International Symposium on Musical Topics and Topic Theory
The International Symposium on Musical Topics and Topic Theory (IMSTTT) invites presenters and participants to explore ideas in topic theory with regard to musical discourse.
From its contacts with worship, poetry, drama, entertainment, dance, ceremony, the military, the hunt, and the life of the lower classes, music in the early 18th century developed a thesaurus of characteristic figures, which formed a rich legacy for classic composers. Some of these figures were associated with various feelings and affections; others had a picturesque flavor. They are designated here as topics—subjects for musical discourse.
—Leonard G. Ratner (1980)
3rd International Symposium on Musical Topics and Topic Theory
Read these guidelines and submit your materials by January 1, 2026.
Past Conferences
Conference Highlights
Students and scholars attending IMSTTT
Host, Dr. Jonathan Bellman.
Presenter, Hannah Aelvoet from Belgium.
Conference Contact & Webmaster
Janice Dickensheets
Professor of Music History