The Consulate General of Japan in Detroit describes his contributions as:

Dr. William P. Malm earned a Ph.D. in musicology at UCLA in 1959, with dissertation research focused on the music of Japanese theater. This led to the publication of Japanese Music and Musical Instruments, the first English-language study on the subject. Through this book, Dr. Malm introduced to the western world various types of Japanese music (including religious music, folk music, gagakunohgaku, and kabuki music) and musical instruments (such as the biwashakuhachikoto, and shamisen).

In 1992, he was awarded the Fumio Koizumi Prize for Ethnomusicology, in recognition of his achievements in the ethnomusicological study of Japanese music.

Dr. Malm taught music for half a century, including 34 years as a member of the University of Michigan music faculty.

Through his teaching, research, performances, publications, and presentations around the world, Dr. Malm has made significant contributions to academic exchange and the strengthening of the relationship between Japan and the United States.

Please join us in congratulating Professor Malm for this wonderful recognition of his accomplishment!