Music study often starts at the keyboard. For centuries, the majestic and versatile piano and its forebears have served as the basic teaching tool for any school of music–and, more broadly, as the foundation of a viable performing arts education. “Keyboard skills are considered basic musicianship,” says Robert Grijalva, director and assistant professor of piano…

What is a quintessential “Michigan experience”? For many, it’s that initial thrill of seeing the Michigan Marching Band enter the stadium…the stirring pride of hearing a U-M ensemble perform “The Victors”…the buzz of excitement in a packed Hill Auditorium that precedes the start of the annual Collage Concert. The fact is, a large number of…

Like many School of Music, Theatre & Dance students, Henry Nettleton, a musical theatre junior, chose U-M based on the faculty. While in high school, he attended SMTD’s “MPulse” summer program for musical theatre, run by Department of Musical Theatre chair Brent Wagner. “I was astounded at Professor Wagner’s scholarship and specificity, and his attention…

Since moving into its first official headquarters on Maynard Street 120 years ago, the teaching and performance facilities of U-M’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance have slowly but steadily evolved (see timeline). That evolution continues in 2014 when the 50-year-old Moore Building is slated to undergo a major renovation and expansion, bringing the Eero…

Congratulations to the winners of the 2013 Commencement Awards from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. The Albert A. Stanley Medal is the highest honor awarded by the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. It commemorates the long and distinguished service of Albert A. Stanley, Director of the School of Music…