It is with sadness that the SMA shares news of the passing of two distinguished and hugely influential figures in music theory and analysis in late May 2026, Carl Schachter and Arnold Whittall. Carl Schachter was a distinguished music theorist, teacher, and scholar whose work shaped generations of musicians and analysts. Schachter devoted his life to […]
Extended deadline for applications to SMA mentoring scheme
You can still apply here for two different mentoring routes until 12 June 2026.
DubMAC registration and programme
The 2026 Music Analysis Conference in Dublin is now open for registration, with the draft programme also published. Find all information here. We look forward to seeing you there!
TAGS Prize Winners 2026
This year’s successful TAGS Conference at Trinity College, University of Cambridge, yielded a prize-winning paper by Aidan McGartland and two highly commended papers by Katrina Fox and Ville Vokkolainen. Congratulations!
McrMAC Conference reports
Conference Report by Hailu Ni, Doctoral Candidate (University of Manchester) Session Review by Evelyn Fong, MusM student (University of Manchester) Report by Hailu Ni, Doctoral Candidate (University of Manchester) The Manchester Music Analysis Conference 2025 (McrMAC25, 14-16 July 2025) brought together scholars with expertise in various aspects of music research from around the world for […]
Pop Theory and Analysis Group
About us The newly formed Pop Theory and Analysis Group (PopTAG) was launched at DubMAC 2026. PopTAG is associated with the Institute of Popular Music, University of Liverpool, and the Institute of Popular Music, University of Rochester. Mailing list If you would like to participate in the activities of the Pop Theory And Analysis Group […]
Formal Theory Study Group
The Formal Theory Study Group (FTSG) provides a platform for scholars to interact and discuss all aspects of musical form. The FTSG has previously organised study days, workshops and conferences, gathering researchers at different career stages to advance understanding of the history, theory, analysis, and philosophy of musical form. Chair Rafael (Ardi) Echevarria Members Dominik […]
Formal Theory Study Group DubMAC Study Day
Formal Theory Study Group DubMAC Study Day July 16 2026, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Long Room Hub The SMA’s Formal Theory Study Group is pleased to announce its annual study day, to be held on Thursday, July 16 2026 at Trinity College Dublin immediately after the annual conference, DubMAC. The study day will feature an […]
The Fifth Popular Music Theory and Analysis Summer School
17th – 19th July 2026, University of Liverpool, IPM-IPM-SMA The Institutes of Popular Music of both Rochester and Liverpool, together with the Society for Music Analysis, are pleased to announce their fifth Summer School dedicated to popular music theory and analysis. Set in the vibrant city of Liverpool, UK, the course will be held on […]
SMA Statement on the threat of closure to Nottingham University Music Department
Read and share the Society for Music Analysis’ open letter to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, written in response to the threat of closure to the University’s Music Department and suspension of recruitment to its programmes (10th November 2025).