Morgan M Rich

Morgan M Rich is an Adjunct Lecturer in European Studies and Musicology at the University of Florida, serving as Assistant Director of the Center for European Studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Historical Musicology (2016), M.M. in Musicology (2008), and B.S. in Music History and Literature (Indiana State University). Her research explores intersections of music, philosophy, and culture, focusing on early 20th-century Austro-German composers (Second Viennese School) and philosopher Theodor W. Adorno. She examines how musical systems influenced Adorno’s critical theory and post-WWII cultural critiques. Recent projects include studies on Kaija Saariaho’s nature-themed works and Rebecca Saunders’ timbral architectures.

Her teaching emphasizes inclusive, diverse learning environments connecting music to architecture, art, and funding mechanisms in European cultural networks. Awards include a 2017–2018 Volkswagen Stiftung/Andrew Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship at Berlin’s State Institute for Music Research. Publications include articles on Adorno’s musical monographs and Schoenberg’s Piano Suite, op. 25.

Her research spans archival work in Germany/Austria since 2009, with a focus on cultural critiques of ideologies. She also serves as a DAAD Research Ambassador, promoting academic exchange with Germany.