Dr. Lester Monts

Biography

Lester Monts is Arthur F. Thurnau Professor Emeritus of Music with a focus on ethnomusicology at the University of Michigan. He served as senior vice provost for academic affairs and as a senior counselor to the president on matters relating to arts, diversity, and undergraduate affairs. He is currently the director of the Michigan Musical Heritage Project, which aims to document the folk, ethnic, and immigrant music traditions of Michigan. Monts completed his bachelor's degree in music education at Arkansas Polytechnic College, followed by a master's degree in trumpet performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a doctorate in ethnomusicology from the University of Minnesota. In his administrative role, he oversaw multiple academic units, including matters concerning budget, tenure, and promotion. He has also held leadership positions within the College Board and served as a consultant for various educational and cultural organizations. His scholarly research focuses on the musical cultural systems of the Vai people of Liberia and the music culture along the Guinea Coast of West Africa. A professional trumpeter, he has performed with numerous orchestras and has held faculty positions at several universities. Monts is actively involved in various academic societies and has received honorary professorships from several Chinese universities.

Research Interests