Flexible support for MacPhail’s Contemporary Music Program helps accelerate innovation.
After learning about MacPhail’s emerging Contemporary Music Program, representatives of the Clouser and Keller families were eager to broaden their impact at MacPhail.
For the past two decades, the Keller and Clouser families have supported music education through the Children’s Music and Arts Fund at MacPhail—an endowed scholarship fund for students with financial need. In June 2026, the families made a rare amendment to their fund agreement to un-endowed their support in favor of providing current-use funding for the Contemporary Music Program and its students.
Todd Clouser said the change marks a desire to support a wider vision in the current landscape of music education, and ultimately, to impact more musicians.
“It is important to evolve and innovate in the arts and education,” Clouser said. “A contemporary music program run by excellent staff keeps ideas open, encourages students to develop their own unique voices regardless of genre, and gives them practical tools to make a profession of this in the current environment.”
The added flexibility of this funding comes at a vital time for the growing Contemporary Music Program.
“Student interest in areas like jazz, songwriting, music production, improvisation, and vocal music continues to grow, and current-use funding allows us to respond in real time,” says Michael Cain, Vice President for Music Education. “The Clouser/Keller Fund allows us to accelerate [our] work by investing in people, launching new programs, and creating meaningful musical experiences for students.”
MacPhail’s Contemporary Music Program has the unique opportunity to help fill a need for the Midwest music community.
“The Twin Cities has one of the richest musical communities in the country, yet there are relatively few places where young musicians can study contemporary music in a comprehensive, sequential way,” Cain said.
“By strengthening these pathways, we’re helping prepare the next generation of performers, composers, producers, educators, and creative artists who will contribute to the cultural vitality of our region.”
Singer-songwriter Alessandria Rhines’ experience is evidence. When she moved back to the Twin Cities, Rhines sought out MacPhail as a familiar resource for music classes. She was surprised to find songwriting courses among MacPhail’s new offerings.
In their work together, Rhines says teaching artist Barbara Cohen has shared more than technical skills. By listening and asking questions, Cohen has helped Rhines think critically about every element of her artistry, from her lyrics to the process of building an audience. “She’s not just a teacher, she’s also a mentor for me,” Rhines says.
As she prepares to record and produce her first album, Rhines is grateful for the extended music community she has found in the program. “Connecting to other artists is really important, and for that, MacPhail is such a great resource,” Rhines says. “It’s a convening of very talented musicians—people who really love music and want to be around it.”
Clouser considers financially supporting opportunities for musicians to grow a fitting extension of the Keller family’s original philanthropic vision. “We believe that down the line our towns, stages, schools, and homes benefit from vibrant and contemporary creators,” Clouser said. “We can’t wait to hear and see students developing and sharing their work.”
Rhines is equally enthusiastic about the collaborative possibilities for the growing program. “Music is about expression and giving what you have to others—and them giving something back to you. It’s such a fun process. I hope that’s what the Contemporary Music Program continues to be.”