Rosângela Sebba, a professor of piano, theory and ear training in MSU’s Department of Music, is a shining example of what it means to use your gifts to make a difference.

Music has played a key role throughout the life of the Mississippi State music professor. Growing up in Brazil, her music journey began with piano lessons at 6 years old. She quickly developed her passion, which led to music and piano performance study at Federal University in Goiás, Brazil, and later a move to the U.S. to earn her master’s and doctoral degrees in music. When she joined the MSU faculty in 2001, they had no idea the extraordinary impact she would have on students, the music department and the university.

In the fall of 2024, MSU celebrated a remarkable milestone—achievement of the All-Steinway School status. The prestigious distinction is held by less than 250 institutions globally, elevating the department and the university’s standing in the arts. Sebba initiated and spearheaded the 12-year campaign, recognizing how much the students and faculty would benefit from Steinway pianos.

“When I first started the All-Steinway Initiative, nobody thought it was going to happen, even myself,” Sebba said. “But when I start something, I have to finish. That’s who I am.”

Sebba worked closely with Trish Cunetto, former director of development for the College of Education, and Robert Klingbeil, director of institutional sales at the Steinway Piano Gallery of Nashville. Along the way, Sebba was named a Steinway Artist, John Grisham Master Teacher, two-time Steinway Teacher of the Year, Mississippi Music Teachers Association Outstanding Teacher, and the Mississippi representative for the Music Teachers National Association Teacher of the Year Award. She also started the Community Music School, which now has nearly 100 elementary and secondary students, and was inducted into Steinway & Sons Teachers Hall of Fame. And in 2022, the university opened a new $21 million, state-of-the-art Music Building that provides the perfect setting for the new Steinways.

“I still can’t believe this is where we are, and this is what we have. Before, we didn’t have the resources we needed, and it was a struggle to have even a small recital. Now we are equal to the world and on par with other institutions,” Sebba said.

Her accolades and accomplishments reflect her strong work ethic, talent and profound impact she makes on the lives of others. She said former students, even some who graduated 20 years ago, still keep in touch with her and ask for guidance.

“I want to be a resource and safe harbor for them to say whatever they want and guide them through it because that’s what I had with my former teachers,” Sebba said. “I can never thank them enough for what they did for me. So, I just want to pass that forward.”