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University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance

University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance

Department of Conducting

about

The Conducting Department offers exceptional training to talented musicians. Intensive study with a major artist-teacher and performance experience are the foundation for developing highly qualified, professional conductors. The graduate program in conducting at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance has consistently been ranked first in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

faculty

Jerry O. Blackstone (Chair)

Michael Haithcock

Christopher Kendall

Associated Faculty

Judith Petty

Kenneth Kiesler

Christopher Lees

news

image for MMB Appoints Assistant Director

MMB Appoints Assistant Director

Andrea Brown has been named the new assistant director of the Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands, the first woman to fill that role in the history of the MMB. more

image for Music Students Perform Milhaud's Epic "Oresteian Trilogy"

Music Students Perform Milhaud's Epic "Oresteian Trilogy"

SMTD students, with UMS Choral Union, form a 450-strong orchestra and choir to present and record Milhaud's monumental oratorio. more

See more department news

image for Brehm Prize in Choral Composition Awarded

Brehm Prize in Choral Composition Awarded

Gregory Simon, a DMA student in composition, is the winner of SMTD's 2013 Brehm Prize in Choral Composition. more

Glen Thomas Rideout

SMTD Students Shine at National Student Conducting Awards

Glen Thomas Rideout took first place at the National Student Conducting Awards Competition. more

Jerry Blackstone conducts the University Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Choir in the Brahms Reqiuem.

Kenneth Kiesler conducts the University Symphony Orchestra and University Choir

Graduate student Arian Khaefi

Christopher James Lees rehearsing University Philharmonia Orchestra

Scott Boerma conducts at Band-O-Rama

Michael Haithcock rehearses the Symphony Band at the Beijing National Center for the Performing Arts.

Conducting class

Julie Skadsem leads the Chamber Choir during Collage

"The conducting program at Michigan is so good because it has as its legacy a long tradition of great teachers; it has a great history to build on."

Michael Haithcock, Director, University Bands and Professor of Conducting