Dr. Robert Komaniecki is a passionate musician, communicator, and educator. Born and raised in Minnesota, USA, Robert earned his B.A. and M.A. in music theory from the University of Minnesota. Robert received his PhD in music theory with a minor in music history from Indiana University.

Robert enjoys teaching students of all levels in music theory, aural skills, and musicology. His teaching style is very hands-on, encouraging students to participate and perform frequently. Robert is also a strong advocate for diversifying the music theory curriculum by teaching concepts and genres outside of the Western Art Music canon. His research on aural skills pedagogy appears in the Journal of Music Theory Pedagogy.

Robert’s scholarly interests include popular music, film music, video game music, and hip hop. His 2019 dissertation, Analyzing the Parameters of Flow in Hip Hop, is an analysis of vocal deliveries in rap music from the standpoint of rhyme, rhythm, and vocal pitch. Robert’s scholarly writing appears in various publications, including Music Theory Online and Intégral: The Journal of Applied Musical Thought.

Outside of academia, Robert is an avid choral singer and has sung in several community and professional ensembles. From 2013-2015, Robert served as the director of OVation, a community LGBTQ chorus in Minneapolis, Minnesota.