Lawrence Ferrara

Chair and Professor of Music and Music Education

"We live in a world where different traditions, experiences, and values are constantly coming into contact. I believe that there is much to be gained from the interplay of such divergent perspectives."

Lawrence Ferrara is a musical renaissance man. A pianist, music theorist, philosopher, and expert in music copyright, his publications span topics ranging from keyboard harmony to medical issues for musical performers.

"I use the word 'eclectic' to describe my professional life, my approach to musical analysis, and my vision for the Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions," Ferrara says. "We live in a world where different traditions, experiences, and values are constantly coming into contact. I believe that there is much to be gained from the interplay of such divergent perspectives."

He adds that "in more practical terms, an eclectic philosophy means that in our Department you will frequently find Opera Studies majors taking courses in Music Marketing and Promotion, and Music Business majors studying composition and theory. I encourage our graduates to build a range of skills and expertise." Ferrara has also created a highly regarded internship program which gives students opportunities to work in many of the top record companies and performance organizations in the New York area.

Dr. Ferrara is the author of several books, including A Guide to Research in Music Education (with Roger Phelps), which is considered a classic research text for doctoral students in music, and Philosophy and the Analysis of Music, which has received rave journal reviews in the U.S., Canada, and Italy and is frequently cited in North America and abroad. He has also previously been awarded an NYU Presidential Fellowship and Daniel E. Griffiths Award for Research from NYU Steinhardt. Because of his special expertise in 'forensic musicology,' he is frequently called upon to work with major record companies and musicians on music copyright suits, and has consulted with such major artists as Billy Joel, Elton John, Mariah Carey, and Eminem.

"Many emerging artists conceive of a career in the performing arts as being only about the concert hall. I like to help students learn about exciting new areas, such as music technology, for example, and to explore the many different – and interconnected – roads down which their talents and interests might lead them."

Written by Cecilia Malm.

Lawrence Ferrara's complete faculty bio.