by Jocelyn Neal
The Society for Music Theory’s Lifetime Membership Award is the highest honor bestowed by the organization on a music theorist, given not only for their exceptional scholarly contributions but also their work as teachers and mentors, and their outstanding service to the field of music theory. The citation for Severine Neff addressed her revered scholarship on Arnold Schoenberg as well as her impact on students at the several institutions where she taught throughout her career and her path-breaking work as editor of the field’s flagship journal, Music Theory Spectrum. At UNC, our students were the beneficiaries of her insights, as she took them to conferences in Europe, conceived of new classes that combined the study of music and visual arts, and more. She was a terrific mentor to our junior faculty, and her celebrated project for the centenary of The Rite of Spring brought international attention to UNC’s music department. SMT’s award highlights just how fortunate and proud we are to have her as a member of our emeritus faculty.
“I was totally surprised to hear my name announced for this award. The experience of receiving it was both humbling and utterly exciting–it was amazing to see my entire field standing and applauding.” – Severine Neff
The citation from SMT says:
For her scholarship, teaching, and service in the profession of music theory, today we honor Dr. Severine Neff with the Society’s 2019 Lifetime Membership Award.
… In conclusion: We are the beneficiaries of Dr. Neff’s passionate commitment to scholarship, teaching, and mentoring generations of scholars in the field. Honoring these interdependent facets of her work, we are delighted to announce the 2019 Society for Music Theory Lifetime Membership Award to Severine Neff, Eugene Falk Distinguished Professor Emeritus, with our congratulations and profound gratitude.