Dr. Courtenay Harter teaches music theory, oboe and English horn and coaches chamber music. Her previous teaching appointments include Georgia State University, Oberlin College′s Conservatory of Music, and the University of Connecticut.

Of her many research interests, Dr. Harter is particularly attracted to the pedagogy of music theory; her dissertation study, entitled "Phrase Structure in Prokofiev′s Piano Sonatas," uses familiar terminology to describe formal procedures within the context of neoclassic characteristics. She has presented papers at national and regional meetings of the Society for Music Theory and the College Music Society, and is a faculty consultant for the Advanced Placement Music Theory Exam and the CLEP Humanities Exam.  Her current research projects include an anthology of instrument-specific excerpts for theoretical studies, as well as sketchbook studies with the Serge Prokofiev Archive in London, England.

Dr. Harter continues to perform on oboe and English horn as an active freelance musician in the mid-south region, including with the Jackson (TN) Symphony Orchestra. She has studied with Carolyn Hove (Principal English horn, Los Angeles Philharmonic), Grover Schiltz (former Principal English horn, Chicago Symphony Orchestra), Ray Still (former Principal Oboe, Chicago Symphony Orchestra) and Elden Gatwood (former Principal Oboe, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra).  She has performed English horn concertos with the Thayer Symphony Orchestra (MA) and the Rhodes College Orchestra.  In February 2006, Dr. Harter performed the Eastern United States premiere of Craig Phillips′s composition for oboe and organ, Night Song, with the composer.

Read about Dr. Harter′s theory class from the student′s perspective:  Dr. Harter Cultivates Musicianship