Robert Noehren, Professor of Music and University Organist, has R. Noehren retired from active faculty status as of December 31, 1976, after a very Retirement distinguished career as a teacher and proformer.

A native of Buffalo, New York, Professor Noehren received his advanced education at the Institute of Musical Art, New York, and the Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia. Upon completing his work at the Curtis Institute in 1931, he accepted a position as organist and choirmaster at St. Peter's Church, Germantown, New York, and subsequently served in similar capacities at St. John's Church, Buffalo, New York, and the Fountain St. Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1946 he went to Davidson College as organist and instructor in music.

Professor Noehren came to The University of Michigan in 1949 as chairman of the organ department and University Organist. He became an associate professor in 1952 and a professor in 1958. In 1962 he resigned the chairmanship but continued as University Organist with a reduced teaching assignment until his retirement.

He is well known as a performing artist and musician of great achievement. He has made extensive tours of Europe, including numerous performances on famous, historic organs. He has concertized extensively in this country and Canada and in all the major cities of Europe. His numerous recordings have served also to spread his fame. Professor Noehren has received many honors and awards both here and in Europe. In 1953, he was awarded the "Grand Prix du Disque" from France, the most important international prize for recording, the only American organist to win this award. In 1954 he was, invited to play at the International Congress of Organists held in Disseldorf, Germany, the sole American to receive such an invitation.

He is recognized today in both Europe and here as an authority on all types of organs, old or new. He brought back from Europe an extensive knowledge of the voicing techniques of the old European builders. He has also studied organs and church music in England. In 1948 he was awarded a Carnegie Foundation grant to make a study of the 17th and 18th century French organs, and in the following year carried out a similar project in the Netherlands. He has utilized this knowledge in designing several new organs in this country, using the old voicing styles and a different treatment of the pipe measurements.

The Regents now salute this distinguished organist, scholar, and teacher for his dedicated service by naming him Professor Emeritus of Music and University Organist Emeritus.