SUNY Potdam

It is a privilege to have been recently appointed as Dean of The Crane School of Music. This is a school founded on principles forged by Julia Crane's pioneering work in music education well over a century ago. These same principles have informed the careers of a long and impressive series of teachers, musicians and leaders since that time.

Today’s Crane School is mindful of this legacy while simultaneously aware that it is also a tradition of innovation, demanding that we continually seek new ways to teach, to learn and to reach the highest levels of musical excellence in performance, pedagogy, scholarship and creativity. I am honored to now be among the outstanding faculty, staff and students who remain dedicated to keeping these traditions and ideas alive.

I am grateful for the fine work of Dr. Alan Solomon, who preceded me as Dean, and for the warm welcome which has been extended to me since my arrival. I look forward to sharing that sense of welcome and engagement with all members of The Crane School’s extended family – our students, faculty, staff, alumni, audiences and our friends around the world.

As the institution approaches its bicentennial year, I will welcome the opportunity to be a part of the living Crane tradition of innovation and excellence and making Crane’s commitment to artistic engagement a vital part of SUNY-Potsdam’s vision for artistic leadership.

Dr. Michael Sitton, Dean
The Crane School of Music
E-Mail: sittonmr@potsdam.edu