William Bolcom
- Biographical Information
William Bolcom, an American composer of chamber, operatic, vocal, choral, cabaret, ragtime, and symphonic music, is a National Medal of Arts-, Pulitzer Prize-, and Grammy Award-winning composer. Born in Seattle, Washington, he began composition studies at the age of 11. He later studied at Mills College, where he received a Master of Arts, at Stanford University (D.M.A.), and at the Paris Conservatoire, where he received the 2éme Prix de Composition. He joined the faculty of the University of Michigan’s School of Music in 1973. In the fall of 1994 he was named the Ross Lee Finney Distinguished University Professor of Composition. As a pianist, Bolcom has performed and recorded his own work frequently in collaboration with his wife and musical partner, mezzo-soprano Joan Morris.
Michael Haithcock is the Director of Bands and Professor of Music (Conducting), University of Michigan.