(Mary's) research is expanding our views of music education beyond schooling and 'art for art's sake' contexts.

We serve as a research center. But our most important role is education. We teach the history of the fire service - and we teach fire safety. That's the most important component.

The Americans . . . are almost ignorant of the art of music, one of the most elevating, innocent and refining of human tastes, whose influence on the habits and morals of a people is of the most beneficial tendency.

It's very rare in education that you find research as compelling and consistent. The data says that the late start is very positive for high school students.

The top 20 plan is just as much about improving undergraduate education as it is the research mission.

I directed '36 Views' (last spring at the Huntington) and we did tons of research on Japanese art and the art world to prepare for that play. But for 'The Real Thing' that isn't necessary. Everyone brings their own experiences because this play is about relationships and figuring out what is the real thing in love.