David Easley

David Easley, Ph.D., is a Professor of Music in the Music department at Oklahoma City University, specializing in Music Theory. His research focuses on analyzing recorded popular music, particularly American hardcore punk rock (1978–86), and the operas of Giuseppe Verdi. He has presented work at national/international conferences and published on topics like guitar riffs in punk, vocal production, and Verdi's tonality. Easley has held adjunct roles at Florida State University, St. Louis Community College, and Louisiana State University as a Teaching Assistant. His teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking and lifelong learning through diverse musical styles. He is currently engaged in a sabbatical project to revamp music theory pedagogy and curriculum design. Easley’s blog explores his research in Verdi, punk rock, and pedagogy, with a focus on accessibility and student engagement.

Education & Previous Roles:

• Ph.D. in Music (implied via roles, though specific institution not stated)
• Adjunct Instructor, Florida State University (2010)
• Teaching Assistant, Florida State University (2007–2010)
• Adjunct Instructor, St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley (2006–2007)
• Teaching Assistant, Louisiana State University (2003–2005)

Research Interests:

• Analysis of punk rock recordings and cultural context
• Application of literary/critical theory to Verdi’s operas
• Musical form, vocal production, and spatial attributes in recordings

Teaching & Pedagogy: Easley’s courses include Theory/Aural Skills, Pop/Rock/Musical Theater Analysis, and pedagogy-focused projects. His sabbatical (Spring 2024) aims to overhaul theory curricula using critical pedagogy and assessment strategies.

Labs/Teams: His sabbatical work involves collaborative efforts to redesign music theory sequences, emphasizing student-centered learning and practical application.