THEORETICALLY SPEAKING

Theoretically Speaking...

Blues guitarist B.B. King once said, “The beautiful Hers was an engaging multimedia presentation thing about learning is that nobody can take it entitled “Ravel’s Sonic Illusions” that juxtaposed her away from you.” Apply that sentiment to the study analyses of timbre and orchestration using sound files, of music theory and you have long-lasting knowledge images, and videos. “It was positively received and and the basis for knowing what makes music, well-- generated a lot of new ideas. The work I presented there music. is going to be published at a leading journal in the field,

Dr. Jennifer Beavers, Associate Professor of Music Theory is an active music analyst, researcher, and Music theory is not just something Beavers teaches educator. In less than a decade, she has created a in the classroom. One of her passions is working name for herself and her work in the world of music with students in the UTSA Music Theory Club, an theory. She has been published in music journals such extracurricular student group she advises. Current as the Music Theory Online, Indiana Theory Review, president Madeline Gonzales stated, “I joined the club and Journal of Music Teacher Education. She shares after reaching out to Dr. Beavers. She said that as an co-author credit with UTSA colleague, Dr. Susan Olson aspiring professor of music theory, being a part of and on the Routledge Aural Companion, has an upcoming leading this club would be a great way to start leading chapter in the Oxford Handbook of Public Music Theory. some research projects and getting my foot into the

Dr. Beavers’ latest triumph occurred in early September when she was invited to deliver the keynote Gonzales invites students with a penchant for music address for the Music Theory and Musicology Society theory to join the next generation of members. Some hosted by the Cincinnati Conservatoire of Music. The of the items on the club’s agenda include conducting conference, “Conversations in Music” was held virtually, a research project, bringing in guest speakers to talk but in no way did that minimize the honor of being a about their areas of research, and reaching out to driving part of its program. under-represented public schools to help expand their

“This was a huge honor and the biggest or presentations. accomplishment of my career thus far,” stated Beavers. Music Theory Online, in January 2021.” world of music theory.” theory curriculum either through tutoring, mini-lectures, “Due to Covid 19, it was conducted virtually, so I didn’t If you are interested in learning more about the UTSA get to visit the city and instead presented from my Music Theory Club, contact Jennifer Beavers (jennifer. dining room! “ beavers@utsa.edu) or Madeline Gonzales (madgo94083@ gmail.com).