Keith Clifton
Why did you choose Northwestern?
I earned my master's degree at NU and chose to stay for the PhD because of the outstanding faculty, the excellence of the Bienen School of Music, and the proximity to Chicago (a city I love). I turned down offers from other top PhD programs to stay at Northwestern.
How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience? What was it then and/or what it is now?
My major area of study during my PhD was 20th-century French music and remains so to this day. I am especially interested in the work of composer Maurice Ravel and the group of French composers known as Les Six. In recent years, I have also done a great deal of work on American topics, including American classical songs and popular music.
Tell us who or what inspired your research and/or work.
I spent a semester in Cannes, France prior to starting my MM degree at NU and have a lifelong interest in the French language and culture. Living in France was truly life-changing. Since I read and speak French at a high level, I knew this was the area I wanted to concentrate on. And since my undergraduate degree is in vocal performance, my research has focused primarily on vocal music.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
When the NU library acquired a previously unknown Ravel music manuscript, I was part of the team that edited and presented this music to the public for the first time. A special event, held at Lutkin Hall in Spring 2010, featured the world premiere of the work and was covered in several media outlets; the event remains viewable on YouTube under the title "Revealing Ravel."
Tell us about a current achievement or something you're working on that excites you.
Much of my recent work focuses on French music during World War II as well as the broader cultural significance of Ravel's famous "Bolero." I have presented on this topic several times, including at the Paris Conservatory in 2018, and am considering writing a book on the subject.
What advice would you give your younger self or someone considering a similar path?
Be patient with yourself and don't try to do too much all at once. Choose your projects and opportunities wisely, and always with an eye toward the future.