The Music Man Foundation adds Curtis Stewart and Steven T. Benson to its board

The Music Man Foundation has appointed violinist-composer Curtis Stewart and arts finance veteran Steven T. Benson to its Board of Directors. The move brings artistic and endowment-building experience to a foundation that funds music-based organizations and channels Meredith Willson royalties into community support.

Why it matters: - The Music Man Foundation is adding board members with two different kinds of expertise: artistic leadership and arts finance. - The foundation uses licensing royalties from Meredith Willson’s works to support community organizations, so board oversight matters for how those funds are directed. - The new appointments come as the foundation continues backing organizations that use music for health, wellness and education.

What happened: - The Music Man Foundation named Curtis Stewart and Steven T. Benson to its Board of Directors on July 23, 2026. - Stewart is a seven-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated violinist and composer. - Benson previously served as president and CEO of the Music Center Foundation for 15 years.

The details: - Stewart is also artistic director of the American Composers Orchestra, a professor at The Juilliard School, and a member of PUBLIQuartet and The Mighty Third Rail. - The New York Times has praised Stewart for “combining omnivory and brilliance.” - Benson worked on Wall Street for 10 years before moving into arts philanthropy more than 27 years ago. - Under Benson’s leadership, the Music Center Foundation grew to nearly $320 million in assets. - The foundation said Stewart brings an artist’s and educator’s perspective to the board. - The foundation said Benson brings deep experience in how arts organizations can build and grow endowments. - Sarah Lyding, executive director of The Music Man Foundation, said the two board members’ different backgrounds fit the foundation’s role as an artist legacy foundation. - Lyding said the foundation honors Meredith Willson, who wrote the Tony Award®-winning musical “The Music Man,” and stewards licensing royalties from Willson’s works to benefit community organizations. - Stewart said his background in a musical family shaped his interest in education, musical innovation and diversity in classical music. - Benson said arts organizations can have a positive effect on the communities they serve when they have security and room to innovate. - The Music Man Foundation says it donates 100% of profits from Willson’s licensing royalties to organizations that use music to catalyze enduring change and amplify his musical legacy. - Over the last decade, the foundation has awarded more than $32 million to 90 organizations. - Meredith Willson also wrote “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas” and the University of Iowa fight song. - The foundation’s website is more information.

Between the lines: - The board additions suggest the foundation wants more direct input from both performers and people who have managed large arts endowments. - Stewart’s presence signals a stronger link to working artists and music education. - Benson’s background points to a continued focus on financial stewardship and long-term growth. - The foundation appears to be positioning itself around both legacy preservation and practical support for modern arts organizations.

What's next: - Stewart and Benson will help guide the foundation’s grantmaking and board oversight. - The foundation is likely to continue funding organizations tied to music education, health and wellness, and broader access to the performing arts. - The board’s composition may shape how the foundation balances artistic mission with asset growth and sustainability.