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International Network for Music Theology Conference 2024

Keynote speakers: Rev. Professor June Boyce-Tillman & Dr Chelle Stearns

The conference committee for the International Network for Music Theology invites proposals for this conference to be held in Durham University on 26th October 2024. 

We invite researchers to submit proposals engaging with perspectives on the relationship between music and theology. PhD students and early career researchers are especially welcome to submit presentations. Proposals may address, but need not be limited to, the following topics:  

  • Music and theology, natural or revealed  
  • Theological approaches to musicology, analysis, composition, and performance  
  • Music-making, social justice, and power  
  • Ethnomusicology and ecclesiology  
  • Intersectional approaches to religious musical experience  
  • Sacramentality and music  
  • Musical meaning and theologies of revelation  
  • Music and worship  

Individual Proposal 

Abstracts for a single speaker (20 minutes + 10 minutes discussion) should be 350 words and clearly described the argument, evidence, and research findings, and situate the work in relation to previous scholarship. 

Panel Proposal 

Abstracts for 3 speakers (1 hour) should be 350 words and provide an outline of the main argument, evidence, and research findings of the panel, as well as situating the panel’s work in relation to previous scholarship and articulating how the research contributes into research into interdisciplinary research on music and theology. The panel organised should also include an individual proposal abstract for each paper following the guidelines for Individual Proposals, along with each panellists' contact information. 

Submission Information 

Please send your proposals as Word or PDF documents to inmt2024@gmail.com no later than 1st March 2024. The following format should be used: 

  • Name, affiliation (if applicable) and contact details (postal address, email and phone) 
  • Type of presentation (individual or panel) 
  • Abstract title 
  • Audio-visual and other requirements 
  • Brief biography (150 words) 

The International Network for Music Theology is a collaboration of scholars around the globe with research interests in the relationship between music and theology. The network seeks to initiate and facilitate research that will sustain and expand the growing field of music-theological research. 

2024 Organising committee: Christopher Blakey, Abigail Cawte, Chris Massa, and Lydia Padfield