Photo of Professor Kenneth Smith

Professor Kenneth Smith PhD

Professor of Music Theory Music

Research

Harmonic Theory and Analysis

Desire in Chromatic Harmony
Desire in Chromatic Harmony

Kenneth is particularly interested in how we mentally conceive and process chord progressions, and how the mind organises these into distinct types or functions.

Analysing Popular Music

The Routledge Companion to Popular Music Analysis
The Routledge Companion to Popular Music Analysis

Kenneth has written about the harmony of Suede, form in Modest Mouse and the psychodynamic form of songs by Arab Strap. He co-edited The Routledge Companion to Popular Music Analysis.

Post-Wagnerian Music and Philosophy

Kenneth's first book, 'Skryabin, Philosophy and the Music of Desire'
Kenneth's first book, 'Skryabin, Philosophy and the Music of Desire'

The repertoire Kenneth works with is predominantly that of the Western Classical tradition, particularly post-Wagnerian music. This philosophically rich repertoire is surrounded by a body of ideas that can help us reflect on the music. Kenneth's earliest work was a study of the Russian composer, Alexander Skryabin.