Michael Sitton retired in 2020 with the title Dean Emeritus from The Crane School of Music at the State University of New York at Potsdam, and now lives full time in central Vermont with his partner Mark and their hike-loving dog Lida. In Vermont he has already become active in the choral music scene, with a number of recent Vermont premieres, including several at Christ Episcopal Church in Montpelier, where he is a member of the church choir.
Prior to his eleven years at The Crane School, Sitton served as Dean of Fine Arts at Eastern New Mexico University, and as a music faculty member at several other institutions. He holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His M.Mus. was earned at the University of Kentucky, and the B. Mus., summa cum laude, from Mars Hill College in his native North Carolina. He also holds the Diplôme de concert from Paris’ Schola Cantorum, where he studied as a Harriet Hale Woolley Scholar of the Fondation des Etats-Unis, and attended the Conservatoire Américain at Fontainebleau.
Alongside his work as a performing pianist, throughout his career he has pursued a strong interest in composition, especially in sacred choral music. A formative experience in this regard was singing in the Canterbury Choir of the Episcopal Chapel of St. John the Divine at the University of Illinois. His choral compositions have been commissioned and performed by numerous churches and choirs nationwide, including commissions for national conferences of the Association of Anglican Musicians; other honors include numerous ASCAP annual awards. There have been a wide range of publications and recordings.
He has performed widely as a recital pianist and concerto soloist, chamber musician, and accompanist, and has conducted masterclasses, workshops, and written for publications in piano literature and pedagogy. He served as a member of the Commission on Accreditation of the National Association of Schools of Music and as one of its Accreditation Visitors, and has engaged in numerous campus, regional, and state initiatives in public and higher education in both New Mexico and New York.
Following years of work in administrative roles, he looks forward to a return in retirement to his music roots, exploring new activity as a composer, pianist, and teacher.
selected reviews
Tantum Ergo
“Incorporating a haunting melody with a gentle, understated accompaniment … the simple beauty of this setting is always well appreciated by choristers.”
—Alan Reed, in the Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians
Open, O Lord
“Text set sensitively.” —Geoff Weaver, in Church Music Quarterly
“The writing eloquently illuminates the text, and the effect of the piece is utterly satisfying.”
—John L. Hooker, in the Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians
Two Contemplative Anthems
“Felicity of line and soul-drenching beauty… essential literature.”
—John L. Hooker, in the Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians
O Salutaris Hostia
“An ideal motet during the administration of communion.”
—Kevin Walters, in The American Organist
Amice Christi, Johannes
“A stunningly beautiful setting…perfect fusion of note to word.”
—Stephen Hodge, in Choral Journal