July 26, 2023— After 20 years, Toni-Marie Montgomery, Ph.D., is stepping down next month as the Dean of the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University.

A graduate of the University of Michigan with both a Master of Music degree and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano chamber music and accompaniment, Dr. Montgomery was the first African American dean of a major music school in the country, as well as the first African American dean at Northwestern.

Dr. Montgomery’s most enduring legacy is the construction of the world-class Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, which opened in 2015. The 155,000-square-foot architectural marvel houses three state-of-the-art performance venues, faculty studios, administrative offices, and rehearsal and practice spaces. It also has lakefront views of the city of Chicago.

Her contributions to the field also include being a founding member of the New Black Music Repertory Ensemble of Columbia College in Chicago. The ensemble specialized in performing works by Black composers.

Dr. Montgomery recently participated in an interview with Aaron Dworkin on his wonderful videocast, Arts Engines, which you can watch at this link. Launched in 2020, Arts Engines’ videocasts offer the opportunity to learn from the perspectives of thought leaders who are making a significant impact in all facets of the arts.

Arts Engines is conducted in partnership with Detroit Public Television, Ovation TV, The Violin Channel and American Public Media.

As always, I want to know what you think. I invite you to share your thoughts and comments below.