An Introduction to Public Music Theory

Abstract This chapter previews and summarizes the essays in this book and the ways they relate to the idea of public music theory. Examples of public music theory include various forms of applied music theory (including outreach and engagement), ways of communicating with concert audiences, and the application of technological advancements in order to bring music theory to wider audiences. The chapter considers why some might view academic music theory as incompatible with the concept of public music theory, but rather than formulate public music theory in opposition to academic music theory; the chapter proposes a model of a liminal space in which academic music theorists take on the role of public music theorists and in which music theory thrives without the inclusion of any academic music theorist whatsoever. The chapter concludes with some thoughts about how academic music theorists can be responsible in engaging with the public. Ultimately, the chapter asks readers to consider how the lens of public music theory can broaden and expand what they consider music theory to be, uncovering more and more examples of what Thomas Christensen calls “hidden theory.”