University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance

The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD), established as a formal entity in the late 19th century, has evolved into one of the nation's premier institutions for the performing arts. With a history dating back to the founding of the University of Michigan in 1817, where creativity was embraced as a core value, SMTD has grown in stature and scope, attracting internationally renowned artists and scholars to its faculty. The roots of SMTD can be traced to 1880 when Henry Simmons Frieze, the founder and president of the Choral Union and the University Musical Society (UMS), advocated for the inclusion of music in the University's course offerings and the establishment of a professorship in the subject. Calvin Cady was appointed as the first instructor in music later that year, and the Ann Arbor School of Music, SMTD's predecessor, opened its doors. Initially operating independently and later under the auspices of UMS, the school was eventually integrated into the University in 1929, with Earl V. Moore as its director. Throughout the early 20th century, the school expanded its offerings to include dance and theatre, although these disciplines were housed in other University units for many years. It was not until the 1970s and 1980s that the Departments of Dance and Theatre & Drama were incorporated into the School, reflecting its comprehensive nature. Over the years, additional departments such as Musical Theatre, Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation, Performing Arts Technology, Entrepreneurship & Leadership, and Chamber Music were established to cater to the growing interests and needs of students. The physical footprint of SMTD has also expanded over time, with significant developments including the construction of the Earl V. Moore Building in 1964, designed by the eminent architect Eero Saarinen, and its subsequent expansions. The Walgreen Drama Center and the new Dance Building, completed in 2007 and 2021 respectively, have further consolidated SMTD's presence on the University's North Campus. SMTD's mission is to foster an environment of educational and artistic excellence, nurturing creativity, academic integrity, and professionalism. As part of a leading public research university, SMTD is committed to providing leadership in music, theatre, and dance, serving the community with public performances, cultural resources, and outreach programs. The School has been led by a series of distinguished deans, including Earl V. Moore, James B. Wallace, Allen P. Britton, Paul Boylan, Karen L. Wolff, Christopher W. Kendall, Aaron P. Dworkin, and, since 2018, David Gier. Under their leadership, SMTD has continued to thrive, distinguished by its synergy of scholarship, artistry, and comprehensive education across all performance disciplines, as well as in research and pedagogy.