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

The Music Man Foundation has named violinist-composer Curtis Stewart and arts executive Steven T. Benson to its Board of Directors. The additions bring artist and endowment-building experience to the Los Angeles foundation as it stewards Meredith Willson’s licensing royalties for arts organizations.

Why it matters: - The Music Man Foundation supports arts organizations with royalties from Meredith Willson’s work, so board changes can shape how that money is deployed. - Curtis Stewart adds an artist-educator perspective. - Steven T. Benson adds deep experience in endowment growth and arts philanthropy.

What happened: - The Music Man Foundation announced July 23, 2026, that Curtis Stewart and Steven T. Benson joined its Board of Directors. - The foundation is based in Los Angeles. - Stewart is a seven-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated violinist and composer. - Benson spent 10 years on Wall Street before moving into arts fundraising and leadership.

The details: - Stewart is the artistic director of the American Composers Orchestra. - Stewart teaches at The Juilliard School. - Stewart also performs with PUBLIQuartet and The Mighty Third Rail. - The New York Times described Stewart as “combining omnivory and brilliance.” - Benson has worked with the Music Center Foundation for more than 27 years. - Benson has served as president and CEO of the Music Center Foundation for the past 15 years. - Under Benson’s leadership, 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 broader access to the performing arts. - Sarah Lyding, executive director, said the two new directors bring different backgrounds that fit the foundation’s role as an artist legacy foundation. - The foundation honors Meredith Willson, who wrote the Tony Award®-winning musical The Music Man. - The foundation stewards licensing royalties from Willson’s works to benefit community organizations. - Stewart said he wants to help others find power in music through education, innovation, and diversity in classical music. - Benson said arts organizations can have a positive effect on their communities when they have security and room to innovate.

Between the lines: - Stewart’s appointment signals a stronger emphasis on working artists, education, and diversity in classical music. - Benson’s appointment points to a continued focus on financial stewardship and long-term growth. - The board mix suggests the foundation wants both artistic credibility and institutional fundraising expertise.

What's next: - Stewart and Benson will help guide the foundation’s grantmaking and broader strategy. - The foundation will continue directing 100% of profits from Willson’s licensing royalties to organizations using music for change. - Over the last decade, the foundation has awarded more than $32 million to 90 organizations. - The foundation’s work will continue to center on music education, health and wellness, and preservation of Meredith Willson’s legacy. - More information is available at the foundation’s website.