The Hidden Politics of (Public) Music Theory

Abstract

Abstract In this brief essay, I seek to identify and contribute to a growing body of literature that advocates for a healthy suspicion of the political aims of music theory (academic, public, and otherwise), which at times hides its aim to harm and oppress. I describe how (public) music theory can have explicit politics, implicit politics, and, most relevant to this discussion, hidden politics. I conclude by reflecting on how we professional music theorists might continue our work in and on public music theory in ways that align with broader disciplinary goals of dismantling structural inequities.

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