Rodney Whitaker ( www.music.msu.edu/faculty/pro... ), University Distinguished Professor of Jazz Bass and director of Jazz Studies in the Michigan State University College of Music ( www.music.msu.edu/ ), is among the class of new members elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences ( www.amacad.org/ ). With this honor ( msutoday.msu.edu/news/2024/ms... ), he joins the ranks of artists, scholars, scientists, and leaders of one of the oldest learned societies in the United States. Conversation Highlights: (0:28) - How does this honor feel? (1:17) - When and how did you fall in love with music? It started at the turntable. (2:50) - Why the bass? Who influenced you? The violin was first. (4:29) - How and when do you become a Spartan? (5:48) - Why do you love to teach? (7:08) - What’s the mission of the MSU Jazz Studies program? “It’s a place to grow mentors.” (9:03) - Talk about your role directing the college’s diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging efforts. Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio ( go.msu.edu/listen ) and through Spotify ( go.msu.edu/Spotify ), Apple Podcasts ( go.msu.edu/ApplePodcasts ), and wherever ( go.msu.edu/podcasts ) you get your shows.
MSU Today with Russ White
Episode 168, Season 3
May 9, 2024
★ Episode details: share.transistor.fm/s/7e54450b
★ Additional episodes: go.msu.edu/qGC5