Ann McNamee

Ann McNamee is a distinguished music theorist, singer-songwriter, and Professor Emerita at Swarthmore College.12 Born on May 21, 1953, in Southbridge, Massachusetts, McNamee has made significant contributions to both academia and the music industry.1

Academic Career

McNamee earned her B.A. in Music from Wellesley College in 1975 and her Ph.D. in Music Theory from Yale University in 1980.1 As a Professor Emerita of Music at Swarthmore College, she is renowned for her work in music theory, particularly in the areas of:

• Bitonality
• Mode and interval in the music of Karol Szymanowski
• The role of piano introductions in Franz Schubert's Lieder
• Octave expansion and sonata form in Grażyna Bacewicz's Second Piano Sonata1

Her academic contributions have been widely recognized and cited by other prominent music theorists and scholars.1

Musical Career

Beyond academia, McNamee has pursued a successful career as a singer-songwriter and musical theater composer/lyricist.1 She has been involved with several bands, including:

• The Flying Other Brothers
• Moonalice
• Ann Atomic

McNamee has performed at various music festivals, such as Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Nateva, and Summer Camp Music Festival.1 Her songwriting talents have also been recognized in the industry, with her work contributing to T Bone Burnett's nomination for Producer of the Year at the 2009 Grammys.1

Personal Life and Other Ventures

Ann McNamee has been married to venture capitalist Roger McNamee since 1983.1 Together, they co-founded the Haight Street Art Center, a cooperative space for artists that includes a fine art print shop and exhibition space.13

In summary, Ann McNamee is a multifaceted individual who has excelled in both academic and artistic pursuits, leaving a lasting impact on music theory and the music industry.