The Emergence of a Musical Life

"If music be the food of love, play on." William Shakespeare might have written these glorious words in affirmation of the life of Charles H. Webb, who grew from a small boy with the surprising ability to play piano by ear to become dean of one of the most prestigious schools of music in the world, Indiana University (IU) Jacobs School of Music. In The Emergence of a Musical Life: A Retrospective on Charles H. Webb, the author chronicles his upbringing in Dallas, Texas, and the support he received from his parents, grandparents, early teachers, and the church, all of whom nurtured his extraordinary talent. As he grew, his opportunities to make music grew too, as did numerous pivotal relationships that opened the door to a career spent building an internationally recognized school of music. As dean at IU's school of music for nearly a quarter century, with the gracious support of his beloved wife, Kenda, Webb took the school from respected to revered. Along the way, his relationships with outstanding musicians such as Fred Waring, Sylvia McNair, and Leonard Bernstein as well as endlessly generous faculty members, alumni, and donors enriched his life and that of his family. Today, having come nearly full circle, Webb's continued association with music and the church remains a musical center of his life.