David Bretherton

Dr. David Bretherton is an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton, specializing in music theory and queer musicology. His research focuses on 19th-century European art song, Schubert's works, and the intersection of queer theory with music analysis. He holds an AHRC Leadership Fellowship for his project on queer music theory. David joined the university in 2007, progressing from a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to his current role. He supervises PhD students and teaches music theory, harmony, and 19th-century music. He is actively involved in academic organizations such as the Society for Music Analysis and the LGBTQ+ Music Study Group, advocating for EDI in music studies.

Education: PhD in Music (University of Oxford, 2008).

Research Interests: Queer Music Theory, Schubert’s Lieder, Common-Practice Harmony, Schenkerian Analysis. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary queer theory, exploring how composers’ identities influence their music through close reading and structural analysis.

Publications: Recent works include articles on Schubert’s harmonic techniques and queer reinterpretations of his songs. His edited volume on Schenker’s correspondence (2014) highlights his expertise in music theory history.

Awards: AHRC Leadership Fellowship funding his groundbreaking queer music theory project.

Teaching & Supervision: Leads undergraduate music programs and guides PhD students in 19th-century music and queer musicology. Current advisees include David Hugh Mott and Wenjun Wang.

External Roles: Editor for Music Analysis, co-leads the EDI Working Group on Physical/Sensory Differences, and participates in UCU equality initiatives.