Presser Foundation

The Presser Foundation was established in 1939 by the late Theodore Presser. Born in 1848, Presser provided for is family during the Civil War by molding cannon balls from the army during the Civil War, yet after the war, he found a job as a music clerk. Through his perseverance, he worked his way up to become the manager of the sheet music department. At age nineteen, he began to learn the art of the piano and eventually enrolled at Mt. Union College in Alliance, Ohio where he soon became an instructor. He later found the Department of Music at Ohio Wesleyan University and traveled to Europe to study under Reinecke, Jadassoh, and Swintscher. Upon his return to America, Presser began to publish “Etude”, a music magazine for enthusiasts which was a massive hit. Presser relocated to Philadelphia with his wealth from “Etude” and became a philanthropist. Enclosed in his will were the instructions to erect the Presser Foundation in order to provide funds strictly for the purpose of music philanthropy. The Foundation supports a variety of arts such as classical symphonic, chamber, choral, and vocal music. This scholarship is available to an outstanding rising senior that is chosen by the Department of Music.