There’s a new face on Elon University’s campus to boost the music theory possibilities.

Robin Attas, a new assistant professor of music at Elon, studies metric theory and ethnomusicology, just two of the many subjects she finds fascinating. Attas describes metric theory as the study of rhythm and meter in music while ethnomusicology is the study of world music.

Aside from those subjects, Attas’ primary focus at Elon will be popular music, which she described as observing how lyrics and music work together. Popular music is a broad topic that can expand into her basic music theory class, as well as many other aspects of a music major’s life. The music department has never before had a music theorist, so the classes taught in that area were nonexistent past the basic level, until now.

“I’m teaching in the core music theory and aural skills curriculum, which doesn’t have much room in it for topics like the ones I study, kind of like how a Math 100 class wouldn’t focus on a specific formula used only to focus telescopes,” Attas said.

She said she intends to communicate the possibilities of music theory to her students from the first day, as well as work on independent research projects with interested individuals.

Filled with excitement and passion, Attas has come up with some big plans to help the Department of Music continue to improve.

"I'd like to bring its academic standard closer to that of other music colleges, but at the same time considering the unique strengths of the music department at Elon,” Attas said. “It’s actually a really great position to be in.”

Attas said she liked how students and faculty on Elon’s campus are friendly and eager to learn. As a new professor, she said she is a little worried about over-commiting herself on the busy campus.

But music isn’t Attas’ only passion. She also dedicates some of her time to running, biking and swimming. A few days after moving to the area, she completed a triathlon in Roxboro.

With the start of a new academic year and many new faculty members waiting to impart knowledge, Attas is set on bringing something new and interesting to the table.