themus was founded in 2013 as “The Temple University Theory, Musicology, and Ethnomusicology Society (THEMUS).” In 2020, the organization rebranded itself as “themus (The Music Society at Temple)” to better reflect our inclusion and support of all music studies disciplines.

The purpose of themus shall be to provide a forum for the students of Temple University’s Music Studies Department to present, discuss, and develop their scholarly pursuits; to establish and maintain an annual conference of the highest caliber; to reinforce research abilities through regular workshops and lectures by faculty members, alumni, and guest speakers; and to establish a mutually beneficial collaboration with other universities and student organizations with similar goals.

themus is run by Music Studies graduate students in conjunction with a faculty advisor and enjoys support from the Music Studies department, the Boyer College of Music and Dance, and the greater Temple community. Membership primarily consists of Temple Music Studies graduate students, but any student affiliated with Temple University may petition the themus board for membership–all that is required is a love for music scholarship.