William P. Malm

On the only occasion on which I met and talked with Professor Malm, he and I were both living in Tokyo: I was on a long-term work assignment, and he was on sabbatical. I had attended a lecture he had given on music in kabuki and, by chance, ran into each other in the subway station after the lecture. I was thrilled to meet him, having read his book on Japanese Music and Musical Instruments. To somehow start the conversation, mentioned his comparison of a drum pattern in kabui, to the...

This fall I was strongly reminded of Prof. Malm, when I attended a presentation and demonstration of the Tokyo Lion Dance (Shishi). He danced this at our Japanese Music Group concerts for many years. It turns out the presenter studied the shishi dance with a sensei (teacher) in Tokyo, whose own teacher was the same person who taught the dance to Prof. Malm. The presentation brought back many strong memories of all that Prof. Malm preserved and shared with us students over the years. I...

Bill was my inspiration and strong supporter in continuing studies in Japanese music. He arranged for two post-doctoral NEH seminars at Ann Arbor and a subsequent intensive sabbatical in Japan. He was not only a great teacher but a true friend and mentor!

Dr. Malm was a favorite teacher of mine at the U. Of Michigan! His warm personality and colorful teaching talent made him a memorable person in my life. I remember his classes in the Bell Tower vividly! Joyce Grika Sklar - class of 1963.

I believe that Dr. Malm started teaching at Michigan the year I transferred from Oberlin. He made History of Western Music class exciting. His scope of knowledge and enthusiasm in presenting it, made the class one of the few I remember.

He was my favorite professor! (I attended the School of Music from 1976 - 1980 and graduated with a Bachelor degree in Music History and Musicology.) Prayers and deepest sympathy to the family.

Professor Malm was a wonderful teacher, always eager to share his insights and experience. He was a warm and giving individual who impacted untold numbers of ethnomusicology students.

In 1973, I was one of the School of Music Freshmen who sat in Music History 139 and received our introduction to having our ears opened as Professor Malm spoke to us, garbed in his Doctoral robe. I have never forgotten that first lecture. Subsequent lectures were equally memorable (who can forget "There's no music like Noh Music!"). Truly, his was a life well-lived, with influence on so many people. My condolences to all in the family. --- Linda Bischak Etter

It was fortuitous that I signed up for one of Professor Malms courses when I was in the undergrad anthropology program in the 1960´s. He was the one and only professor who took me seriously and was interested in giving me real practical and useful guidance. My favorite in the department. Many years later I ran into him and learned we were living in the same neighborhood. Such a kind and genuine person. Truly one of the elders.