Kelli Daugherty, a rising senior in flute performance and music theory, was named the 2020 Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award recipient by the Theodore Presser Foundation. Through the generosity of the Presser Foundation, this award is given annually to an SMTD student for their musical and academic merit. Daugherty, who studies flute under Professor Amy Porter,…

We acknowledge and appreciate the feedback from SMTD students, faculty, and staff that was shared in the past few weeks, addressing actions that SMTD can and must take in addressing bias of all forms and, especially, racism. In listening and learning during this time, we have been continuously humbled by the importance of recognizing intersectionality—learning…

Johanna Kepler, BFA Dance ’20

As a choreographer, dancer, and activist, Johanna came to Michigan to meld her talents as an artist with her passion for social justice. And now, she’s doing this by developing projects like her new interview series, The Power of the Performing Arts. Read more

Michael Kropf, DMA student in composition

When Michael arrived at Michigan, he was struck by the ways faculty support each student’s musical journey. This hasn’t changed during the pandemic. With help from Prof. Matt Albert, Michael just held a virtual premiere of his new composition “Distant Sea” with 14 performers playing each part from home. Read more

Professor Danielle Belen

Focused on resilient teaching in the wake of COVID-19, Danielle Belen shares how her pedagogical approach is changing to meet the needs of her students. Read more