About
Although the performing arts have been an integral part of the University of Michigan, dating to its founding in 1817—creativity was adopted as a core value from the start—the study of music, theatre, and dance was not formalized until later in the 19th century. Once established, each area evolved steadily, consistently attracting internationally renowned artists and scholars to serve as faculty and administrators. From the start, these visionaries have built rich curricular programs to rival the world’s finest conservatories, ultimately making the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) one of the nation’s top performing arts school, known for interdisciplinary experiences that can only be offered at a world-class research university.
