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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.D Director, 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 Allen Office Assistant II [email protected]
(248) 370-2033
Sean Delaney Communications Associate [email protected]
Jaime Finn Office Assistant III [email protected] 
(248) 370-2035
Lisa Hinchman Business Manager
(248) 370-2046
Michelle Tschirhart Recruitment and Outreach Manager [email protected]
(248) 370-2039
  Marketing Manager [email protected]
Production Staff
Joseph Beck Technical Director [email protected]
Katherine Boersma Production and Facilities Manager [email protected]
(248) 370-3012
Ellen Peck Production Manager [email protected]
Box Office Manager Megan Herald [email protected]
Megan Herald Assistant Production and Facilities Manager [email protected]
(248) 370-3013
Terry Herald Technical Coordinator, Sound Technician  [email protected] 
Christa Koerner  Costume Shop Supervisor [email protected]
(248) 370-3011
Collaborative Pianists
Laura Blanchard Collaborative Pianist for Musical Theatre [email protected]
Cat Dacpano Collaborative Pianist for Musical Theatre [email protected]
Frank Pitts Collaborative Pianist for Musical Theatre [email protected]
Aran Kim Collaborative Pianist for Vocal Music [email protected]
Alissa Hetzner Collaborative Pianist for Musical Theatre [email protected]
Mike List Collaborative Pianist for Dance  
Amanda Sabelhaus  Collaborative Pianist for Vocal Music
Coordinator of Collaborative Piano, Voice		 [email protected]
Amy Sauve Collaborative Pianist for Vocal Music [email protected]
Won Kyung Shin Collaborative Pianist for Instrumental Music [email protected]
Philip Solomonick Collaborative Pianist for Instrumental Music  
Marina Stojanovska Collaborative Pianist for Vocal Music [email protected]
Hannah Watson Collaborative Pianist for Vocal Music [email protected]
I-Chen Yeh Collaborative Pianist for Instrumental Music
Coordinator of Collaborative Piano, Instrumental		 [email protected]
Undergraduate Advisors
Jim Bilinski Undergraduate Academic Advisor
Matt Prentice Undergraduate Academic Advisor [email protected]
Music Ensemble Staff
Joan Hovda Orchestra Librarian, OSO
Sherri Martilla Orchestra Manager, OSO  
Michele Soroka Orchestra Management Assistant [email protected]
Department of Music
Music Theory and Musicology
Name Title Contact 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
Name Title Contact 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
Name Title Contact 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
Name Title Contact 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
Name Title Contact 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
Name Title Contact 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
Name Title Contact 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 Joseph Lecturer, 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, MM Lecturer, Music [email protected]
Brass
Name Title Contact Information
Kenneth Kroesche, D.M.A.Professor of Music Applied 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
Name Title Contact 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 LePage Applied 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 Sommer DSO Affiliate Faculty, Applied Bassoon  
Michelle Doyle Tschirhart, M.M., Artist Diploma Lecturer, Applied Clarinet [email protected]
Jeffery Zook, M.M.  DSO Affiliate Applied Faculty, Flute  [email protected] 
Strings
Name Title Contact Information
Bret Hoag, M.M. Applied Instructor, Guitar
Special Lecturer, Music		 [email protected]
John Kennedy, M.M. Lecturer, Applied Double Bass [email protected]
Roman Kosarev Applied Instructor, Viola [email protected]
Úna O'Riordan DSO Affiliate Applied Faculty, Cello [email protected]
Elizabeth Rowin, M.M. Applied Instructor, Violin
Lecturer, Music
Coordinator, Chamber Music		 [email protected] 
Percussion
Name Title Contact 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
Name Title Contact 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 Kieme Applied Instructor, Jazz Saxophone [email protected]
Gayelynn McKinney Applied Instructor, Jazz Percussion [email protected]
Jay Shankar Balan Applied Instructor, Indian Raga [email protected]
Collaborative Pianists
Name Title Contact Information
Amanda Sabelhaus Collaborative Pianist accompanying Voice
Coordinator of Vocal Accompanying		 [email protected]
I-Chen Yeh Collaborative Pianist for Instrumental Music
Coordinator of Instrumental Accompanying		 [email protected]
Department of Theatre
Name  Title  Contact Information
Jeremy Barnett, M.F.A. 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]
Danny Gurwin, B.F.A. Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre
Teri Hansen, M.M. Visiting Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre

[email protected]
Alissa Hetzner Vocal 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
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]
Oscar Quiroz, M.F.A. Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre
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 Transleau Visiting Assistant Professor in Design and Production [email protected]
Jacob ben Widmar, B.F.A. Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre
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
Name Title  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 Lehman Lecturer, 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 Barnett Set Design [email protected]
Joseph Beck Set Construction  [email protected]
Kerro Knox Lighting Design [email protected]
Christa Koerner Costume Construction [email protected]
Dance Accompanists
Mike List Accompanist for Dance  
Patrick Fitzgibbon M.M. Lecturer [email protected]
Faculty Advisers
Degree Program Name Email
  Jazz Studies Enrique Rios-Ellis [email protected]
  World Music Studies Mark Stone [email protected]
BA Music Melissa Hoag, Jessica Payette, Mark Stone [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
BM Instrumental Performance Jeff Heisler, Ken Kroesche [email protected], [email protected]
BM Piano Performance and Pedagogy Tian Tian [email protected]
BM Voice Performance John-Paul White, Drake Dantzler, Alta Boover [email protected], [email protected]
BM Choral Music Education Mike Mitchell, Deb VanderLinde [email protected], [email protected]
BM Instrumental Music Education Pam Klena [email protected]
BM General Music Education Deb VanderLinde [email protected]
MM Choral Conducting Mike Mitchell [email protected]
MM Instrumental Conducting Greg Cunningham [email protected]
MM Instrumental Performance Jeff Heisler, Ken Kroesche [email protected], [email protected]
MM Piano Performance & Piano Pedagogy Tian Tian [email protected]
MM Voice Performance & Vocal Pedagogy Drake Dantzler, John-Paul White, Alta Boover [email protected], [email protected]
MM World Music Performance Mark Stone [email protected]
MM Music Education Deborah VanderLinde [email protected]
MM Graduate Program Coordinator Melissa Hoag [email protected]
PhD Music Education Deborah VanderLinde [email protected]
Minors Theatre Lynnae Lehfeldt [email protected]
Transfers Theatre Jeremy Barnett [email protected]
BA Theatre Lynnae Lehfeldt [email protected]
BFA Acting David Gram
Karen Sheridan		 [email protected]
[email protected]
BFA Musical Theatre

David Gram
Anthony Guest

 [email protected]
[email protected]
BFA Theatre Design & Technology Whitney Locher [email protected]
BA, BFA, & minors Dance and Dance Education Elizabeth Kattner, Gregory Patterson, Thayer Jonutz, Ali Woerner [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Emeriti
Laurie Eisenhower Professor Emerita of Dance
Robert Facko Professor Emeritus of Music
Michael Gillespie Professor Emeritus of Theatre
Adeline G. Hirschfeld-Medalia Professor Emerita of Theatre
Marvin D. Holladay Professor Emeritus of Music
Flavio Varani Professor Emeritus of Music
Jackie Wiggins Distinguished Professor Emerita of Music

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

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