New Music Education Faculty Hired

June 2010

The University of Michigan Board of Regents has approved the appointment of Michael T. Hopkins, MM ’95, Ph.D ’01, as associate professor of music in the Department of Music Education, to begin in the fall.

Described as a “gifted musician and conductor” and “a worthy successor to the historical heritage of Elizabeth Green and his mentor Robert Culver,” Hopkins has developed a national reputation as one of the leading string educators, through his publications, compositions, and success as a conductor. He is recognized as a gifted teacher with strong pedagogical values and instinct.

Prior to coming to Michigan, Hopkins was on the faculty of the University of Vermont, teaching courses in conducting, music technology, music education, and the psychology of music. He conducted the University of Vermont Symphony Orchestra since 1999. His String Pedagogy Notebook on the University of Vermont Web site is but one reflection of his profound research and teaching skills. He is active as a composer, with a substantial record of works published by Alfred, Grand Mesa, and Kendor, some of the most respected publishers of school string orchestra music. As a double bassist, Hopkins has performed with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Hanover Chamber Orchestra, Burlington Choral Society, and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, among others.