The Music Man Foundation adds Curtis Stewart and Steve Benson to board

The Music Man Foundation has named violinist, composer and educator Curtis Stewart and arts executive Steve Benson to its Board of Directors. The appointments add artist and finance leadership as the foundation expands support for music-driven community organizations and the legacy of Meredith Willson.

Why it matters: - The Music Man Foundation uses Willson licensing royalties to fund organizations that use music to drive community impact. - Adding Stewart and Benson brings two different viewpoints to the board: artistic practice and arts-finance management. - The board additions come as the foundation says it continues supporting music education, health and wellness, and broader access to the performing arts.

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 is the former president and CEO of the Music Center Foundation. - The announcement was made in Los Angeles.

The details: - Stewart has been praised by The New York Times for “combining omnivory and brilliance.” - Stewart also serves as artistic director of the American Composers Orchestra, professor at The Juilliard School, and a member of PUBLIQuartet and The Mighty Third Rail. - Stewart said his background in a musical family shaped his view of education, innovation and diversity in classical music. - Benson spent 10 years on Wall Street before moving into arts philanthropy more than 27 years ago. - Benson led the Music Center Foundation for the past 15 years. - During Benson’s tenure, the Music Center Foundation grew to nearly $320 million in assets. - Benson’s work with the Music Center resident companies focused on expanding resources for arts education and access to the performing arts. - Sarah Lyding, executive director, said the two appointments align with the foundation’s role as an artist legacy foundation. - Lyding said the foundation honors the legacy of Meredith Willson, who wrote the Tony Award®-winning musical “The Music Man,” and stewards licensing royalties from Willson’s works for community organizations. - Benson said he has seen how arts organizations can innovate when they have financial security. - Benson said he is honored to join the board members stewarding the foundation’s work. - The foundation said it has awarded more than $32 million to 90 organizations over the last decade. - The foundation donates 100% of profits from Willson’s licensing royalties to organizations using music to catalyze change. - 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 balance between artistic credibility and institutional fundraising experience. - Stewart’s presence may help the foundation stay close to working musicians, educators and classical-music diversity efforts. - Benson’s background signals attention to endowment growth and long-term financial stability.

What’s next: - Stewart and Benson will join the board as the foundation continues directing royalties toward arts organizations. - The foundation is likely to keep emphasizing music education, wellness and access as core grantmaking themes. - The board will help steer future support for groups that use music to create community change.