Guest Scholars
The MSU Music Theory Area has a vibrant guest-scholars program. Seven renowned theorists visit us each year to present their research, guest-teach our classes, and mentor our students.
Guest Lectures
Graduate students in the music theory area are exposed to cutting-edge research through guest lectures. Visiting scholars present their most current thinking on a variety of topics, bringing the plurality of the music-theoretic discipline right here to East Lansing.
Guest Teaching
Our students interact directly with the guests as master pedagogues. Visiting scholars are selected so that their expertise aligns with a seminar or workshop in our graduate curriculum in music theory. Each of them guest-teaches this course, and many of them teach a graduate course for performers and/or a course in our undergraduate core sequence as well.
Professional Mentoring
We reserve time in each guest scholar’s itinerary for individual meetings with any interested students, as well as a group lunch with graduate students in music theory. These conversations offer opportunities for candid mentoring about students’ research projects, professional development, teaching, and applications for jobs and doctoral programs.
Upcoming Events
The MSU Jazz Orchestras open the season with an evening of timeless swing and big band classics—audience dancing encouraged!
Ensemble Affect explores America’s colonial musical heritage in a program celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
MSU piano alumni Yaju Chuang and Zhao Wang perform piano four-hands works by women composers spanning the late Romantic era through today.
Experience the rare pairing of piano and organ as MSU artist-faculty Hae Won Jang and Deborah Moriarty perform beloved arranged works.
Musique 21 presents an evening of contemporary works exploring ethereal sound worlds, shifting sonic colors, and innovative instrumental combinations.