2018 GMLC Alumna Dr. Julia Gaines, the Director of the School of Music at the University of Missouri, announced that The School of Music received a $4M estate gift from long-time faculty member Michael Budds in September to create the Budds Center for American Music Studies.  Dr. Budds wanted to use this opportunity to honor his family (grandparents, parents, brother, sister).

The Center will provide the opportunity for the performance and research of American music – a research specialty of Dr. Budds.  He taught at MU for 37 years before his retirement last spring and continues to teach one class for the School of Music, which includes his annual spring class required of all music major freshmen, Music in the United States.

Congratulations Julia and The University of Missouri School of Music!