About
Paul Ellison is a Lecturer in the Department of Musicology at San Francisco State University (SFSU), School of Music. He also serves as Director of Music at Church of the Advent in San Francisco and is a faculty member at San José State University. Ellison holds degrees from prestigious institutions including the Royal Academy of Music, London, Queens’ College Cambridge, and Cardiff University (PhD). His research focuses on Musicology, Organ and Choral Performance, and Gregorian Chant, with a particular emphasis on Beethoven’s works and tonal analysis. He contributes actively to journals like Grove Music Online, The Beethoven Journal, and Notes, and regularly lectures at the Three Choirs Festival in the UK. Ellison is also the President of the American Beethoven Society.
Education:
- Royal Academy of Music, London: DipRAM, LRAM
- London University: BMus
- Queens’ College, Cambridge: PGCE
- San José State University: MA
- Cardiff University: PhD
Research Interests: Ellison’s work bridges historical performance practices and theoretical analysis, with deep engagement in 19th-century music, particularly Beethoven’s harmonic language and emotional expression. His studies often explore affective tonality and its role in shaping musical meaning. He also investigates organ repertoire, choral performance techniques, and the intersection of music with cultural history.
Publications: His scholarly contributions span Beethoven’s symphonic and vocal works, Chopin’s piano preludes, and César Franck’s organ compositions. His 2014 book The Key to Beethoven is a seminal text on tonality and meaning in the composer’s music. Recent work includes analyses of Beethoven’s late style and the cultural implications of musical performances in politically charged contexts.
Professional Roles:
- President, American Beethoven Society
- Regular lecturer at the Three Choirs Festival (UK)
- Contributor to The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Historical Performance in Music
Ellison’s teaching and performance activities reflect his dual focus on academic rigor and practical expertise, spanning organ performance, choral direction, and musicology.
