Carillons at The University of Michigan

The University of Michigan has been an epicenter of carillon and campanological studies since 1936. The carillons are played every day while classes are in session and for various special events.

What is a carillon?
A carillon is a musical instrument composed of at least 23 carillon bells, arranged in chromatic sequence, so tuned as to produce concordant harmony when many bells are sounded together. It is played from a keyboard that allows expression through variation of touch. The keys are struck with the half-closed hand. In addition, the larger bells are connected to foot pedals.

The U of M campus is home to two carillons:
The Marion Leroy Burton Memorial Tower was built in 1936 to the designs of Albert Kahn. Crowning the building is The Charles Baird Carillon, which was built in 1936 by John Taylor & Co. of Loughborough, England. With 53 bells, the largest of which weighing over twelve tons, it is the third heaviest carillon in the world. The tenth floor, where the carillon resides, is open Monday-Friday from 12-12:45pm while classes are in session. Admission is FREE for ALL.

At the heart of North Campus is the Robert and Ann Lurie Tower. It was built in 1996 to the designs of Charles Moore. The carillon was cast and built by the Royal Eijsbouts Bell Foundry of Asten, The Netherlands. It contains 60 bells with the largest weighing 6 tons. The belfry are open Monday-Friday from 1:30-2pm while classes are in session. Admission is FREE for ALL.

U of M students may apply to study the carillon (2 credit hour lesson and a one hour weekly class). No student need be a music major, however, a short piano audition, demonstrating comfortability in reading treble and bass clef, is required.


To inquire about studying the carillon or to schedule a private visit, please contact:
Dr. Tiffany Ng, Assistant Professor of Carillon
734.764.4414
tiffng@umich.edu

The Carillon program is a division of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance Department of Organ. For more information on Department-wide events, please visit the Organ Department page: www.facebook.com/umichorgandepartment