LSU School of Music Joins Forces with J.W. Pepper to Champion Emerging Composers

The LSU School of Music is thrilled to announce a visionary new initiative, partnering with industry leader J.W. Pepper and fellow academic powerhouse Penn State University to elevate and empower the voices of emerging composers. This collaborative effort offers a unique platform for student composers to take their work beyond the classroom and into the wider world—one measure at a time.

Opening the Score: A New Avenue for Young Composers

At the heart of this initiative is J.W. Pepper’s My Score platform, a digital publishing tool designed to put the power of distribution directly into the hands of composers. For LSU students, this means more than just exposure—it means ownership. Through My Score, composers maintain full copyright of their original works while having the ability to publish, sell, and promote their sheet music to a national audience.

The initiative also encourages integration with real-time performance, allowing recordings from LSU ensembles and other performers to be embedded alongside the compositions. This pairing of sound and score offers potential performers across the globe a clearer, more compelling look at the works being created here in Baton Rouge.

The Power of Partnership

This is more than a publishing opportunity—it’s a carefully orchestrated alliance between education and industry. By linking arms with J.W. Pepper, one of the most recognized names in music retail, and Penn State, a university equally committed to artistic innovation, LSU is helping lay a foundation for student composers to thrive in today’s ever-evolving music landscape.

Dr. James Byo, Director of the LSU School of Music, sees the initiative as a long-overdue bridge between academia and industry. The initiative is, "...a distinct opportunity generator...allowing our composers to gain exposure in select company," he says. "It provides students a tangible goal of what strong portfolio development looks like. We are grateful to be included in this venture."

Fostering Real-World Creative Confidence

For young composers, the leap from classroom to career can be daunting. This initiative demystifies that journey. Through guided workshops, mentorship, and ongoing support, students not only publish their work—they learn to navigate the business side of music, gaining insight into marketing, networking, and sustainable creative practices.

Students who participate will walk away not just with published scores, but with confidence and career momentum. It’s not just about launching music—it’s about launching careers.

It’s a moment that feels especially timely. In a cultural climate increasingly hungry for new voices, fresh sounds, and inclusive programming, LSU’s emerging composers are poised to make meaningful contributions to the musical canon—and this initiative ensures their work won’t go unheard.

Looking Ahead

As the first pieces begin to populate the My Score platform, the LSU School of Music community will be watching with pride—and listening with excitement. The partnership with J.W. Pepper and Penn State isn’t just a project; it’s a promise. A promise to amplify new voices. A promise to champion creativity. And a promise to ensure that when LSU students compose, the world has the chance to hear them.

To explore student works as they debut, or to learn more about the initiative, visit the LSU School of Music or read the full announcement on J.W. Pepper’s blog.