Thomas Cimarusti

Thomas Cimarusti is a Professor of Musicology and Program Coordinator for the Music BA program at the Bower School of Music & the Arts, Florida Gulf Coast University. He holds a Ph.D. in Historical Musicology from Florida State University (2007), specializing in Early Music and World Music, particularly the folk music of Southern Italy and the Moravian Church. His research focuses on Enlightenment-era music, Italian Romanticism, and the musical culture of utopian communities like the Koreshan Unity. He teaches courses such as Music Appreciation and Music History.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Historical Musicology, Florida State University, 2007
• Specializations: Early Music (Moravian Church), World Music (Folk Music of Southern Italy)

Research Interests:

Dr. Cimarusti explores the intersection of music and culture in historical contexts, with a focus on utopian communities, 18th/19th-century Italian vocal music, and public engagement with musicology. His work includes reconstructing hymnody of the Koreshan Unity and examining musical rituals in American utopian societies.

Grants & Awards:

• Communities in Transition Grant ($7,000), 2019
• Seidler Grant ($6,000), 2018
• Global Learning Initiative Grant ($1,000), 2016

Advising & Grants:

He has secured multiple grants to support innovative course design, interdisciplinary projects, and global learning initiatives. His work emphasizes integrating primary sources into undergraduate education.

Labs/Teams:

Collaborates with the Florida Historical Society on projects like the Koreshan Hymns collection. Engages in public musicology initiatives to bridge academic research and community engagement.