Biography

I am a second-year Ph.D. student and Sproull Fellow in music theory at the Eastman School of Music. My research sits at the intersection of music, media, and cultural studies within contemporary J-pop (c. 2010–present), with a particular focus on issues of identity and intertextuality in the works of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Momoiro Clover, and YOASOBI. Additionally, I have interests in anison (anime song, アニソン) and anime OPs/EDs; jazz theory/analysis, particularly the music of Hiromi; issues of transcription; and musical form.

I currently serve as co-chair of SMT’s Analysis of World Musics Interest Group (two-year term, 2025-2026) and as a member-at-large on SMT’s Information Technology Committee (three-year term, 2025–2027). I am also a web manager of Intégral, Eastman’s peer-reviewed music theory journal, for volumes 38 and 39. I also serve as a graduate teaching assistant at Eastman, and I have previously taught as an adjunct at Hofstra University; as an adjunct and graduate TA at Hunter College; and as a graduate TA (Instructor of Record) at the University of Colorado Boulder. 

Outside of music and academia, I work full-time as an optometric technician and apprentice optician at LensCrafters. I enjoy eating ramen, building mechanical keyboards, and spending time with my fiancée and our two dogs. I have previously studied at Hunter College (CUNY), the University of Colorado Boulder, and Hofstra University.

February 2025

Education

Eastman School of Music | University of Rochester

Ph.D., Music Theory (2023–2027, anticipated)

Sproull Fellow

Dissertation: “‘Nanda Kore?!’: Identity and Intertextuality in Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s Music Videos” – Landon Morrison (advisor), Ben Baker (second reader), [outside reader TBD]

Hunter College (CUNY)

M.A., Music Theory (2021–2023)

Thesis: “Grouping Against the Groove: Metrical Dissonance in Hiromi’s 'Voice'" – Poundie Burstein (advisor), Ryan Keberle (second reader), Keith Waters

University of Colorado Boulder

M.M., Music Theory (2020–2021, transferred after first year)

Hofstra University

B.S., Music Theory & Composition (2016–2020)

Distinction: summa cum laude; high departmental honors; Associate (Honors College)

Thesis: “Sentence Structures and the Jazz Canon” – Philip Stoecker (co-advisor), Chandler Carter (co-advisor), and David Lalama

Awarded the Undergraduate Library Research Award (2020). Received the distinction of high honors.