The Dissertation Writing Group, one of the offerings of the SMR Forum, is already back in action! Participants are doing their usual chapter-writing, feedback-giving, warm-beverage–sipping, and mutual encouraging. Brace yourself for a stream of new dissertation chapters over the course of the summer!
James McNally recently accepted a post as a full-time Lecturer in the Department of Music at the University of Illinois at Chicago, with a possible additional affiliation with the Department of Latin American and Latino Studies. This fall he will be teaching courses in Latin American Music and US Popular Music, with a variety of … Continue reading James McNally accepts position at U of Illinois (Chicago)
One of our freshly-minted PhDs, Anne Heminger, has an article in the most recent issue of Early Music History—and in line with the ecumenical spirit of SMR, it includes both music-theoretical and more conventional musicological themes. The article is entitled, "Music Theory at Work: The Eton Choirbook, Rhythmic Proportions and Musical Networks in Sixteenth-Century England" and … Continue reading Anne Heminger publishes in Early Music History
Last weekend, SMR members celebrated the end of a semester and the conclusion of another productive year with its annual year-end barbecue. Delicious food and excellent company were in their usual ample supply, and while chilly and rainy weather forced the festivities indoors, there was also merriment. A refreshing and enjoyable summer to each!
James McNally recently participated in two events in Brazil. In early April, he presented his research in São Paulo at the Sonologia International Conference on Sound Studies, hosted by the University of São Paulo. The conference lasted four days, with participants from countries across Europe, Australia, and the Americas. James’s presentation, “Sampling the City: Field … Continue reading James McNally presents research in Brazil
Last week, SMR members met for the traditional end-of-year General Assembly. We discussed successful past events, brainstormed ideas for future events, and nominated new officers for the 2019-2020 academic year (all while enjoying time with friends and a delicious lunch from Jerusalem Garden)!
Last Tuesday, Stephen Lett successfully defended his dissertation, entitled "The Psychedelic Listener: Theorizing Music in Therapeutic Practice," before a mesmerized and near-ecstatic audience. Congratulations, Stephen! Abstract: The Psychedelic Listener: Theorizing Music in Therapeutic Practice Since the advent of sound reproduction, new types of listener have emerged: a consumer-listener enters Muzak’s affective atmosphere and purchases more … Continue reading Stephen Lett defends dissertation
Last Monday, Vivian Luong successfully defended her dissertation, entitled "Analysis as Ethics: Experiments with Music Loving," before an enraptured (not to mention strongly affected) audience. Congratulations, Vivian! Abstract: "Analysis as Ethics: Experiments with Music Loving" In response to critiques of music theory following Joseph Kerman’s “How We Got Into Analysis and How to Get Out,” theorists … Continue reading Vivian Luong defends dissertation
On March 30th, SMR members attended a discussion session with Dr. Nancy Rao of Rutgers University. This event provided students the opportunity to connect with an alumna of the Music Theory program and engage in conversations about the academic job market after graduating from the University of Michigan. Dr. Rao provided the students with invaluable … Continue reading SMR discussion session with Dr. Nancy Rao
Recently, Ethnomusicology PhD Candidate Richard Smith presented at an interdisciplinary faculty and graduate colloquium at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign to discuss "New Perspectives of Cultural Contact and Exchange." Richard's paper "Listening for Rasa and 'Ishq: Cross-Cultural Ontologies of Musical Theory (abstract below) looks at ways listener-focused analysis can help unearth affective bridges across … Continue reading Richard Smith presents at colloquium: ‘New Perspectives of Cultural Contact and Exchange’
