The University of Akron School of Performing Arts

05/27/2026

“From the city centre of Paris to the Normandy region, it was incredible to see the enduring relationship France has with the United States and Canada, and to represent our countries in performance. We return home inspired by the joy of music that envelops Paris, from Parisian performers along the Seine and the streets of Montmartre to the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. Merci, Paris. Nous t’aimons.” -Dr. Mrs.

Faculty members at The University of Akron’s School of Performing Arts engage in remarkable professional development over summer break, returning to Guzzetta Hall with fresh ideas. Recently, Dr. Kiirsi Maunula Johnson (Horn) and Dr. James Johnson (Trumpet) traveled to France for an exciting performance with the Doane University Concert Band. We can’t wait to see what you have in store for your studios this fall!

To learn more about the horn and trumpet studios, be sure to follow and

05/07/2026

05/07/2026

🎉🙌 As Guzzetta Hall quiets down at the end of an incredible semester, we’re feeling grateful and inspired. Last week’s convocation was a celebration of our outstanding students and their achievements—your hard work fuels the spirit of excellence at the School of Performing Arts!

🙏💙 Huge thanks to our generous donors whose support makes so many scholarships possible. You’re changing lives.

☀️🎶🩰 Wishing everyone a happy summer full of music and dance—see you in the fall!

05/06/2026

🌸🎺 Spring Cleaning Shenanigans! 🎶

The University of Akron School of Performing Arts is getting a shiny makeover today! Our music students are on a mission to make every brass instrument sparkle and shine for an epic 2026-2027 season.✨

Big cheers to our superstar students and band staff for always going the extra mile (and polishing every valve)! 🥳👏

04/29/2026

We would like to take a moment to congratulate Leah Michalos, Assistant Professor of Practice and Area Chair of Arts Administration, on an incredible achievement. Leah recently produced Beau The Musical, an Off-Broadway show in New York City. Beau The Musical has been nominated for ten Drama Desk Awards. Additionally, the show received nominations in the Drama League Awards and the Outer Critics Circle Awards. Beau The Musical has also won Best New Musical in the Off-Broadway BroadwayWorld Awards. Congrats to Leah and the team! We are so happy for you and honored that you share your expertise with us each and every day!

04/25/2026

CONCERT UPDATE
There will now be only one Composers Concert instead of two. Join us for new works:
Saturday, May 2
5:30 p.m. FREE
Guzzetta Recital Hall
157 University Ave, Akron

04/23/2026

👏 Round of applause! The UA Steel Drum Studio has been in the news. Before heading to the concert this weekend, check out our Signal Akron Article with Patricia Sheahan and our interview with Chris Keppler on Zips Unlimited.

🌴 Summer starts here! 🌴

Mark your calendars: Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. — EJ Thomas Hall is where the vibes are. Don’t miss out!

🥁 The University of Akron’s 47th Annual Steel Drum Spring Concert! Let’s fill the hall with music, memories, and community. Tag your friends and get ready for a night to remember!

Photo credit: Michael Francis McElroy / Signal Akron

04/23/2026

🎶 Throwback Thursday vibes! 🎶

This Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m., EJ Thomas Hall is THE place to be: it’s the 47th Annual Steel Drum Band Concert!

Swipe to 1983 ➡️ Check out the UA Steel Drum Band outside Guzzetta Hall after a show. The faces may change, but the energy, the rhythm, and the legacy live on. From unforgettable music to the spirit of community, we keep the pan tradition alive for Akron—year after year.

Don’t miss the unofficial start of summer. Tag your concert crew, share your favorite memories, and join us for a night of music, culture, and fun! 🌴🥁

04/22/2026

UA Clarinet Studio Recital
Sunday, April 26, 2026
7:30 p.m. FREE
Guzzetta Recital Hall
157 University Ave, Akron

This concert will present a variety of works performed by students in The University of Akron School of Performing Arts Clarinet Studio, under the direction of Dr. Stanislav Golovin:

Weber Clarinet Concerto No. 1, Movement 3
Osborne Rhapsody
Kovács Homage to Kodály
Rose Etude No. 1
Kovács Homage to de Falla
Arnold Clarinet Fantasy in B-flat
Kovács Homage to Khachaturian
Poulenc Sonata for Two Clarinets
Valse by Amy Beach
Mozart Divertimento No. 1
Debussy Arabesque No. 2
“Hunting Song” from Der Freischütz by Weber
Air on the G String by Bach

-Then- Bass clarinetist Amy Zoloto leads a masterclass Tuesday, April 28 in the clarinet studio. Learn from a standout of The Cleveland Orchestra. 🎶