Kerry McCarthy has taught at Duke University since 2003. Her research explores the music of the English Renaissance and its cultural contexts. Her first book, Liturgy and Contemplation in Byrd's Gradualia, was published by Routledge in 2007.

Nicolas Slonimsky Award for Outstanding Musical Biography
ASCAP Deems Taylor Award

"Not only is Kerry McCarthy's Byrd the best available introduction to the composer, I think it fair to advance a claim that it is one of the finest, if not the finest, contribution to the entire Master Musicians series to which it belongs." --Jeremy L. Smith, University of Colorado Boulder, Music and Letters

"Byrd" will appeal to a wide range of readers, and there will be few whose knowledge and appreciation of Byrd's music is not enhanced by the revelations and discussions within its pages... Throughout, McCarthy's prose is lucid, economical, and easily flowing. With the Latin and the instrumental music she is in part offering elegant summaries of existing literature, yet she is no less illuminating on the English-texted music... [T]his eminently readable book is an expertly planned account of the present state of Byrd studies." --Renaissance Quarterly

"An excellent survey of the composer's life and music...The book is particularly strong and reliable on assessing the relationship between Byrd's biography and career on the one hand; and his music on the other...McCarthy is thorough, illuminating and penetrating in her analyses...Will suit most who want to explore Byrd in any depth. A reasonably-priced title that can in every way be recommended." --Classical Net

"The book's appendixes set this book apart from other Byrd scholarship...This volume is an excellent addition to any music reference section...Recommended." --Choice

"Kerry McCarthy's fine, thoughtful new book...will now be the starting point for all enthusiasts for [Byrd's] music." --New York Review of Books

"An inviting, thought-provoking narrative that draws readers into William Byrd's life, music, times, and places." --Notes