Harper College

Barbara E. Bowker

Barbara E. Bowker

Associate Professor,
Music Theory and Literature

bbowker@harpercollege.edu
847.925.6565
Building P, Room P209

Barb began teaching music at Harper part time in 1979, and was appointed Assistant Professor in 2002. She directs the theory, aural skills, and literature courses, Barb initiated and runs the Composer's Forum, a once-per-semester meeting at which composers of all styles can perform and get feedback on their work.

Barb is an active member of several music professional organizations, including The College Music Society, The Society for Music Theory, and Music Theory Midwest. She has presented papers and appeared on panels on music theory, theory pedagogy, and community college music education across the country, and performs as a pianist in concerts in the Chicago area, primarily featuring compositions by Harper College alumni.

Barb received the Bachelor of Arts (with Academic Honors) and Master of Arts in Teaching degrees from Beloit College, the Master of Music from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Ph.D. in music theory from Northwestern University, which also nominated her for membership in Pi Kappa Lambda, the National Music Honor Society.

Last Updated: 4/8/24