Anne Elise Thomas

Anne Elise Thomas is an Assistant Professor of Music at Sweet Briar College, specializing in ethnomusicology with expertise in Arab and Appalachian musical traditions. She holds a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from Brown University and has conducted extensive fieldwork in Jordan and Egypt. Her teaching spans the Music program and Leadership Core Curriculum, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to music’s role in identity, community, and cultural exchange.

Education:

• B.A. in Music, College of William and Mary
• M.A. and Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology, Brown University
• Studies in Arabic at Middlebury College and American University in Cairo

Research focuses on music pedagogy, intercultural learning, and the intersection of tradition and modernity. She directs the Itraab Arabic Music Ensemble and actively engages in community outreach through workshops and K-12 programs. Publications highlight collaborative projects blending art and science, and her performances feature instruments like the qanun and violin.

Professional activities include grantwriting and program evaluation for arts organizations. Beyond academia, she enjoys traditional clogging and outdoor recreation with her family.