Memphis advancement offices during regular business hours. Staff members are available to assist with designations, payment options and questions about supporting the School of Music. In-person giving can also be a helpful option for those interested in discussing broader philanthropic goals.

Give by Mail

To make your contribution by mail, please make checks payable to UofM Foundation and include your desired School of Music designation in the memo line. Mailed gifts remain a trusted and meaningful way to support scholarships, programs and student opportunities.

Mail to:
Dept 238, UofM Foundation
PO Box 1000
Memphis, TN 38148-0001

Matching Gifts

Many employers match charitable contributions made by their employees, which can significantly increase the impact of your generosity. A matching gift may double or even triple your support for the School of Music at no additional cost to you. Check with your employer’s human resources department to learn whether a matching gift program is available.

Planned Giving

A planned gift allows you to create a lasting legacy while meeting personal, family or financial goals. Options such as bequests, charitable trusts or beneficiary designations can provide long-term support for future generations of music students. Planned gifts help ensure the continued growth and excellence of the School of Music for years to come.

Gifts of Stock or Assets

Donating appreciated securities or other assets may provide tax advantages while making a meaningful investment in music education. These gifts can be directed toward scholarships, special initiatives or broader School of Music priorities. Advancement staff can assist you with the transfer process and available options.

Corporate & Foundation Giving

Businesses and foundations play a vital role in advancing educational excellence and community impact. Corporate and foundation support can strengthen student scholarships, outreach programs, performances, technology upgrades and special initiatives that benefit the School of Music and the Memphis community.

Contact

If you have questions about giving options, designating your support or creating a customized philanthropic plan, our advancement team is ready to help. We are happy to assist with gifts of any size and to help you identify the area where your support can make the greatest impact.

Phone: 901.678.3953
Email: gifts@memphis.edu

Donor Spotlights

A lifelong love of the saxophone led Dr. Stephen and Robin Behrman to invest in the future of student musicians at the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. Inspired by the passion and dedication of students in the Saxophone Studio, they established scholarship and endowed funds to expand opportunities, support artistic growth, and enhance the student experience. Discover how their generosity is helping shape the next generation of performers while strengthening music education at the University of Memphis.

Learn More About the Behrman's