The Center

The Gail Boyd de Stwolinski Center for Music Theory Pedagogy was established in 1985 at the University of Oklahoma to provide a national clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information concerning the teaching and learning of music theory. In addition, the Center was established to honor Dr. Gail Boyd de Stwolinski for the professional contributions of her 38-year teaching career and, especially, to perpetuate her intense commitment to excellence in teaching. As presently conceived, the activities of the Center will:

1. Continue research in music theory as it relates to the training of musicians; this research will focus on studies utilizing materials from music literature and on procedures applicable to the classroom.
2. Develop seminars in various aspects of theory pedagogy featuring participation of eminent scholars.
3. Focus national attention on the importance of the "master classroom teacher/scholar" and support institutional and professional rewards for demonstrated excellence in scholarship related to music theory teaching.
4. Encourage specialized training for those embarking on careers primarily involving theory teaching and its related research
5. Provide philosophical direction and financial support for the "Journal of Music Theory Pedagogy" as a forum for ideas concerning practical and speculative pedagogical issues.

The fundamental purpose of the Gail Boyd de Stwolinski Center, then, is to foster the genuine contributions of hundreds of outstanding teachers of music theory. In short, it is our desire to identify and elevate "what is good" about our profession--and in so doing, improve it.