Uploaded June 2023 | Updated September 2026, 37 minutes ago
Fourth-year University of Michigan School of Dentistry doctor of dental surgery student Tommy Lau first began his musical journey at a young age with the piano, then expanded to the violin within his school’s orchestra.
While walking across campus as an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan, Lau was inspired to continue his journey and learn more about the carillon after hearing a familiar tune coming from the Burton Memorial Tower.
Now, while attending dental school, Lau has began to simultaneously learn how to play the carillon through classes held in the Burton Memorial Tower. Through these classes, Lau is able to practice and play the Charles Baird Carillon within the Burton Memorial Tower during the thirty-minute recitals held throughout the week and heard throughout campus.
Even though learning how to play a new instrument while continuing a dental education has been difficult, Lau is excited to combine the two. “Playing the carillon has taught me to find my niche in music, and I’m excited to translate the same mindset when I conduct research” said Lau.
For anyone with doubts about whether or not they can attend dental school and learn a new hobby, or keep an existing hobby, Lau suggests to go for it.
“Dentistry is a great way for us to serve, but at the same time for ourselves, in order to maintain a long and sustainable and fruitful career, I think there has to be something that you pursue outside of dentistry that you really love, that you really enjoy.”
Fourth-year University of Michigan School of Dentistry doctor of dental surgery student Tommy Lau first began his musical journey at a young age with the piano, then expanded to the violin within his school’s orchestra.
While walking across campus as an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan, Lau was inspired to continue his journey and learn more about the carillon after hearing a familiar tune coming from the Burton Memorial Tower.
Now, while attending dental school, Lau has began to simultaneously learn how to play the carillon through classes held in the Burton Memorial Tower. Through these classes, Lau is able to practice and play the Charles Baird Carillon within the Burton Memorial Tower during the thirty-minute recitals held throughout the week and heard throughout campus.
Even though learning how to play a new instrument while continuing a dental education has been difficult, Lau is excited to combine the two. “Playing the carillon has taught me to find my niche in music, and I’m excited to translate the same mindset when I conduct research” said Lau.
For anyone with doubts about whether or not they can attend dental school and learn a new hobby, or keep an existing hobby, Lau suggests to go for it.
“Dentistry is a great way for us to serve, but at the same time for ourselves, in order to maintain a long and sustainable and fruitful career, I think there has to be something that you pursue outside of dentistry that you really love, that you really enjoy.”
