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About Music Theory

Our graduate students in music theory grow as scholars, teachers, and professionals as part of a thriving and supportive cohort and through constant one-on-one mentoring with faculty members who are deeply committed to their success. Students experience professional success while they’re still at MSU and go on to do great things once they leave.

We offer two graduate programs: a 30-credit Master of Music degree in Music Theory, which offers outstanding preparation for doctoral study in music theory as well as a substantial secondary credential for performers, conductors, and composers; and a 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Music Theory, intended for current doctoral students in music performance, conducting, or composition who wish to secure a less intensive secondary credential in music theory. Both programs feature a variety of intensive courses and opportunities to interact with guest scholars.

We offer competitive funding packages to students pursuing the Master’s degree in Music Theory.

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.

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.

"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."

Travis Scott '17 (MM Theory), Now Assistant Professor of Music Theory at Xavier University

Learn More About Our Alumni

MM Music Theory '25

Austin Wilson (he/him)

Degree(s) before MSU: BM Music Education, Bradley University

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.

Research Interests: Public music theory, music theory pedagogy, ludomusicology, Schenkerian analysis

Conference/Workshop participation: SMT workshop on Marxism and Hermeneutics with Sumanth Gopinath (2023)

Professional accomplishments: Horn/Alto Horn and Music Arranger, 10th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry Regiment Band (2017-2023); Horn ot2, Jacksonville (IL) Symphony Orchestra (2016-2023)

About Austin: Prior to pursuing music theory, I was a 5th-12th grade band director. As a fledgling theorist, I am eager to explore how music theory can help others grow as musicians, how Current/recent projects include explorations of how Super Mario Bros. music depicts fear and of how text and other factors “beyond the notes” can inform reductive analysis. I am also grateful to stay active as a horn player at MSU.

MM Music Theory

Kellin Tasber (they/them)

Degree(s) before MSU: MS Biotechnology, BS Biology, BA Music

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.

Research Interests: Ludomusicology, rap studies, music theory pedagogy, music theory and gender, vocal music

Conference/Workshop participation: Feminist Analysis with Rachel Lumsden (SMT 2023)

Professional accomplishments: Graduate Chair of DEIA, Syracuse University

About Kellin: I’m huge into gaming of all kinds, for example Dungeons and Dragons, Magic: the Gathering, and Destiny 2. Singing in vocal chamber ensembles and solo are my absolute favorite things to do.

MM Music Theory '25

Sarah Tobin (she/her)

Degree(s) before MSU: BM Viola, McGill University

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.

Research Interests: music theory pedagogy; rhythm and meter; form theory

Conference/Workshop participation: “Marxism, Music Studies, and Hermeneutics” with Dr. Sumanth Gopinath (SMT 2023)

About Sarah: I really enjoy sight reading string quartets with my friends. I love to cook, and I am trying to learn at least one new recipe each week. When I am not working, I enjoy listening to music theory podcasts, solving crossword puzzles, and playing with my cat. In my free time, I am a full-time student.

MM Music Theory '24

Brendan McEvoy (he/him)

Degree(s) before MSU: BM Music Composition, Youngstown State University

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.

Research Interests: Music theory pedagogy, scholarship of teaching and learning, interdisciplinary pedagogy, musical meaning and semiotics, topic theory, music cognition, beginning violin pedagogy

Conference/Workshop participation: SMT workshop on feminist music theory with Rachel Lumsden (2023), UBC Workshops in Music Theory Pedagogy (2023), MSU Strategies for Teaching Across Fields Workshop (2023), MTSNYS workshop on texted music analysis with Matt BaileyShea (2023)

Professional accomplishments: Guest speaker, MSU STEAMpower (Oct. 2023)

Anything else you want to include: In addition to my course work, I am currently working on a few projects: Incorporating STEM concepts and interdisciplinary pedagogy into music theory fundamentals curricula; Musical meaning and anti-narrative in Julius Eastman’s piano works; Philosophical and aesthetic subtexts in Richard Strauss’ Capriccio; and Establishing a framework for an insect topic in film and art music. Outside of theory, I am an active violinist and violist, both as a performer and instructor. I also enjoy playing chamber music, reading, baking, and meeting new feline friends.

MM Music Theory, MM Composition '24

Ryan Galik (he/him)

Degree(s) before MSU: BA Music Education, The College of New Jersey

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.

Research Interests: Music perception and cognition, ambient music, musical recursion, aural skills pedagogy

Conference/Workshop participation: 2023 Annual Conference Meetings for SMT, MTSMA, RMSMT, TSMT, SCSMT, WCCTMA, and MTMW

Professional accomplishments: Recipient of 2023 SMT Student Presentation Award, 2023 TSMT Colvin Best Student Paper Award, and 2023 MTSMA Dorothy Payne Best Student Paper Award

About Ryan: I really enjoy distance cycling, tennis, chess, and Dark Souls games. I’m also a composer and avid film enthusiast! I enjoy reading about psychology, sociology, and physics!

MM Composition, MM Music Theory

Eileen Snyder (she/they)

Degree(s) before MSU: BM Piano Performance, East Carolina University

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.

Research Interests: Ludomusicology, soundtrack narrative as it relates to game player engagement, genre perception, electronic music and production in the classroom

Conference/Workshop participation: Music Theory Midwest 2023, SMT 2023 (Film and Multimedia Interest Group Meeting)

Professional accomplishments: Winner of 2022 Barbara Wagner Composition Competition, Affiliate Professor of Video Game Composition at Bradley Unviersity

About Eileen: I have an uber soft spot for creating mashups, remixes, and beats that will never see the light of day. I also frequently fall into Wikipedia rabbit holes about regional cuisines, and love running and playing Animal Crossing

"I appreciate 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."

Ben Montgomery '17 (MM Music Theory)