UCLA Library’s beloved music library was formally rededicated as the Walter H. Rubsamen Music Library during a reception and performance on November 15. The Rubsamen Music Library was originally named in honor of professor Walter H. Rubsamen in 1976. A member of the UCLA faculty from 1938 to 1973 and music department chair from 1967 to 1973, Rubsamen was a renaissance music scholar and advocate for music library holdings. He understood decades ago how essential libraries are to the study of music and the important role they play in student success. His legacy includes recognition as one of 15 music educators considered "founding faculty" of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
Today, thanks to Walter Rubsamen’s passion and early advocacy, the Music Library is home to one of the largest academic music collections in North America and is the oldest major music library on the West Coast of the United States. Pictured above are Rubsamen’s children, Glen Rubsamen, second from left, with his wife Rita McBride, and Valerie Rubsamen, fourth from right, with her children Laeo, Ivo and Ava Crnkovic-Rubsamen (left to right) and husband Cedo Crnkovic.Soprano Sabrina Langlois, who earned her master of vocal performance in 2023 and regularly performs in the Los Angeles Opera Chorus, presented a repertoire including works by Franz Schubert, Giacomo Puccini, Joseph Marx and Ricky Ian Gordon. Her performance, with accompaniment by John-Micah Braswell, captivated guests while recognizing professor Rubsamen’s love of opera.The Rubsamen Music Library is one of the most used UCLA Library spaces and collections and supports music study and performance at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, UCLA in general and throughout Southern California. Robert Fink, professor of musicology and music industry and a special academic senior associate dean, shares a message on behalf of UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Dean Eileen Strempel. Walter Rubsamen’s children, Valerie and Glen, pictured right, expanded Walter Rubsamen’s legacy by creating The Rubsamen Family Music Library Endowment, which supports the resources that meant so much to their father. Athena N. Jackson, Norman and Armena Powell University Librarian, said the gift will help those who "make the "music" of study, inspiration, research and creativity happen for our students, faculty and other researchers."In gratitude for the recently established Rubsamen Family Music Library Endowment, UCLA Library renamed The Whisper Room in Studio A in Rubsamen’s honor. Matthew Vest (left photo), music inquiry and research librarian, with help from ethnomusicology undergraduate Connor Gilbert (right photo), collaborated to demonstrate how this sound-isolated space can be used by students and faculty to create professional-level recordings that can advance careers and spark creativity. The Whisper Room can be reserved by students and faculty in any area of study across UCLA.
