Alumni Placement

The theory program at MSU provided me with exceptional opportunities to grow as a scholar and expand my musical interests. The Master's degree in Theory has set me apart from other candidates in the job market and helped pave a path for a teaching career in higher education.

Dr. Lynnsey Lambrecht '17 (MM Theory), now an Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Composition at Bradley University

The Master's degree in Music Theory prepares students for doctoral study in music theory. It also prepares dual-degree students whose primary expertise is elsewhere—such as those earning the MM Theory alongside a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in music performance or composition—for collegiate jobs that include music theory teaching.

Our graduates are very successful along both paths.

 

Placements in Ph.D. Programs in Music Theory:

  • Michael Ebie (2021): The Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
  • Hanisha Kulothparan (2021): Eastman School of Music
  • Zachary Lookenbill (2021): The Ohio State University
  • Gerardo Lopez (2021): The Ohio State University
  • Samantha Waddell (2021): Indiana University
  • Zachary Lloyd (2020): Florida State University
  • Stefanie Bilidas (2019): The University of Texas at Austin
  • Alexandrea Jonker (2018): McGill University
  • Molly Murdock (2016): The Eastman School of Music | Website
  • Connor Davis (2015): Louisiana State University
  • Danielle Wulf (2014): Florida State University
  • Joseph VanderStel (BA Music, 2013): The Eastman School of Music | Website
  • Margarita Rodriguez (2012): The Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
  • Kimberly Loeffert (2011): Florida State University
  • Jennifer Kitchen (2009): The Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music | Website
  • Katrina Roush (2008): Indiana University | Website

I can definitively say that my experience in the theory pedagogy program at MSU got me to where I am today. Because of my experience at MSU, I got a full teaching assistantship to my doctoral program, and because of the strength of my secondary area in theory, I ultimately won my current teaching position in applied clarinet and theory.

Dr. Cassie Keogh '13 (MM Theory), now an Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Clarinet at the University of North Dakota at Fargo

Employment in Positions Teaching Music Theory:

Dates below indicate year of graduation from the MM Theory degree. Asterisks(*) indicate employment in tenure-track positions.

  • Neal Endicott (2021): Lecturer in Music Theory and Composition, East Tennessee State University
  • Jeffrey Leung (2021): Assistant Professor of Saxophone and Music Theory, Queen's University
  • Charlie Chadwell (2021): Part-Time Instructor of Music Theory, Western Michigan University
  • James Schippers (2020): Part-Time Instructor of Class Piano, Piano, and Aural Skills, Alma College
  • Elizabeth Clarke (2019): Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Theory, Music History, and Piano, Bradley University
  • Gonzalo Garrido-Lecca (2019): Artist Faculty of Music Theory, New Music School Chicago
  • *Lynnsey Lambrecht (2018): Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Composition, Bradley University | Website
  • *Travis Scott (2018): Assistant Professor of Music Theory, Xavier University
  • Alisa Hickox (2018): Instructor of Music Theory, University of Northern Colorado | Website
  • Will Sutton (2018): Instructor of Music Theory, Olivet College
  • *Ivette Herryman Rodriguez (2017): Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Composition, State University of New York at Potsdam
  • Philip Rice (2015): Director of Arts Programming, Mackinac Island
  • *Connor Davis (2015): Assistant Professor of Music Theory, John Brown University
  • *Andrew Francis (2014): Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Chair of the Music Department, Marietta College | Website
  • Sarah Manasreh (theory GA, 2011-13): Assistant Professor of Clarinet and Music Theory, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Website
  • *Victor Marquez-Barrios (2013): Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Composition, Truman State University | Website
  • Patrick Johnson (2013): Instructor of Music Theory, Michigan State University | Website
  • *Cassie Keogh (2013): Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Clarinet, North Dakota State University-Fargo | Website
  • *Thomas Childs (2012): Chair of Music Foundations, Interlochen Arts Academy | Website
  • *Phillip Sink (2012): Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Composition, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee | Website
  • Kimberly Loeffert (2011): Clinical Assistant Professor of Music Theory, Oklahoma State University | Website
  • *Jeffrey Loeffert (2010): Professor of Music Theory and Saxophone and Director of the Oklahoma State University School of Music | Website
  • Kawai Chan (2010): Lecturer in Music Theory and Piano, Hong Kong Baptist University
  • Jennifer Kitchen (2009): Lecturer of Music Theory, Central Michigan University | Website
  • *Roger Petersen (2009): Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Composition, Del Mar College | Website
  • Katrina Roush (2008): Lecturer of Music Theory, University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley | Website