Music theory and analysis involves the study of how sounds are combined to achieve particular musical forms and effects. Music theorists and analysts examine musical structures in great detail to reveal the sonic and organisational fundaments on which music is built, the techniques used to assemble them, and the broader meanings they can express. Research in this field is supported by the ANU Art and Music Library’s extensive collection of musical scores and recordings, and by an ambisonic listening suite and two computer music labs in which research students can work.

Dr Thomas Laue, Dr Edward Neeman and Rachael Thoms provide research leadership in this area. They are joined by our renowned jazz specialists, John Mackey, Greg Stott and Hugh Barrett.