Building Bridges: From Classroom to Career
View from the Pond
A Musical Tribute to H. Robert Reynolds | Burton Tower’s 90th Anniversary Celebrated with Renovations | SMTD Launches the Student Success Office | Spring 2026 Commencement Launches a New Class of SMTD Graduates
Enriching the Vibrant Chamber Music Department Through Artist Residencies
Maximizing Podium Time: Campus Ensembles Provide DMA Conducting Students with Abundant Opportunities to Lead
The Senior Showcase: A Performance Like No Other
SMTD Community Updates
Dean’s Reflection
Dean Gier reflects on some of the many ways SMTD students gain professional experience and forge important connections in preparation for fulfilling, sustainable careers.
In Memoriam
Lawrence David Bell (1946–2026) | Catherine Nadon-Gabrion Carignan (1940–2026) | Ruth A. Leney-Midkiff (1963–2026) | Judy Fielman Rice (1961–2026) | Donald L. Sanderson (1945–2026) | SMTD Graduates of the 1950s-1980s
Giving Update
SMTD acknowledges and gives thanks for recent major gifts and pledges in the areas of student support, program support, capital needs, and planned gifts. Learn more about SMTD’s Friends groups, where contributions go well beyond financial donations and make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.
About Michigan Muse
The University of Michigan, School of Music, Theatre & Dance Administrative Officers
David Gier, Dean and Paul Boylan Collegiate Professor of Music
Kate Fitzpatrick, Senior Associate Dean
Christi-Anne Castro, Associate Dean for Faculty Development
Jason Corey, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies
Michael Gould, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs
Mica Harrison Loosemore, Assistant Dean of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Enrollment Management
Ericka Bigelow, Chief Advancement Officer
Eli Salembier, Chief Administrative Officer
DeeDee Ulintz, Director of Academic & Student Affairs
© 2026 Regents of the University of Michigan
Jordan B. Acker, Michael J. Behm, Mark J. Bernstein, Paul W. Brown, Sarah Hubbard, Denise Ilitch, Carl J. Meyers, Katherine E. White, Domenico Grasso, ex officio
A Non-discriminatory Employer.
Beth Miller, Director of Marketing, Communications & Campaign Strategy
Judy Galens, Editor
[email protected]
Brandon Monzon, Assistant Editor
Ray Salazar, Lead Graphic Designer, Illustrator
Liam Crnkovich, Assistant Graphic Designer
Tracy Payovich, Digital Content Specialist
Chris Boyes, Photographer
Robert Coelius, Photographer
About the front cover image
Francisco Fernandez (DMA ’26, orchestral conducting) leads the Campus Symphony Orchestra in Hill Auditorium, April 2026. Photo: Lucas Chen
About the back cover image
Fans enjoy the Summer Carillon Concert Series at Lurie Tower on North Campus, July 2026. Photo: Peter Smith