First Name:
Robert (RJ)
Last Name:
Wuagneux
Main Title:
Assistant Professor of Music Theory
Office Location:
Room 462, Broyhill Music Center
Phone Number:
828-262-6442
Email:
Type:
Area(s):
Dr. Robert James (RJ) Wuagneux is an assistant professor of music theory in the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University. He is an interdisciplinary music theorist and a passionate educator. His current research expands his dissertation,“The Ground on Which We Listen: Phish, Improvisation, Affect, and World-Building,” to consider how live improvised music and complementary scene aesthetic work to generate and sustain a highly affective musical environment. In turn, his work explores how participatory scene practices are deployed in fans’ world-building efforts toward racial and gender equity in live music scenes.
Dr. Wuagneux has presented at conferences on the regional, national, and international level, including conferences of The International Coalition of North American Phenomenologists, Phish Studies, and the College Music Society. Currently, he serves as the music theorist on the Phish Studies Conference, Planning, and Organizing Committee. His work has recently been recognized by the Alumni Association Doctoral Summer Fellowship and the Ackerman Award for Excellence in Music Scholarship from Stony Brook University.
Dr. Wuagneux enjoys instructing students ranging from the freshman to the graduate level in music theory, aural skills, and popular music. His teaching style is very hands-on, encouraging students to participate and perform frequently. Dr. Wuagneux is also an advocate for diversifying the music theory core curriculum, using musical examples from popular genres as well as works composed by women, members of the LGBTQ community, and people of color.
Dr. Wuagneux holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Critical Music Studies from Stony Brook University. He earned a M.M. in Classical Guitar Performance from Appalachian State University, and a B.M. in Classical Guitar Performance from Mercer University.