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
Enjoy live chamber music in the open‑air setting of MSU’s Beal Botanical Garden.
Enjoy an open-air evening of chamber music as the Mirana String Quartet explores themes of movement, connection, and atmosphere inspired by the element of Air.
Experience music inspired by the flow and reflection of water as the Go Music Trio performs an evening of vocal and piano works in the garden.
Guest carillonist Jeremy Chesman presents a vibrant, genre-spanning program blending classical works, jazz standards, contemporary pieces, and musical theater favorites.