- All Areas
- Brass
- Composition
- Conducting
- Jazz Studies
- Keyboard
- Music Education
- Music Theory
- Musicology / Ethnomusicology
- Percussion
- Strings
- Vocal Arts
- Woodwinds
- Chamber Music
- Summer Programs
- All Areas
- Brass
- Composition
- Conducting
- Jazz Studies
- Keyboard
- Music Education
- Music Theory
- Musicology / Ethnomusicology
- Percussion
- Strings
- Vocal Arts
- Woodwinds
- Chamber Music
- Summer Programs
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
A student-led event that features performances and presentations by music majors from the MSU College of Music.
Bass-baritone Marc Embree returns with MSU artists and special guests for a lively musical theatre celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Gain insight from leading baroque oboist Debra Nagy as she works with students and discusses the craft of early music performance.
Celebrate 250 years of American music in a program highlighting the diversity, creativity, and enduring spirit of the nation’s composers.
Gain insight from acclaimed bassoonist Stephanie Corwin as she works with students and discusses the craft of early music performance.