A Brief History of
In Theory Only

In Theory Only is a scholarly journal devoted to music theory. It was founded in 1975 by graduate students at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with the aim of supplying a “forum where ideas can be tested by speedy critical reactions” as an alternative to the two established journals. Originally published monthly, the early days were astonishingly free-wheeling. The content ranged from contributions by the top scholars in the field to those of students; from hot debate of ideas to humorous or satirical items. Subsequently, the style became more refined and ITO matured into one of the top three or four journals in the discipline of music theory. It garnered a world-wide readership (Paris, Hong Kong, Finland, Brazil, etc.), as its subscriber base grew from the initial 53 to nearly 500. As ITO expanded and its standards rose, its production became increasingly labor-intensive. Publication became irregular and finally ground to a halt in 1992.

The prospect of permanently losing such an illustrious journal distressed many in the discipline. Consequently, a group of concerned former editors, John Covach (co-editor, University of North Carolina), William E. Lake (co-editor, Bowling Green State University) and David Headlam (Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester) stepped in to revive ITO. To maintain a link with the University of Michigan, they assembled an editorial board of graduates and former faculty. The editorial office moved to Bowling Green State University in March 1994.

In Theory Only Subscription Information

In Theory Only is an international music theory journal with a circulation of approximately 500. Its publication schedule is irregular. The last issue published was a quadruple issue, volume 13, numbers 1-4, which was mailed in November 1997. The next issue, volume 13, numbers 5-8, is in preparation, but its actual publication date is uncertain.

Subscriptions are billed on a per-volume basis, not a per-year basis. Current subscription prices are $20 per volume for individuals and $30 per volume for institutions. Subscribers outside the United States are charged an additional $8 for postage. To order a subscription, send check or money order by mail to:

In Theory Only
College of Musical Arts
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH 43403-0290

In Theory Only F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)

Requests for additional information may be sent to wlake@bgsu.edu. Thank you for your interest in In Theory Only.