Wesley Bradford
Wesley J. Bradford holds a Bachelor of Arts (Music Composition) from Austin Peay State University, Master of Music (Theory) from the University of Oklahoma, and a PhD in Music Theory from Louisiana State University. Before coming to Lafayette, Dr. Bradford taught ear training labs and Rudiments of Music at Louisiana State University. He was awarded the Dissertation Year Fellowship for the spring semester of 2016. His dissertation applied both narrative and mathematical approaches to analysis of 20th century woodwind repertoire.
Currently, Dr. Bradford is an Associate Professor and the Coordinator of Music Theory at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He joined the faculty at UL Lafayette in 2016. At UL Lafayette, he teaches a variety of music theory courses, ranging from freshman undergraduate theory through graduate analysis and music composition, as well as study abroad courses in London, England. Dr. Bradford also coordinates the Theory/Composition studio meetings and recitals.
Dr. Bradford’s research focuses on musical meaning and interpretation, with a special interest musical narrative. Recently, his projects have explored interpretive approaches to video game music, including the application of musical narrative and semiotic theories to suggest new avenues for listening to and understanding modern musical genres. Dr. Bradford presents his research regularly at both local and international conferences. He is a member of both the South Central Society for Music Theory and the national Society for Music Theory.
Links to Selected Articles and Presentations
“Music in Video Games,” Guest Speaker on Amateur Hour podcast by Jackson Moon,
March 12, 2022.
“Defining Danger through the Music of Nintendo” –
SPARK ArTech Grant Presentation, Lafayette, LA, March 19, 2021