Music Theory at MSU
We Prioritize Integration.
We value scholarship and teaching equally, and our graduate theory majors leave our program equally accomplished at both. They develop skills in analysis, pedagogy, research, and musicianship as part of a vibrant, mutually supportive community of scholar-teachers with diverse interests and backgrounds. And students throughout the College of Music strengthen their musicianship in our courses by acquiring aural and analytical skills that apply to performance, conducting, composition, listening, and study.
In addition to developing my analytical skills, I grew so much as a teacher, musician, and person in the MSU music theory area. The invaluable hands-on teaching experience, in combination with learning from masterful faculty teachers every semester, inspired me. It also prepared me directly for several jobs in higher education, which otherwise would not have been available to me.
And We Offer Exceptional Opportunities to Students.
Students take readings seminars, pedagogy courses, analysis classes, and intensive skills workshops in counterpoint and keyboard skills. They teach music theory and aural skills with the expert guidance of a faculty member. They interact with renowned scholars throughout the field as part of our monthly guest scholars program. They develop their own research projects within courses or in an independent study with a faculty mentor. They present their research at our music theory colloquium and then share it with a national audience at conferences. Above all, they grow and thrive in a community of supportive peers and approachable, student-centered faculty members.
Austin Wilson (he/him)
After teaching in public schools for over five years, Austin is now working towards a masters in music theory. His research interests include public music theory, music theory pedagogy, ludomusicology, Schenkerian analysis. Learn more.
Kellin Tasber (they/them)
Kellin is in their first year in the theory master's program. Their research interests include ludomusicology, rap studies, music theory pedagogy, music theory and gender, vocal music. Learn more.
Sarah Tobin (she/her)
Sarah started her masters in music theory in the fall of 2023. For her research, she is interested in rhythm and meter in 19th century music, form-function, and music theory pedagogy. Learn more.
Brendan McEvoy (he/him)
Brendan is in his final semester of the master's program. He is an active researcher, and his interests range from music theory pedagogy to musical meaning and semiotics, with lots in between. Learn more.
Ryan Galik (he/him)
Ryan is completing two master degrees in music theory and composition. He was recently awarded the 2023 SMT Student Presentation Award for his work on ambient music. He plans to continue on to a PhD in the fall of 2024. Learn more.
Eileen Snyder (she/they)
Eileen is finishing two MM in both the Music Theory and Composition department. She also holds an affiliate professor position in the composition department at Bradley University. Learn more.
What I appreciate most about the theory area is the passion and variety of specializations found in the faculty. The program provided me opportunities to further my existing skills and to explore new approaches to finding deeper levels of meaning in music. The pedagogy focus also helped me learn how to better convey those meanings to others."