University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance: A Legacy of Performing Arts Excellence

The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) stands as a beacon of artistic education, nurturing talent and shaping the future of performing arts. Founded in 1880, the school has a rich history of innovation, performance, and academic excellence. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, SMTD provides a comprehensive and immersive environment for students to hone their skills and pursue their passions.

Historical Overview

The school's origins trace back to 1880 when it was established as the Ann Arbor School of Music. Henry Simmons Frieze, the founder and president of the Choral Union and the University Musical Society, played a pivotal role in advocating for the inclusion of music within the university's offerings. Initially an independent entity, the school was formally incorporated into the University of Michigan in 1929, marking a significant milestone in its development. Earl V. Moore, for whom the main music building is named, was dean at the time.

Throughout its history, SMTD has been guided by a succession of distinguished administrators and deans, including Charles Sink, Earl V. Moore, James B. Wallace, Allen Britton, Paul Boylan, Karen Wolff (2000-05), Christopher Kendall (2005-15), Aaron Dworkin (2015-18), and David Gier (2018-present). Each leader has contributed to the school's growth and evolution, ensuring its continued prominence in the world of performing arts education.

Campus and Facilities

SMTD's facilities are primarily located on the University of Michigan's north and central campuses.

North Campus

Earl V. Moore Building: The majority of the school's teaching spaces, faculty offices, and music library are located here. Named after a former dean, the building was designed by architect Eero Saarinen in a mid-century modern style. Saarinen originally envisioned an L-shaped building with a circular concert hall, but the completed structure, finished in 1964, is a five-level pavilion with flanking wings, built into a hill overlooking a pond. The brick-clad concrete structure features narrow vertical windows contrasting with horizontal brick patterns, representing piano keys. The brick color is "Cranbrook Buff," referencing the Cranbrook Education Community campus. The original building had rehearsal/concert halls, teaching studios, classrooms, offices, a large library, and practice rooms.
Stearns Building
Walgreen Drama Center: Includes the Arthur Miller Theater and the Stamps Auditorium. The Miller Theater is the only theater authorized by Arthur Miller's estate to bear his name.
Dance Building
Lurie Carillon
James and Anne Duderstadt Center: Houses additional studios.

Central Campus

Hill Auditorium
Power Center
Burton Memorial Tower: Houses the Charles Baird Carillon.

South Campus

William D. Revelli Hall

Academic Departments and Programs

The School of Music, Theatre & Dance offers a wide range of degrees from the bachelor's to the doctoral level, encompassing various disciplines within the performing arts. These departments include:

Department of Dance: Offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in Dance.
Department of Music Theory: Offers Bachelor of Music (BM) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Music Theory, as well as a PhD in Composition & Music Theory and a Certificate in Music Theory Pedagogy.
Department of Musical Theatre: Offers a BFA in Musical Theatre.
Department of Theatre & Drama: Offers a BFA in Theatre Performance (Acting, Directing), a BFA in Theatre Design and Production, a BFA in Interarts Performance, and a Bachelor of Theatre Arts (BTA) in Theatre, along with a Minor in Playwriting.
Department of Voice & Opera: Offers BM, Bachelor of Musical Arts (BMA), Master of Music (MM), Specialist, and Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degrees in Performance.

Performance Opportunities

The university offers numerous opportunities for musicians to perform in various ensembles. SMTD puts on more than a dozen main stage productions and concerts every year.

Wind Ensembles: Under the University Bands, these ensembles offer training and performance opportunities for students. The Symphony Band and Concert Band are the top ensembles.
Michigan Marching Band: Provides music and entertainment at university athletic events.
Orchestras: The university has multiple orchestras that provide performance opportunities.
Basement Arts: This student-run organization allows students to direct, produce, and star in studio productions.
MUSKET: Founded in 1908, MUSKET is a student-run organization that puts on two large-scale musical productions each year.
University of Michigan Gilbert and Sullivan Society (UMGASS): Produces main stage productions of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas annually.

Special Programs and Initiatives

SMTD is home to several unique programs and initiatives that enrich the educational experience and contribute to the broader community.

Javanese Gamelan Ensemble

Since the 1960s, the school has housed one of the longest-established Javanese gamelan ensembles in the United States. Known as Kyai Telaga Madu (Venerable Lake of Honey), the ensemble has been at the university since 1966. From 1968 until 2002, the ensemble was under the direction of faculty ethnomusicologist Judith Becker.

Michigan Performance Outreach Workshop (MPOW)

Founded in 2011 by musical theatre students Ashley Park and Laura Reed, MPOW coordinates a one-day event each semester that brings 5th-grade students from Southeast Michigan for arts performances and lessons. University of Michigan students from various disciplines lead these activities free of charge, providing youth with limited creative outlets exposure to the performing arts.

The Gershwin Initiative

In 2013, the School partnered with the Gershwin family to create a two-part initiative bringing George and Ira Gershwin's music to students, scholars, performers, and audiences worldwide through new critical editions of their works. "An American in Paris" and the jazz band version of "Rhapsody in Blue" were planned as the first editions published.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Impact and Recognition

According to a financial report submitted in 1966, the University of Michigan had the second-largest academic music school in the United States, after the University of Indiana School of Music. This underscores the school's historical significance and its impact on music education nationwide.

Recent Developments

In recent years, SMTD has continued to invest in its facilities and programs to enhance the student experience and maintain its position as a leader in performing arts education.

Moore Building Renovation and Expansion: In 2012, University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman announced an $8 million gift from William K. Brehm and Delores S. Brehm toward renovating and expanding the Moore Building. Additional funding was allocated from the university, with the remaining balance raised through fundraising, including a gift from Glenn E. Watkins, emeritus professor of musicology.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

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