Esther Cavett

Dr Esther Cavett is a Senior Research Fellow in Music at King’s College London and College Lecturer in Music at Somerville, Jesus, and Lincoln Colleges, Oxford. Specializing in music theory and analysis from the classical to mid-20th century periods, she combines academic work with initiatives to improve music education access. Her research focuses on widening participation in music, pedagogy, mentoring, and qualitative methodologies in music studies.

After earning a doctorate in 1985 on Mozart’s Variations (supervised by Arnold Whittall and Allen Forte), Cavett worked as a lawyer before returning to academia in 2017. She holds leadership roles in organizations like the Society of Music Theory (SMT) and Trinity Laban Conservatoire, and co-founded the King’s/St George’s Academy, a music education program for Southwark children involving King’s student mentors.

Her publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to music analysis and community-based pedagogy. She has authored/co-authored works on Howard Skempton, music mentoring, and collaborative teaching projects. Cavett also advises music charities such as Water City Music, which provides inclusive performance opportunities, and has mentored Teach First teachers.