The Society for Music Theory Recognizes Thomas William Posen for Outstanding Contributions to Music Scholarship
In a remarkable achievement, Dr. Thomas William Posen, a distinguished scholar from the College of Idaho, has been honored with not one, but two prestigious awards from the Society for Music Theory (SMT): the Emerging Scholar Award for one peer-reviewed article, and the Outstanding Publication Award for another. These accolades, presented in recognition of Posen’s exemplary work in music scholarship, underscore his growing influence in the field and his ability to bridge the history of music theory with contemporary analytical practices.
Emerging Scholar Award: A Deep Dive into Beethoven's Education
Posen’s Emerging Scholar Award stems from his 2023 article, “Windows into Beethoven's Lessons in Bonn: Kirnberger's Die Wahren Grundsätze Zum Gebrauch Der Harmonie (1773) and Vogler's Gründe Der Kuhrpfälzischen Tonschule in Beyspielen (1776/1778)” published in Music Theory Online. This article stands out for its deep exploration of the educational landscape that influenced the young Ludwig van Beethoven in the late eighteenth century, particularly in his formative years in Bonn, Germany.
Through a detailed analysis of two essential music treatises—Kirnberger's Die Wahren Grundsätze (1773) and Vogler's Gründe Der Kuhrpfälzischen Tonschule (1776/1778)—Posen uncovers the theoretical and pedagogical foundations that shaped Beethoven's musical voice. By examining how these texts—rich in harmonic theory, keyboard exercises, singing practice, and more—may have impacted Beethoven’s early compositional development, Posen provides invaluable insight into the nuanced interaction between historical pedagogical texts and the work of one of Western music’s greatest innovators.
In doing so, Posen’s article sheds new light on Beethoven’s early education and details the rich nexus of influence that shaped him. The meticulous research and nuanced argumentation present in Posen’s work have earned him praise from scholars and critics alike, solidifying his place as a rising star in the field of music theory.
Outstanding Publication Award: A Major Contribution to the Study of Mode and Psalmody
In a rare feat, Posen additionally received the Outstanding Publication Award for his 2023 article “The Interaction of Mode and Psalmody in Glarean's Circle”, published in Music Theory and Analysis. This article studies how modes developed into major and minor keys, a cornerstone of western music theory, by studying the interaction of mode and psalmody in works written by the sixteenth-century Swiss music theorist and humanist Heinrich Glarean alongside with his earlier predecessors.
Posen’s analysis of Glarean’s work alongside his predecessors’ treatises written from the tenth to seventeenth centuries sheds new light on the interaction between ancient medieval and Renaissance practices and thought. Through a detailed study of historical texts spanning over seven centuries, Posen reveals the fascinating intricacies of the interaction of modes and psalmody gradually led to the emergence of the major and minor scales.
Posen’s comprehensive research not only fills a gap in our understanding of the relationship between mode and psalmody from the tenth to sixteenth centuries, but also bridges the divide between medieval and Renaissance music theory. By focusing on the way modes and psalmody developed together, Posen makes a substantial contribution to our understanding of how music theory was applied in a cultural and historical context, an endeavor that enriches both musicology and music theory.
See the publication here.
A Scholar on the Rise
Thomas William Posen’s dual recognition by the Society for Music Theory is a testament to the depth and originality of his scholarship. His work exemplifies how studying historical traditions and their intersection with contemporary understandings of music can lead to new insights that shape our understanding of music history, traditions, and pedagogy. With these honors, Posen has established himself as a leading voice in the field, one whose work will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of music theory and analysis.
As a faculty member at the College of Idaho, Posen’s accomplishments inspire both his students and colleagues, encouraging a new generation of scholars to approach music theory with curiosity and rigor. With his exceptional ability to connect diverse theoretical frameworks and historical perspectives, Posen's career is poised for continued growth, and his contributions to the study of music will undoubtedly echo for years to come.