School of Music, Theatre
and Dance

Varner Hall, Room 207
371 Varner Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4485
(location map)
Academic Office: (248) 370-2030
Box Office: (248) 370-3013
Fax: (248) 370-2041
[email protected]

Faculty and Staff

The School of Music, Theatre and Dance has a world-class faculty of actors, choreographers, composers, conductors, dancers, designers, directors, instrumentalists, scholars, singers and more. While the work of our faculty in the performing arts is wide-ranging, they all share a singular commitment to teaching and mentoring students. In collaboration with our faculty, students are transformed through experiences in the classroom, rehearsal space, practice room, studio and beyond.

SMTD Administration
Academic Leaders
Elisabeth Honn Hoegberg, Ph.DDirector, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Professor of Music
[email protected]
Kerro Knox 3, M.F.A.Associate Director, School of Music,
Theatre and Dance

Professor of Theatre
[email protected]
(248) 370-3025
Elizabeth Kattner, Ph.D.Assistant Director, School of Music,
Theatre and Dance
Coordinator of Assessment and Evaluation
Associate Professor of Dance
[email protected]
(248) 370-2917
Jeffrey Heisler, D.M.A.Chair, Department of Music
Associate Professor of Music
[email protected]
Jeremy Barnett, M.F.A.Chair, Department of Theatre
Associate Professor of Theatre
[email protected]
Gregory Patterson, M.F.A.Chair, Department of Dance
Associate Professor of Dance
[email protected]
(248) 370-3009
Office Staff
Kristina AllenOffice Assistant II[email protected]
(248) 370-2033
Sean DelaneyCommunications Associate[email protected]
Jaime FinnOffice Assistant III[email protected] 
(248) 370-2035
Lisa HinchmanBusiness Manager
(248) 370-2046
Michelle TschirhartRecruitment and Outreach Manager[email protected]
(248) 370-2039
Marketing Manager[email protected]
Production Staff
Joseph BeckTechnical Director[email protected]
Katherine BoersmaProduction and Facilities Manager[email protected]
(248) 370-3012
Box Office ManagerMegan Herald[email protected]
Megan HeraldAssistant Production and Facilities Manager[email protected]
(248) 370-3013
Terry HeraldTechnical Coordinator, Sound Technician [email protected] 
Christa Koerner Costume Shop Supervisor[email protected]
(248) 370-3011
Collaborative Pianists
Laura BlanchardCollaborative Pianist for Musical Theatre[email protected]
Cat DacpanoCollaborative Pianist for Musical Theatre[email protected]
Frank PittsCollaborative Pianist for Musical Theatre[email protected]
Aran KimCollaborative Pianist for Vocal Music[email protected]
Alissa HetznerCollaborative Pianist for Musical Theatre[email protected]
Mike ListCollaborative Pianist for Dance
Amanda Sabelhaus Collaborative Pianist for Vocal Music
Coordinator of Collaborative Piano, Voice
[email protected]
Amy SauveCollaborative Pianist for Vocal Music[email protected]
Won Kyung ShinCollaborative Pianist for Instrumental Music[email protected]
Philip SolomonickCollaborative Pianist for Instrumental Music
Marina StojanovskaCollaborative Pianist for Vocal Music[email protected]
Hannah WatsonCollaborative Pianist for Vocal Music[email protected]
I-Chen YehCollaborative Pianist for Instrumental Music
Coordinator of Collaborative Piano, Instrumental
[email protected]
Undergraduate Advisors
Jim BilinskiUndergraduate Academic Advisor
Matt PrenticeUndergraduate Academic Advisor[email protected]
Music Ensemble Staff
Joan HovdaOrchestra Librarian, OSO
Sherri MartillaOrchestra Manager, OSO
Michele SorokaOrchestra Management Assistant[email protected]
Department of Music
Music Theory and Musicology
NameTitleContact Information
Melissa Hoag, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Music
Music Theory Program Coordinator
Master's Program Coordinator
[email protected]
(248) 370-4153
David Kidger, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Music, Musicology
Music History Program Co-Coordinator
[email protected]
(248) 370-4308
Jessica Payette, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Music, Musicology 
Music History Program Co-Coordinator
[email protected]
(248) 370-3148
Sarah Komer, M.M.Lecturer, Music
Music Theory
[email protected]
Stephen Komer, M.M.Special Lecturer, Music
Music Theory
[email protected]
Victoria Shively, M.M.Special Lecturer, Music 
Music Theory and History, Opera Coach
Music Director, opera production
[email protected]
(248) 370-3321
Music Education
NameTitleContact Information
Cat Bennett, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of Music
Music Education Field Services Coordinator
[email protected]
Pamela L. Klena, D.M.A.Assistant Professor of Music[email protected]
(248) 370-2287
Joseph Shively, Ed.D.Associate Professor of Music
Senior Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
[email protected]
Deborah VanderLinde, Ph.D.Associate Professor, Music Education,
Coordinator, Doctoral Program in Music Education
[email protected]

Lauri A. Hogle, Ph.D.

Lecturer, Music
Music Education

[email protected]
248-370-2763
Niki Rose, M.Ed.Lecturer, Music[email protected]
P. David Visnaw II, M.M.Lecturer, Music
Music Education
[email protected]
Ensembles and Conducting
NameTitleContact Information
Gregory Cunningham, Ed. D.Professor of Music
Instrumental Conducting
Instrumental Program Coordinator
[email protected]
(248) 370-3015
Pamela L. Klena, D.M.A.Assistant Professor of Music[email protected]
(248) 370-2287
Kenneth Kroesche, D.M.A.Professor of Music
Applied Brass, Brass Band and Ensembles
Brass Program Coordinator
[email protected]
(248) 370-4303
Michael Mitchell, D.M.A Professor of Music
Director of Choral Activities
[email protected]
(248) 370-2002
Zeljko (Bill) Milicevic, M.M.Lecturer, Music
Chamber Orchestra
[email protected] 
Music Technology
NameTitleContact Information
Ben Fuhrman, D.M.A.Lecturer, Music
Music Technology and Composition
[email protected]
Terry Herald, M.M.Lecturer, Music
Audio Technology
[email protected]
Music for the non-major
NameTitleContact Information
Kristen Tait, D.M.A. Special Lecturer, Music
Music for the Non-Major
[email protected]
Carly Uhrig, M.A. Lecturer, Music
Foundations of Rock 
[email protected]
Phyllis White, Ph.D.Special Lecturer, Music 
Music for the Non-Major
[email protected] 

Applied Music

Keyboard
NameTitleContact Information
Tian Tian, D.M.A.Associate Professor of Music
Piano Performance and Pedagogy
[email protected]
Dennis Curry, M.M.Applied Instructor, Carillon[email protected]
Laura Blanchard, M.M.Lecturer, Music[email protected]
Rebecca Happel, D.M.A.Applied Instructor, Piano
Lecturer, Music
[email protected]
(248) 370-4152
Lois Kaarre, M.M.Special Lecturer, Music
Keyboard Classes
[email protected]
(248) 370-2913
I-Chen Yeh, D.M.A. Applied Instructor, Piano
Coordinator of Instrumental Accompanying
[email protected]
Voice
NameTitleContact Information
Alta Marie Boover, D.M.A.Assistant Professor of Music
Applied Voice
[email protected]
(248) 370-2943
Drake Dantzler, D.M.A.Associate Professor of Music
Applied Voice
Opera Program Coordinator
[email protected]
(248) 370-2042
John-Paul White, Perf. Cert. Distinguished Professor of Music
Voice Program Coordinator
[email protected]
(248) 370-2040
Barbara Bland, M.M.Applied Instructor, Voice [email protected]
(248) 370-4309
Edith Diggory, D.M.A.Adjunct Assistant Professor, Voice[email protected] 
(248) 370-3019
Nicole JosephLecturer, Applied Voice[email protected]
Melissa Maloney, M.M.Applied Instructor, Voice [email protected]
(248) 370-2943
Katya Powder Lecturer of Music, Voice[email protected]
Constantine Novotny, M.M.Lecturer, Music[email protected]
Katrina VanMaanen, MMLecturer, Music[email protected]
Brass
NameTitleContact Information
Kenneth Kroesche, D.M.A.Professor of MusicApplied Brass, Brass Band and Ensembles
Brass Program Coordinator
[email protected]
(248) 370-4303
Amanda Ross, D.M.A.Visiting Assistant Professor of Music
Applied Trumpet
[email protected]
David Denniston, D.M.A.Applied Instructor, Horn[email protected]
Brandon Thibault, M.M.Applied Instructor, Tuba[email protected]
Woodwinds
NameTitleContact Information
Jeffrey Heisler, D.M.A.Chair, Department of Music
Associate Professor of Music
Applied Saxophone
[email protected]
(248) 370-2871
Stacey Jamison, M.M.Lecturer, Music
Applied Bassoon
[email protected]
Brandon LePageApplied Instructor, Flute
Flute Ensemble
[email protected]
Timothy Michling, M.M. M.P.A.Applied Instructor, Oboe [email protected] 
Alex Sellers, M.M.Lecturer, Music
Applied Saxophone
[email protected]
Ralph Skiano, B.M.DSO Affiliate Applied Faculty, Clarinet[email protected]
Cornelia SommerDSO Affiliate Faculty, Applied Bassoon
Michelle Doyle Tschirhart, M.M., Artist DiplomaLecturer, Applied Clarinet[email protected]
Jeffery Zook, M.M. DSO Affiliate Applied Faculty, Flute [email protected] 
Strings
NameTitleContact Information
Bret Hoag, M.M.Applied Instructor, Guitar
Special Lecturer, Music
[email protected]
John Kennedy, M.M.Lecturer, Applied Double Bass[email protected]
Roman KosarevApplied Instructor, Viola[email protected]
Úna O'RiordanDSO Affiliate Applied Faculty, Cello[email protected]
Elizabeth Rowin, M.M.Applied Instructor, Violin
Lecturer, Music
Coordinator, Chamber Music
[email protected] 
Percussion
NameTitleContact Information
Justin Lamb, D.M.A.Lecturer, Applied Percussion[email protected]
Mark Stone, M.M.Professor of Music
World Music and Percussion
Coordinator, World Music and Percussion
[email protected]
Jazz and World Music
NameTitleContact Information
Mark Stone, M.M.Professor of Music
World Music and Percussion
Coordinator, World Music and Percussion
[email protected] 
Enrique Rios-Ellis, D.M.A.Visiting Professor of Music[email protected]
Patrick Fitzgibbon, M.M.Special Lecturer, Music
World Music
[email protected]
Scott Gwinnell, M.M.Special Lecturer, Music
Applied Instructor, Jazz Piano
[email protected]
Marion Hayden, B.A.Applied Instructor, Jazz Bass[email protected]
Mark KiemeApplied Instructor, Jazz Saxophone[email protected]
Gayelynn McKinneyApplied Instructor, Jazz Percussion[email protected]
Jay Shankar BalanApplied Instructor, Indian Raga[email protected]
Collaborative Pianists
NameTitleContact Information
Amanda SabelhausCollaborative Pianist accompanying Voice
Coordinator of Vocal Accompanying
[email protected]
I-Chen YehCollaborative Pianist for Instrumental Music
Coordinator of Instrumental Accompanying
[email protected]
Department of Theatre
Name Title Contact Information
Jeremy Barnett, M.F.A.Interim Chair, Department of Theatre
Doris and Paul Travis Associate Professor of Theatre
Theatre Design and Technology Program Coordinator
Scenic Design
[email protected]

Joseph Beck, M.F.A.Technical Director
Lecturer, Theatre
Stagecraft
[email protected]
Laura Blanchard, M.M.Vocal Coach
Collaborative Pianist for Musical Theatre
[email protected]
Rick Carver, B.A.Lecturer, Theatre
Mime, Acting for Non-Theatre Majors
[email protected]
Kelli Crump, M.F.A.Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre[email protected]
Cat Dacpano, B.M.Vocal Coach
Collaborative Pianist for Musical Theatre
[email protected]
Kitty Dubin, M.A.Lecturer, Theatre
Playwriting
[email protected]
Dana Gamarra, B.F.A. Lecturer, Theatre
Stage Management
[email protected] 
Milica Govich, M.F.A.Special Lecturer, Theatre
Acting Coach
Acting for the Camera
[email protected] 
David Gram, M.F.A.Assistant Professor of Theatre
Acting, Directing
[email protected]
Anthony Guest, M.F.A.Associate Professor of Theatre
Acting, Directing 
[email protected]
(248) 370-3023
Beth Guest, M.F.A.Special Lecturer, Theatre 
Musical Theatre History
[email protected]
Teri Hansen, M.M.Visiting Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre

[email protected]

Alissa HetznerVocal Coach
Collaborative Pianist for Musical Theatre
[email protected]
Lisa Kander, Ph.D.Lecturer, Theatre
Theatre History
[email protected] 
Christa Koerner, M.F.A.Costume Shop Supervisor
Lecturer, Theatre
Costume Construction
[email protected]
Kerro Knox 3, M.F.A. Associate Director, School of Music, Theatre and Dance
Associate Professor of Theatre

Lighting Design, History
[email protected]
(248) 370-3025
Karen Kozlowski, MFALecturer, Theatre
Scenic Painting, Computer Design
[email protected]
Lynnae Lehfeldt, M.F.A. Doris & Paul Travis Professor of Theatre 
Voice and Movement
[email protected]
(248) 370-2956
Whitney Locher, M.F.A.Assistant Professor of Theatre
Costume Design, Stage Makeup
[email protected]
Thomas Mahard, B.A.Special Lecturer, Theatre 
Theatre for Non-Majors
[email protected] 
Frank Pitts, B.A.Vocal Coach
Collaborative Pianist for Musical Theatre
[email protected]
Karen Sheridan, M.F.A. Distinguished Professor of Theatre
Co-founder, Classical Theatre Study in Greece Program
Acting, Directing
[email protected]
(248) 370-2045
Sam TransleauVisiting Assistant Professor in Design and Production[email protected]
Blake Whyte, M.M.Visiting Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre
(248) 370-2605
Sara Catheryn Wolf, M.F.A.Lecturer, Theatre[email protected]
Department of Dance
NameTitle Contact Information 
Gregory Patterson, M.F.A.

Chair, Department of Dance
Associate Professor of Dance

[email protected]
(248) 370-3009
Deavondre Jones

Lecturer, Dance

Eliza Lanham Jones, B.F.A.

Lecturer, Dance

[email protected]
Thayer Jonutz, M.F.A.

Associate Professor of Dance
Director, OU Repertory Dance Company

[email protected]
(248) 370-2804
Elizabeth Kattner, Ph.D.

Assistant Director, School of Music, Theatre and Dance: Coordinator of Assessment and Evaluation
Doris and Paul Travis Associate Professor of Dance
Dance History and Dance in Culture
Dance Education Program Coordinator

[email protected]
(248) 370-2917
Amanda LehmanLecturer, Dance
Dance for Musical Theatre
[email protected]
Mary Murphy, M.A.T.Lecturer, Dance[email protected]
Teresa Muller, M.F.A.Special Lecturer, Dance[email protected]
Renee Petkovski, B.A.Lecturer, Dance[email protected]
Elizabeth Riga, M.F.A.Special Lecturer, Dance
Director, Oakland Dance Theatre
[email protected]
Christina Tasco, M.S. Special Lecturer in Dance[email protected] 
Ali Woerner, M.F.A. Associate Professor of Dance
Director/Founder of Take Root
[email protected]
(248) 370-3604
Production Staff
Jeremy BarnettSet Design[email protected]
Joseph BeckSet Construction [email protected]
Kerro KnoxLighting Design[email protected]
Christa KoernerCostume Construction[email protected]
Dance Accompanists
Mike ListAccompanist for Dance
Patrick FitzgibbonM.M. Lecturer[email protected]
Faculty Advisers
ProgramNameEmail
Jazz StudiesEnrique Rios-Ellis[email protected]
 World Music StudiesMark Stone[email protected]
BAMusicMelissa Hoag, Jessica Payette, Mark Stone[email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
BMInstrumental PerformanceJeff Heisler, Ken Kroesche[email protected], [email protected]
BMPiano Performance and PedagogyTian Tian[email protected]
BMVoice PerformanceJohn-Paul White, Drake Dantzler, Alta Boover[email protected], [email protected]
BMChoral Music EducationMike Mitchell, Deb VanderLinde[email protected], [email protected]
BMInstrumental Music EducationPam Klena[email protected]
BMGeneral Music EducationDeb VanderLinde[email protected]
MMChoral ConductingMike Mitchell[email protected]
MMInstrumental ConductingGreg Cunningham[email protected]
MMInstrumental PerformanceJeff Heisler, Ken Kroesche[email protected], [email protected]
MMPiano Performance & Piano PedagogyTian Tian[email protected]
MMVoice Performance & Vocal PedagogyDrake Dantzler, John-Paul White, Alta Boover[email protected], [email protected]
MMWorld Music PerformanceMark Stone[email protected]
MMMusic EducationDeborah VanderLinde[email protected]
MMGraduate Program CoordinatorMelissa Hoag[email protected]
PhDMusic EducationDeborah VanderLinde[email protected]
MinorsTheatreLynnae Lehfeldt[email protected]
TransfersTheatreJeremy Barnett[email protected]
BATheatreLynnae Lehfeldt[email protected]
BFAActingDavid Gram
Karen Sheridan
[email protected]
[email protected]
BFAMusical Theatre

David Gram
Anthony Guest

[email protected]
[email protected]
BFATheatre Design & TechnologyWhitney Locher[email protected]
BA, BFA, & minorsDance and Dance EducationElizabeth Kattner, Gregory Patterson, Thayer Jonutz, Ali Woerner[email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Emeriti
Laurie EisenhowerProfessor Emerita of Dance
Robert FackoProfessor Emeritus of Music
Michael GillespieProfessor Emeritus of Theatre
Adeline G. Hirschfeld-MedaliaProfessor Emerita of Theatre
Marvin D. HolladayProfessor Emeritus of Music
Flavio VaraniProfessor Emeritus of Music
Jackie WigginsDistinguished Professor Emerita of Music