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Robert E. Thomasreceived his Ph.D. in Music Theory and Composition from RutgersUniversity, where he studied with Charles Wuorinen, and a Mus.M. incomposition from Boston University, where he studied with Lukas Foss and received a Director's Award. Dr. Thomas is an active composer,teacher, scholar and performer. His music has been presented around thecountry, including performances at the June In Buffalo and Music99festivals and at the Conductor's Institute at Bard. Currently teaching Ear Training at William Paterson University, he has taught Music Theory, Ear Training and Sight Singing, Computer Music, Music Technology, Music History, Class Piano, and Keyboard Harmony at Rutgers University, William Paterson University, Seton Hall University, and Raritan Valley Community College. In addition to his composition and teaching activities, he is writing a book on music notation and is particularly interested in layered musical structures - the topic of his dissertation - and microtonal music. Dr. Thomas has long entertained a fascination with Russian folk and twentieth-century music (in particular the music of Shostakovich and Schnittke), which began with a concert of Russian folk music he attended as a child. He also has an abiding interest in Russian and Ukrainian literature, especially the work of Gogol and Bulgakov. He has visited Ukraine twice, where he was able to experience folk music, art, and dance first hand. He also does copyist work, is music director of Christ Presbyterian Church in Martinsville, NJ, and is always on the lookout for a good cup of coffee.

News New Site Update The server has been set up for the new site. Migration to the new site will begin soon. (05/02/09) Update: Migration Complete. As of 05 May 2009 this address will no longer be updated. Please bookmark the new address: retmusic.com. New Content Added Go to the teaching page to read student evaluations of my teaching. (04/19/09) Studio Page Added Click here to see the software and hardware I use in my work. (04/16/09) The BLOG is coming! Soon and very soon ... this site will be moving and I will be starting a new music theory/notation/technology/etc. blog. The server should be set up sometime this weekend -- stay tuned for more. (04/02/09) February 13-15, 2009 Katsucon 15 Arlington, Virginia Guest Panelist and Moderator: Music from the Outer Edge (non-traditional methods for creating, producing, promoting, and distributing music) and What's Next (new modes of communication and collaboration through the internet. (12/19/08)