Last week, ethnomusicologist Ho Chak Law successfully defended his dissertation, entitled "Cinematizing Chinese Opera, Performing Chinese Identities, 1945-1971" (abstract below), before a crowd of distinguished guests. Congratulations, Ho Chak! We're proud of you, but sorry to have you leave us! Abstract On stage and on film, Chinese opera persisted in being an important means of … Continue reading Dissertation Defense: Ho Chak Law (ethnomusicology)

Last Saturday while many Wolverines were roaring at the Michigan Stadium, a number of SMR members were enjoying themselves in the peaceful backyard of Anne’s house. The weather couldn’t have been better, with the perfect combination of a cool breeze and warm sunshine. We enjoyed Anne’s wonderfully grilled chicken and hot dogs, alongside homemade salads, … Continue reading SMR Beginning-of-Year BBQ

Hello, all! Welcome back! We are excited to begin our tenure as co-chairs for SMR for the 2018–19 academic year. Following a successful 2017–18 academic year, which included events such as our second graduate student conference, “Music and Borders,” we are eager to offer professional development activities and deepen support for our organization within and … Continue reading Welcome back, SMR Members!

I am currently finishing up research funded by a Fulbright grant for the 2017–18 academic year. The research I conducted focuses on the composition and reception history of D.D. Shostakovich’s 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87. During my time in Moscow, I looked at over three-hundred pages of manuscripts for Op. 87 to analyze Shostakovich’s compositional … Continue reading Ryan McCulloch: Shostakovich Research in Moscow

Recently, SMR members participated in a professional development event on academic publishing with invited speaker Mary Francis, the Editorial Director of Michigan Publishing and Senior Acquiring Editor for Music, Media Studies, and digitalculturebooks. Francis led a conversation on the many aspects of this topic, from pitching a manuscript and drafting a book proposal to navigating … Continue reading Academic Publishing Presentation

Last weekend, SMR members celebrated a productive and successful year with a barbecue at Alyssa's well-appointed home. The weather held out nicely, and members enjoyed a variety of culinary offerings, yard games, domesticated animals, and conversation. Congratulations, everyone, on a great year, and enjoy the summer!   Photos by Richard Smith and William van Geest.

Last week, SMR members met for the organization’s year-end General Assembly. The meeting was well-attended, and members discussed a variety of topics, both reviewing the many undertakings of the year that passed (including our successful graduate-student conference in March!) and making exciting plans for the following year. Cover photo: Our co-chairs, Lena and Vivian, bravely lead … Continue reading SMR End-of-2018 General Assembly