Student & Alumni Stories

BMA Voice '17
Director of Individual Giving & Donor Engagement, Detroit Opera

EXCEL’s customized mentorship was pivotal in helping me articulate my long-term goals, working closely with program administration to shape a path that aligned with my evolving interest in arts leadership. That individualized support, combined with EXCEL’s internship funding, made it possible for me to pursue formative summer experiences with Loft Opera, Opera MODO, and the Glimmerglass Festival—opportunities I otherwise could not have afforded. These resources not only strengthened my skills but also gave me the clarity and specificity I needed to confidently build upon my performance degree and feel empowered to pivot into pursuit of a career in arts leadership.

(Photo: Oracle Visuals Photography)

MM Flute Performance '16
Multimedia Artist  

2026 will be the 10th year after my graduation. When I participated in EXCEL, I was so excited about the program because I had been so eager to see our institute launching something exactly like EXCEL that will help students with their business aspects. I was always the weirdo back then, always knew I'm an entrepreneur at heart, but at that time, it was more out of fear of not having a stable income rather then simply loving the entrepreneurial journey. 

Our life as an artist is not defined by job titles, nor should it be. And being entrepreneurial shouldn't be defined by the kind of business one started. True entrepreneurial spirit is a lifestyle, the kind of lifestyle that embraces all possibilities, enjoys in the ups and downs, know what you want out of this journey called life, and relentlessly go after whatever it is you truly desire. The entrepreneurial spirit knows no limits. 

Bram Margoles BM Violin Performance ‘16, MM Violin Performance ‘18 | Cassidy Goldblatt BM Violin Performance & Music History ‘16 | Ryan McDonald MM Viola Performance ‘17 | Hanna Rumora BM Cello Performance ‘18, MM Cello Performance & Chamber Music ‘19

It was our work with EXCEL as Converge that initially brought us together. Converge had begun as a leggy concept of an SMTD-based new-music collective, and it was EXCEL’s coaching, funding, and incredible guest presentations in its first year that helped us focus the program around a more sustainable string quartet model. That quartet’s second generation became Room 1078; subsequent generations were involved for nearly a decade in countless recording projects, masterclasses, performances, and cross-disciplinary projects across the SMTD. 

EXCEL’s work shaped the creative community in the SMTD and, by extension, Ann Arbor. EXCEL’s first year was groundbreaking, the program funding a wild range of projects from apps to concert series to collectives. It impressed the point that no idea was without potential, and its introduction of a creative grant began sparking ideas and encouraging students to try something new. Over the next few years, we started seeing culture shift in the SMTD: cross-disciplinary collaborations became a norm, community events began reaching into the heart of Ann Arbor, and student relationships between departments improved. Even projects that weren’t directly funded by EXCEL involved people who’d met through the projects EXCEL had made possible.

Graduate Certificate, Arts Entrepreneurship and Leadership '19
Executive Director, Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra

My very first course was with Professor Dworkin, a class made up of students from so many different disciplines, each of us trying to formulate our plans. Every week, we met a different arts leader to learn about their journey, inspiration, and challenges. These sessions, and the "talk outs" after with our peers, were so insightful and provided a really sturdy base that helped inform our individual paths, leading us to where we are now.

My EXCEL education provided me with the solid ground/support/validation I needed to expand upon my real-world experience and build my professional network. Both things are critical for the necessary resource capture and redeployment, and the strategic thinking it takes to work in mission-based performing arts today.

(Photo: Trianne Newbrey)

BMA Musicology '18
Director of Artist Management & Booking, Park Avenue Artists

When I first started at SMTD, it was daunting to think about how to transition from an onstage career to an offstage career. Thanks to the various resources sponsored by EXCEL, I was able to better understand the opportunities in the arts beyond performing. In particular, classes in the Performing Arts Management minor and EXCEL-hosted conversations with industry professionals helped me realize my career goals and ultimately led me to artist management where I've been for the past 8 years.

Through EXCEL, I had the opportunity to intern at the Metropolitan Opera, where I helped secure visas for international artists. Not only was it exciting to work at a world-class institution, it also gave important insight into the behind-the-scenes logistics that are essential to the entire arts community from artists to opera companies to orchestras to PACs. 

(Photo: Smo Ostrowski)

BM Violin Performance '20, Ross MM '21
Goldman Sachs

EXCEL was pivotal in shaping my professional trajectory for many reasons. The wonderful EXCEL team took a chance on me and allowed me to join them when I asked for an opportunity to be a part of furthering EXCEL's mission in executing programming. EXCEL introduced lifetime mentors and friends into my life who have helped to shape my trajectory. EXCEL events opened the door to hands-on experiences that allowed me to further develop my interest in arts management. EXCEL-backed PAME courses encouraged me to explore the world of arts management -- that was when my path finally clicked. I realized that violin performance was not my long-term direction and discovered fundraising aligned my strengths and passions, ultimately setting the course for my career. EXCEL clarified my path and allowed me to pursue my passions. I am eternally grateful for EXCEL.

DMA Piano Performance & Piano Pedagogy '19
Founder, A Seat at the Piano 

EXCEL gave me the necessary tools and resources to feel empowered to take on projects and ventures that I otherwise would not as a graduate student. There was an electrifying energy of creativity and entrepreneurship that vibrated throughout the entire School of Music, and it stemmed from EXCEL. I was constantly inspired by the projects my peers were taking on, and therefore felt the itch to do the same by pursuing my own projects that were supported by EXCEL, such as starting ensembles, applying for grants, commissioning composers, starting concert series, and ultimately, finding my purpose and meaning as an artist. Now on the other side as a professor and educator, I frequently think back on the skills that I gained from EXCEL and strive to pass those same skills to my students. 

I met so many amazing people through EXCEL, either through guest artists and speakers that were brought in (thank you EXCEL for the free bagels and pizza!), organizing events, or artists and arts administrators from trips such as going on a group trip to New York City. From those interactions, I have managed to stay connected with some or can easily re-introduce myself through those shared experiences. 

(Photo: Brittany Hudson)

BM Violin Performance '18
Co-Artistic Director, Palaver Strings; Assistant Professor, Ithaca College

The NYC immersion trip helped me better plan for life after undergrad, specifically seeing career paths that I did and did NOT want to experience.

EXCEL funded one of my first commission projects with Tanner Porter, and our careers have grown together as a result! I have continued to connect with other professionals who went through EXCEL, and that connection has paved the way for many collaborations.

Cultivate your curiosity and don't be shy about asking questions! Be generous in your own energy and cultivate generosity in your communities.

(Photo: NicoleBrancato)

BFA Acting '23
Co-founder, o-PONG! Productions

EXCEL provided me the opportunities to explore and discover my passion for Producing. I always knew that I wanted a career in the arts. But I always yearned for agency and autonomy over my career - I did not want to wait for opportunities to arise but rather create those opportunities for myself and my community.

Through the EXCELerator and other EXCEL opportunities, my co-founder (Cortez Hill) and I launched, developed, and incubated our production company, o-PONG! Productions. We graduated from the University of Michigan with an abundance of knowledge, resources, and connections that has made our transition into post-grad feel seamless. As we continue to grow as producers and artists, we can say with full-confidence that the Department of Entrepreneurship & Leader provided us the launchpad to create the career we desired for ourselves.

(Photo: Matt Marcheski)

BFA Dance & BA Economics '22
Founder, We Are Queens

EXCEL had a profound impact on my professional growth by giving me the foundational skills I needed to build and sustain a nonprofit organization. Through EXCEL’s mentorship and resources, I learned the core elements of nonprofit management—from navigating the 501(c)(3) application process to structuring a Board of Advisors and developing an Executive Leadership Team. These were areas I had no prior experience in, yet EXCEL equipped me with the clarity, tools, and strategic thinking required to approach them confidently.

Beyond these structural fundamentals, EXCEL also shaped my approach to long-term planning, budgeting, marketing, and stakeholder communication. The resources and support I received directly strengthened We Are Queens’ operational infrastructure and enabled us to scale nationally with intention and consistency.

Indirectly, EXCEL helped shape my identity as a leader by teaching me how to make mission-driven decisions, build sustainable systems, and foster community partnerships—skills that continue to guide my work well beyond the launch of We Are Queens.

(Photo: Jon Taylor)

BM Percussion Performance '23, PAME Minor '23
J.D. Student, Georgetown University Law Center

I took full advantage of EXCEL-supported activities, from courses and the NYC Immersion to funding that allowed me to pursue internships with Just a Theory Press and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Each opportunity felt like an invitation to explore a different angle of the arts world, and I am grateful for how supported I felt throughout my time at SMTD.

In my senior year, I had the opportunity to create the EXCEL Legal Resource modules. This project was a major step in my professional development because it allowed me to explore the legal field before officially deciding to attend law school. It also gave me the chance to translate my music background into something that felt genuinely connected to my future career. I highlighted this work in interviews for law school and both my 1L and 2L summer positions. It often became the part of my resume interviewers were most interested in discussing. Additionally, I know the knowledge I gained from creating this resource will help me advise clients in the future. The EXCEL Legal Resource was the starting point for my legal journey, and it remains one of the most meaningful projects I completed at SMTD.

MM Composition '19, DMA Composition '22
Composer; Co-founder, Connecticut Summerfest

Coaching, funding, and events through the EXCEL Lab enabled me to clarify my professional vision and prioritize different facets of my artistic life during my time at SMTD. From support for the nonprofit I co-founded, Connecticut Summerfest, to the many composerly projects the Enterprise Fund has helped bring to fruition, EXCEL is a hub for creative growth.

Funding from EXCEL facilitated the multi-camera video recording of my "Dabble" for saxophone quartet (performed by UM alumni Aero Quartet), as well as the web premiere of my "Matriarch" for wind quintet which, due to the pandemic, would not have occurred without support from the Enterprise Fund. These projects were highlights of my time at SMTD and were formative chamber works in my compositional journey.

(Photo: Alfredo Cabrera)

BMA Trumpet, BA Communications & Media '27

Halfway through my sophomore year, I knew that I wanted to start a career beyond trumpet performance but didn't know where to start. I heard that the EXCEL Lab was a good resource, so I booked an appointment. In that appointment, I was exposed to EXCEL, especially in arts administration, that I didn't know were available to SMTD students.

Every coaching appointment was met with kindness and an appreciation for my efforts to build my experiences, and I began to develop a relationship with both Jovan and Gab. Throughout that semester, I began interviewing for internships, with most of the opportunities coming from the Excel Lab. I was thrilled to accept an internship for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, where I spent the summer working on marketing for the Detroit Neighborhood Initiative through community events. 

I am extremely grateful to the EXCEL Lab, as it has been instrumental in my abilities to understand a completely different playing field outside of being a performer. It's hard to understand these skills not generally taught in classes (like interviewing, networking, and applications), so I highly recommend that every SMTD student take advantage of this resource.

MM Percussion Performance '25; Percussionist; Singer/Songwriter

My chamber group FLYDLPHN owes so much to EXCEL - the folks at EXCEL and the knowledge and network we've gained through the EXCELerator program have been incredibly impactful to our growth. We are still growing and learning, but the EXCEL team helped guide us in our early development as a young chamber ensemble, and helped propel us into a fruitful season of projects and collaborations - and for that we cannot thank them enough! Just this past season, we've performed at Third Place and Refugia Festivals and various venues in Ann Arbor and Chicago, and we released a single on streaming platforms. 

We have a super exciting upcoming season - including a residency at Avaloch Farm Institute, various collaborations with UM alums and a residency at the University of Florida in April. We're also recording multiple pieces written for FLYDLPHN for an upcoming album project. FLYDLPHN is excited to be joining fellow EXCELerator recipients Sasha Gusikhin, Maddie Vassalo and Miles Hionis as part of a big collaboration for the Naming All The Flowers Festival in February!

(Photo: SinYu Deng)

DMA Composition '25; University Programs Manager, University Musical Society; Lecturer, Eastern Michigan University; Founder and Artistic Director, Refugia Festival

I created an independent study with Jonathan Kuuskoski that focused on building a professional career as a freelance composer. This cognate class allowed me to essentially create a custom professional development survey course for myself, which included overviews on budgeting, informational interviews with professionals in the fields that I am interested in, and readings related to professional development in the arts. It was so valuable in helping me better understand the professional worlds of composition, and in doing so, it provided space for me to reflect on how to build a career that would make the most sense for me. 

Perhaps most distinctly, EXCEL helped me plan, develop, and produce Refugia Festival. I participated in and received funding through the EXCELerator program, as well as later receiving funding from the EXCEL Throm Family Foundation award. I never imagined founding a music festival before my time with EXCEL, nor did I have the knowledge and resources to do so effectively. EXCEL (as well as optiMize from LSA and the team from Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum) supported my initial idea and helped me in all stages of seeing it to its inaugural event in April 2024. Refugia Festival celebrated its second season in September 2025 and is already scheduled for season three in September 2026. 

EXCEL helped me realize my potential as an innovator, entrepreneur, and leader. I learned a lot about my own professional values and what I hope to contribute to the arts profession as a collaborator. I became more comfortable and confident in addressing challenging topics, such as budgeting, contracts, and marketing. I was also given opportunities and resources to imagine what I want my future to look like and to take actionable steps to get there. EXCEL's impact on me was profound and unlike any other professional experience I received in my eleven years of higher education as a student.

(Photo: Alexis Lamb)  

Specialist in Music, Clarinet; MM Chamber Music '25; Founder and CEO, East Zodiac; Community & Audience Programs Manager, University Musical Society 

The impact of the Department of Entrepreneurship & Leadership is beyond anything I could have asked for. Not only did their resources help build a solid foundation for my nonprofit, East Zodiac, but the funding they provided also allowed us to accomplish things we never imagined possible at such an early stage of the organization. Their support encouraged us to look beyond immediate needs and truly consider the long-term growth and sustainability of our work.

I was also fortunate to receive an internship and participate in the mentorship program with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra—an opportunity that led to a full-time position even before I graduated. Without the resources and guidance of the EXCEL Lab, these opportunities would not have been possible. I can confidently say that the EXCEL Lab has been a crucial part of advancing my professional goals.

One key highlight for me is the support from the team. The staff at the EXCEL Lab are always willing to help—whether that means reading through applications, brainstorming ideas, or providing information that sets us up for success. They consistently go above and beyond in any way they can.

BA Organizational Studies '25; Executive Assistant, Creative Artists Agency

EXCEL fueled my intellectual curiosity for the entertainment industry at large. While I had a very specific interest in music brand partnerships, I greatly benefited from learning about broader industry trends affecting the market. 

I am most grateful to have had access to one-on-one mentorship opportunities with the incredible Entrepreneurship & Leadership faculty. Whether through office hours for my PAME courses, or coaching sessions with working professionals, I had the opportunity to build relationships with people I greatly admire and sustain them beyond my time on campus. The SMTD staff, particularly Prof. Kuuskoski, truly went above and beyond to further my growth by pointing me toward academic resources related to my interests and leveraging his personal network to help connect me to colleagues for networking opportunities. 

Interarts '25; Co-founder and Executive Producer, Naming All the Flowers I Could

The impact of EXCEL on my professional growth is immeasurable. Through EXCEL I was able to get funding for independent projects that built my portfolio, have an amazing international internship experience with an experimental theater company that not only enhanced my resume but also made me a better artist/theater maker. Finally through EXCEL I was able to build a business, something that I hope will be a large part of my life far into my professional career. 

I would say that you are so lucky to be a Michigan SMTD student. The resources and support that EXCEL provides is unmatched. I would also say to take every opportunity that comes your way, apply for everything that is even a little relevant and if you don't get it one year apply again! Independent projects are so fun and also go so far to help you develop as an artist and EXCEL understands that and is there to support you every step of the way. 

(Photo: Catherine Miller)

BTA '25; Development Administrator, National Theatre in America; Literary Manager and Fundraising Coordinator, The Table Read Co.

When thinking about my professional trajectory thus far, I can cite EXCEL for almost all of my successes. EXCEL’s funding resources for students allowed me to produce benefits concerts, giving me hands-on experience in both production and fundraising for organizations that I’m deeply passionate about.  

The Dean’s Liaison program opened doors for me in ways that I can’t even begin to pick apart - it was an absolute domino effect. The EXCEL-sponsored BTA Chicago Trip in 2022 allowed me to explore and consider what was important to me in a post-grad theatre community. The events I attended allowed me to more deeply connect with my U-M community and form relationships that are still flourishing today. The EXCEL courses and coaching sessions provided me with instrumental knowledge about how to present myself as a leader and succeed in my chosen field. 

I’m so grateful for the array of programming that EXCEL provided, and it continue to serve as a foundation for how I live my life post-graduation. 

(Photo: MK Patteson)

BM Trumpet Performance '26

In May 2023, I attended the NYC Immersion Program funded by EXCEL. During this experience, I had the opportunity to meet with Broadway musicians, learn about their career paths, attend masterclasses, and study one-on-one with Shawn Edmonds, a freelance Broadway trumpeter. This program broadened my understanding of the music industry while simultaneously strengthening my musicianship.

As a senior at SMTD, I have had numerous opportunities to develop my professional growth. Throughout my four years as a student, I have taken arts administration courses, explored diverse career pathways, attended events hosted by EXCEL, and now serve as an Engagement and Outreach Dean’s Liaison at SMTD. Each of these experiences has played a meaningful role in shaping my future path. The skills and knowledge I have gained are invaluable and will continue to support me as I work toward my goals. As I prepare to graduate, I feel deeply supported by EXCEL and confident in my ability to move forward, knowing I will leave the University of Michigan equipped with a strong foundation of skills to take the next step in my career.

MM in violin performance ‘25; Founder and Director, Unison Chamber Music Collective

Because of EXCEL and the funding they offered, my organization, the Unison Chamber Music Collective, was able to launch our emerging composers commissioning program. For the past 2 years, we have commissioned 5 pieces each year that we premiered and recorded. EXCEL and the mentorship I received through the EXCELerator helped me to create a sustainable long term vision for the organization that I truly believe I would not have envisioned if it weren’t for the help and support I got.  

Schedule a meeting, ask the questions you’re worried to ask, start the project you dream of! You don’t have to have everything all fleshed out, that’s where EXCEL comes in! Bring a seed of an idea, a passion, a spark of excitement, and you never know where it can lead. 

BM saxophone performance ‘20, MM Saxophone Performance ‘26, MM Chamber Music ‘26, Graduate Certificate Arts Entrepreneurship and Leadership ‘26

My experience in taking Entrepreneurship & Leadership courses has directly influenced my career aspirations and goals. Prior to attending university I was not aware of the different avenues that could go into a career in music, and through taking these courses, I have fundamentally changed the course of my career from performance to now leaning into the music business and administration fields. The EXCEL Lab made a recent internship possible for me this past semester through their internship fund which has even more so contributed to my professional growth. 

A highlight from an EXCEL course on fundraising in the arts that I took this semester was getting to meet and have a Q&A session with renowned conductor, Teddy Abrams. His insights along with other figures that I have been fortunate enough to meet through EXCEL events were inspirational. 

BM Music Education, Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation '27

They have modeled effective ways in which we work with one another! This model is infectious and inspiring as a future teacher! I hope to instill the same love and passion for assisting others that the Department of Entrepreneurship & Leadership highlights on the daily. 

One key highlight I have has been the incredibly supportive and collaborative staff! They are always willing to help and navigate your musical and creative endeavors!  

There is support all around you! Call upon the knowledge and resources of the minds that surround you as frequently as possible.  

(Photo: Josh Elwood)

MFA Dance '27

The support, feedback, coaching, funding, and exposure that EXCEL has provided me during my short time at U-M has profoundly impacted my professional growth both as a performer and an entrepreneur. I'm confident that as I complete my program, I will have acquired additional tools that will set me up for success beyond graduate school. EXCEL has definitely helped me to expand my professional network.

There's been many highlights but I'd say the Detroit Immersion was a very memorable experience entering my first year at U-M. 

You are your greatest asset. Invest in yourself, bet on yourself, and believe in yourself enough to know that you are who you say you are.

BM Clarinet Performance '19; BA English '19;
Assistant Professor of Musicology, Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music

I've been delighted to establish a partnership between the EXCEL Lab and my arts venture Midnight Oil Collective, in which we help students develop the entrepreneurship skills they need to build their own ventures. In our four-year collaboration, we've helped students grow as founders and develop brand-new ideas into full ventures pitched at Innovation conferences. These relationships have deepened the relationship between the University of Michigan and Yale, and I've really valued being able to work with new cohorts of ambitious, motivated, and innovative students at EXCEL each year. 

Working with EXCEL to develop workshops and do coachings have not only sharpened my entrepreneurship pedagogy for a wide range of students, but also have shaped how I narrate the significance of this work in my professional profile.

(Photo: Norman Oates)

PhD Music Theory '26; Founder and Host, Her Music Academia podcast

I was so fortunate to receive the EXCEL Prize in 2023! Due to this funding, the Her Music Academia podcast has continued to thrive, reaching 100 episodes and 20,000 listens. The new Her Music Academia book club also had several meetings throughout 2025.

My network continues to expand because of the widespread reach of the podcast. I also was invited to speak about the podcast as the first ever graduate student on the keynote session at the Society for Music Theory conference in 2023. 

(Photo: Richard Rupp Photography)