Jose Garza, Jr.

Dr. Jose M. Garza, Jr. is an Associate Professor of Instruction for music theory and aural skills in the School of Music. He received his bachelor’s degree in Music Studies and master’s degree in Music Theory from Texas State University and his Ph.D. in Music Theory from Florida State University.

Dr. Garza’s research primarily deals with rhythm, meter, and musical meaning in metal music. He has also written about various aspects of other repertoires, including punk rock, video game music, chamber percussion music, and Japanese popular music. Dr. Garza’s publications include the article “Transcending Time (Feels)” on the Society for Music Theory’s online journal, Music Theory Online, and contributions to several books, including Modeling Musical Analysis, The Routledge Handbook to Metal Music Composition, and NOFX: Forty Years of “Problematic” Punk Provocations. Dr. Garza’s presentations include papers and posters at several regional and national conferences, including the annual Society for Music Theory and Texas Society for Music Theory conferences, as well as Music Theory Southeast and Music and the Moving Image.

In addition to teaching music theory and aural skills courses, Dr. Garza directs the Texas State Rock Ensemble, which he formed in the fall of 2019, inspired by his own experience with the Florida State University Rock Ensemble. With Dr. Garza, the Rock Ensemble has performed at local venues off campus, as well as community, fundraising, and other types of events. The ensemble consistently garners praise from performance attendees, who note the students’ visible show of talent and enjoyment.