Alumni Placement

"The theory program at MSU provided me with exceptional opportunities to grow as a scholar and expand my musical interests. It 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), Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Composition, 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

Kaylee Bernard (2023): Eastman School of Music
Daniel Martin (2023): Indiana University
Thomas Collison (2022): Indiana University
Ryan Jones (2022): Eastman School of Music
James Yuhas (2022): University of Kansas
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. 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 teaching position in applied clarinet and theory."

Dr. Cassie Keogh '13 (MM Theory), Associate Professor of Clarinet, University of North Dakota at Fargo

Employment in Positions Teaching Music Theory

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

*Spencer Arias (2023): Assistant Professor of Music Theory, Arizona State University
*Trevor Smith (2022): Assistant Professor for Music Theory and Composition, Tarleton State University
Elena Specht (2022): Librarian, President’s Own Marine Band
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

Employment in Positions Teaching Music Theory

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

*Spencer Arias (2023): Assistant Professor of Music Theory, Arizona State University
*Trevor Smith (2022): Assistant Professor for Music Theory and Composition, Tarleton State University
Elena Specht (2022): Librarian, President’s Own Marine Band
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
*Travis Scott (2018): Assistant Professor of Music Theory, Xavier University
Alisa Hickox (2018): Instructor of Music Theory, University of Northern Colorado
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): Associate Professor of Clarinet, North Dakota State University-Fargo | Website
*Thomas Childs (2012): Chair of Music Foundations, Interlochen Arts Academy
*Phillip Sink (2012): Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Composition, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee
Kimberly Loeffert (2011): Clinical Assistant Professor of Music Theory, Oklahoma State University
*Jeffrey Loeffert (2010): Professor of Music Theory and Saxophone and Director of the Oklahoma State University School of Music
Kawai Chan (2010): Lecturer in Music Theory and Piano, Hong Kong Baptist University
Jennifer Kitchen (2009): Lecturer of Music Theory, Central Michigan University
*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

Alumni Profiles

Kaylee Bernard '23

While at MSU, Kaylee had the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. James Sullivan and fellow classmate, Ryan Galik, on a research project, which they took to SMT in 2023. Kaylee has recently began pursuing her PhD at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY.

Ryan Jones '22

After completing his undergraduate degree at Michigan State in the composition program, Ryan decided to stay at MSU to pursue his master's in music theory from 2020-2022. Now, he is completing his PhD at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY.

Gerardo Lopez '21

Now a Ph.D. student in music theory at The Ohio State University, Gerry had the opportunity to work closely with faculty in pursuing many avenues of research while at MSU.

Michael Ebie '21

Michael began his time at MSU as a tuba performance major before joining the theory master's program. He is now a Ph.D. student in music theory at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

Samantha Waddell '21

In her time at MSU, Sam was invited to present her research at a number of conferences. She is now a Ph.D. student in music theory at Indiana University.

Hanisha Kulothparan '21

Now at the Eastman School of Music as a Ph.D. student in music theory, Hanisha explored a variety of research interests at MSU.

Zachary Lookenbill '21

Like other students in music theory at MSU, Zach researched and presented on a wide range of personal interests in music theory during his time here. He is now a Ph.D. student at The Ohio State University.

Zachary Lloyd '20

Currently a Ph.D. student in music theory at Florida State University, Zach amassed an impressive list of accomplishments during his years as a graduate student at MSU. Learn more about Zach.

Stefanie Bilidas '19

While a graduate student in music theory at MSU from 2017 to 2019, Stefanie pursued a very active research agenda. She is now a Ph.D. student in music theory at the University of Texas at Austin.

Alexandrea Jonker '18

Now a Ph.D. student in music theory at McGill University, Alex launched her career with a flurry of research activity while a Master's student in music theory at MSU from 2016 to 2018.

Lynnsey Lambrecht '18

Now a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Composition at Bradley University, Lynnsey has presented and published multiple research projects undertaken while a student at MSU.