Paul Steinbeck

Paul Steinbeck serves as an Assistant Professor of Theory and Composition at Washington University in St. Louis, specializing in historical musicology with a distinctive focus on improvisation. His scholarly profile bridges academic research with practical musical performance.

His primary research domains include:

• Musical Analysis methodologies
• Intermedia performance practices
• Social implications of improvisation
• Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) history and theory
• Great Black Music traditions

Steinbeck is currently authoring a significant scholarly work titled "Message to Our Folks: The Art Ensemble of Chicago, Improvisation, and Great Black Music." He previously co-authored "Exercises for the Creative Musician" with AACM saxophonist Fred Anderson, now in its second edition. He holds the position of founding chair of the Interest Group on Improvisation within the Society for Music Theory.

As a performing musician, Steinbeck maintains an active presence as a bassist, composer, and recording artist through two ensembles: his own group THUMP, and the Low End Theory which he co-leads with former AACM president Mwata Bowden. This dual identity as scholar-performer provides him with unique insights that inform both his academic contributions and artistic practice.