Shepherd School of Music Gifts

Creative Labs at the Shepherd School
Gifts to the Shepherd School of Music Gifts fund are being used this year to support Creative Labs. Creative Labs at the Shepherd School give students and faculty the freedom to imagine, experiment, and create. Creative Labs supports early-stage, interdisciplinary, and innovative projects – ideas that don’t always fit neatly into traditional curricula, but have the potential to shape the future of music and performance.

Through Creative Labs, artists develop new works, test ideas with ensembles, and experiment with emerging technologies and performance practices. Students are deeply involved at every stage, from the first spark of an idea to the final performance.

Aligned with Rice University’s leading research initiatives, Creative Labs encourages collaboration across campus and beyond – connecting music with fields such as the environment, health, and virtual reality – and positioning the Shepherd School as a leader in artistic innovation and creative research.

Why it matters now

Support for Creative Labs helps Shepherd:
• Foster experimentation and creative risk-taking
• Reimagine how music is created and presented in a rapidly evolving world
• Prepare the next generation of musicians to be creators, collaborators, and innovators

Will you consider fueling the future?

Your gift to Creative Labs during Rice’s 24-Hour Challenge helps create space for bold ideas and groundbreaking artistic work – ensuring that creativity and innovation remain at the heart of the Shepherd School.