COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- A Missouri couple wants to see the state become a hub for turning out world-class fine arts composers.

Retired investment company executives, Rex and Jeanne Sinquefield, have contributed $1 million toward the effort through their charitable foundation.

The goal is to transform the University of Missouri-Columbia into a center for new music. The name for the undertaking is the Mizzou New Music Initiative.

It will consolidate existing efforts, such as offering prize money for young composers who submit original compositions.

New programs also will be added.

Jeanne Sinquefield says it's important to "find the genius people and develop them."