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

The Music Man Foundation has named violinist-composer Curtis Stewart and nonprofit leader Steven T. Benson to its Board of Directors. The appointments bring artistic and fundraising experience to the foundation as it stewards Meredith Willson licensing royalties for arts and community organizations.

Why it matters: - The Music Man Foundation is adding two directors with different but complementary backgrounds in performing arts and nonprofit finance. - The board additions support the foundation’s work as an artist legacy organization that funds music, arts education and community impact. - The foundation also manages licensing royalties tied to Meredith Willson’s works, making board experience in both art and endowment growth especially relevant.

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 foundation made the announcement in Los Angeles.

The details: - Stewart is also an 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 spent 10 years on Wall Street before moving into arts philanthropy more than 27 years ago. - Benson led the Music Center Foundation for 15 years. - During Benson’s presidency, 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 directors’ different backgrounds fit the foundation’s interests 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 work across styles, cultures and musical traditions. - Stewart said he wants to help others find power in music through education, musical innovation and diversity in classical music. - Benson said arts organizations can have a positive impact when they have security and room to innovate. - Benson said he is honored to join the board members stewarding the foundation’s work. - The foundation says it donates 100% of profits from Willson’s licensing royalties to organizations using music to drive change and amplify his legacy. - Over the last decade, the foundation has awarded more than $32 million to 90 organizations. - Willson also wrote “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas” and the University of Iowa fight song. - More information is available at the foundation’s website.

Between the lines: - Stewart’s artistic and academic work points to a board seat focused on creative leadership and education. - Benson’s endowment and fundraising background suggests the foundation is also valuing financial stewardship and organizational growth. - The appointments signal an emphasis on widening the foundation’s reach across arts access, health and wellness, and music education.

What's next: - Stewart and Benson will help guide the foundation’s grantmaking and legacy stewardship as it continues supporting arts and community organizations. - The foundation is likely to lean on their experience as it manages royalty income and evaluates organizations using music for social impact.

The bottom line: - The Music Man Foundation is pairing artistic credibility with nonprofit finance expertise as it expands the board behind its music-based philanthropy.