April 29, 2025
Lifelong music educator Michael V. Smith, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of Music Education at UMSL, uses intentional mentorship to prepare students for careers in music. Through the Des Lee Fine Arts Education Collaborative, which connects local arts agencies and school districts, Smith cultivates community, connection, and professional growth. He regularly brings current and former Des Lee interns together over meals to discuss career goals, share insights, and build relationships. Students like Alex Wurl and Ryan Scott credit these gatherings and Smith’s guidance with helping them gain internships and jobs across St. Louis, from The St. Louis Children’s Choir to the National Blues Museum. Smith emphasizes the power of service, structure, and intentionality in shaping both personal growth and professional success.
Des Lee alumni like Rachel Morgan and Maria A. Ellis have used the program to launch impressive careers in music, thanks to connections and opportunities fostered by Smith and UMSL’s Department of Music. Morgan now leads operations at Open Studio, and Ellis runs her own national gospel choir business. Students consistently describe Smith as a champion for their futures, offering support long after graduation. The collaborative continues to have a strong impact on the St. Louis arts scene, with interns moving into leadership roles and helping young students find joy and creativity through music. The community built around the dinner table has become a powerful force for professional mentorship and music education in the region.
