Fred Rogers Center pairs with guitar maker for fellowship program

The name of a prominent musical instrument maker will grace a newly established fellowship in children’s music at the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media at Saint Vincent College.

A grant from Fred and Dinah Gretsch and their family has endowed The Gretsch Fellow in Children’s Music to conduct research and develop best practices in music experiences for children within the ethos and vision of the Fred Rogers Center and its mission “to help children grow as confident, competent, and caring human beings,” according to a release.

“This partnership provides a fantastic opportunity for professionals to engage in rigorous academic research, while building upon a set of shared beliefs in the importance of music in the development of young children,” said Father Paul R. Taylor, Saint Vincent College president. “The Fred Rogers Center, with its consistent history of excellence in the field of child development, is once again on the cutting edge of research for the benefit of children.”

Musicians with notable credentials in scholarship, education or a related background will be considered. To align with the Gretsch company’s focus, a special invitation is offered to guitarists and drummers, although all musical backgrounds will be considered.

One Gretsch Fellow will be selected, with the fellowship beginning in fall 2020.

Hand in hand

“We are grateful for this opportunity to bring a musician/scholar as a Fred Rogers Fellow to the Center to explore the materials in our Archive and to study the many ways that Fred Rogers used music to connect with children about really important things in life,” said Fred Rogers Center executive director Roberta Schomburg. “Fred’s concern for children’s feelings was evident in the songs he created for ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.’ His love of music and his understanding of children went hand in hand.”

“Dinah and I have a guiding belief enriching lives through participation in music and we can think of no one who exemplified and lived that principle more than Fred Rogers,” said Fred Gretsch, CEO of Fred Gretsch Enterprises.

During the two-semester appointment, the Gretsch Fellow will be expected to conduct research in the Fred Rogers Archive and prepare a scholarly whitepaper, journal article or other scholarly product related to children and music. The center also has the capacity to support a “virtual” fellow to facilitate participation by academic faculty; preschool, kindergarten and elementary teachers; music educators, and others who may not be able to maintain a physical presence on campus.

Applications are now being accepted on the center’s website.

Details: 724-805-2750 or fredrogerscenter.org