About our Faculty

Group of Theory faculty standing and posing for he camera with smiles Students grow as scholars, teachers, and professionals as part of a supportive cohort and through one-on-one mentoring with faculty members. The music theory faculty consists of well-respected scholars who publish and present actively in a variety of research areas. At the same time, pedagogical excellence is a signature focus of the music theory area. The faculty includes winners of university teaching awards and prestigious fellowships, innovators, and leaders in the sub-discipline of music theory pedagogy.

Without hesitation, I will tell anyone that asks me that being at MSU was an absolutely invaluable experience on a professional, pedagogical, and personal level. Everyone, from the faculty to my peers to the adminstration, was supportive of my development and learning.

Gerardo Lopez '21, now a Ph.D. student at the Ohio State University

Music Theory Faculty

Gordon Sly

Professor of Music Theory and Interim Chair of the Music Theory Area

Michael Callahan

Associate Professor of Music Theory

Richard Desinord

Assistant Professor of Music Theory

Patrick Johnson

Assistant Professor of Music Theory

Nick Schumacher

Assistant Professor of Music Theory

Cara Stroud

Associate Professor of Music Theory

James Sullivan

Assistant Professor of Music Theory

The theory faculty at MSU distinguishes itself by prioritizing student success. They are not only experts in their field but also accessible resources for all students, whether mastering fundamentals or pursuing advanced opportunities in coursework, teaching, and research.

Ben Baldwin '19 (BM Music Education)

About our Faculty

Music Theory Faculty

Faculty Interviews: Music for Social Justice Series