Michal Smoira-Cohn – Musicologist, educator, and prominent figure in Israeli culture. She served as head of the Academy from 1979 to 1985 and as chairwoman of the Board of Trustees from 1988 to 1997. A visionary leader and tireless advocate for music and culture in Israel, she was deeply committed to her work.

Born in Tel Aviv in 1926, Michal graduated from the Israel Academy of Music in Jerusalem and pursued advanced studies in musicology at Uppsala University in Sweden. She specialized in music theory and taught aesthetics, literature, and music history at Tel Aviv University, the Midrasha for Educators, and music academies in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. From 1968 to 1991, she headed the music division at Kol Israel (Israel's national broadcasting service).

During her leadership at the Academy, the Department of Dance and Movement and the Department of Music Education gained recognition from the National Academy of Music, and the M.A.Mus degree program was established in collaboration with The Hebrew University. As chairwoman of the Board of Trustees, she invited international leaders and representatives from Friends' Associations in Europe, South Africa, and the United States to join the Board, enhancing the Academy’s global standing.

Smoira-Cohn founded and edited the music journal Bat Kol and also edited Music in Time, published by the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. She conducted the Haifa Symphony Orchestra and served as the head of the jury for the Rubinstein International Piano Competition. Beyond her professional endeavors, she was deeply engaged in public service, contributing to organizations such as WIZO, the Council of Women's Organizations, and the "Tolerance" movement.

Her published works include Music: A Historical Introduction, Meanings in Music: Conversations Between Us, Personal Repertoire and Music: Mission and Gospel – Building Blocks for the Aesthetics of Music, Gary Bertini and the Life of Music in Israel, and A Musical Journey with Schopenhauer.