An Analysis Of Artificial Intelligence Systems On The Teaching Of Music Improvisation, Composition, And Instrumental Pedagogy,
2026
Liberty University
An Analysis Of Artificial Intelligence Systems On The Teaching Of Music Improvisation, Composition, And Instrumental Pedagogy, Carter K. Murphey
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Artificial intelligence (AI) has experienced a significant boom in the first half of the 2020s and has significant implications for the fields of music composition, music production, and music education. AI Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT are frequently used sources for students on a wide range of academic subjects, and can provide in-depth, well-informed and eloquently written explanations in a matter of seconds. Music generative AI programs such as Suno and UDIO can almost instantaneously compose and produce musical recordings from word-generated prompts from users. Noise cancelling AI software such as Moises can create isolated instrumental tracks from …
Faith, Function, Formality: Integrating Gospel Vocal Techniques Into Western Classical Pedagogy,
2026
Liberty University
Faith, Function, Formality: Integrating Gospel Vocal Techniques Into Western Classical Pedagogy, Korwind Z. Stokes
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This applied qualitative case study explored the integration of gospel-derived vocal techniques within Western classical choral pedagogy in a secondary music education setting. The study addressed a gap in music education literature concerning the intentional use of gospel-derived vocal practices as pedagogical resources within formal secondary choral instruction. Guided primarily by constructivist learning theory and informed by culturally responsive teaching, the study examined how students’ prior musical experiences could serve as a foundation for learning Western classical vocal concepts. The study was conducted within a public high school choral program and focused on the intentional incorporation of gospel-derived techniques during …
Integrating Transformative Social-Emotional Learning In The Orchestra Classroom Of Title I Schools,
2026
Liberty University
Integrating Transformative Social-Emotional Learning In The Orchestra Classroom Of Title I Schools, Amy Valena Ellington
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this historical, secondary, qualitative study was to explore the evolution of integrating transformative Social-Emotional Learning in the music classrooms of Title I schools. The aim was to determine which social and emotional skills have been taught in the music classroom, what barriers have been encountered in integrating SEL, and which assessment measures have been used to evaluate the effectiveness of SEL integration. The CASEL model was used because it supports ongoing critical analysis to ensure students’ social and emotional needs are met. Music educators are uniquely poised to provide instruction to students and equip them with essential …
Bridging The Gap: Enhancing Sixth Grade Beginning Band Rhythm Pedagogy Through Second-Language Education Strategies,
2026
Liberty University
Bridging The Gap: Enhancing Sixth Grade Beginning Band Rhythm Pedagogy Through Second-Language Education Strategies, Eliú Nolberto Santos
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This dissertation investigated the implementation of second-language education strategies by middle school band directors, drawing on the theories of Jean Piaget, Noam Chomsky, Benjamin Bloom, Howard Gardner, and Lev Vygotsky, among others. This study sought to examine participating band directors' perceptions regarding the implementation of second-language education practices for beginning band students. In parallel, this dissertation sought to quantify the competition results of the surveyed middle school band directors, particularly in sight-reading competitions. The study employed a robust mixed-methods design, commencing with a qualitative survey of middle-school band directors to gather data on the implementation of various second-language acquisition strategies, …
The Impact Of Choral Participation On The Mental Health Of Adolescents,
2026
Liberty University
The Impact Of Choral Participation On The Mental Health Of Adolescents, Sheila L. Ramsey
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Adolescent anxiety and depression continue to present significant challenges for schools, prompting increased interest in educational experiences that may support students’ psychological well-being. The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to examine the relationship between participation in school-based choral ensembles and the mental health of adolescents. Grounded in Social Identity Theory, the study compared depression and anxiety symptoms between choir participants and nonparticipants and examined whether the length of choir participation was associated with these outcomes. Participants included 26 students enrolled in Grades 9-12 at a public high school in Mississippi. Data were collected using the Patient Health Questionnaire …
Predicting Marching Band Ratings In Nebraska: A Quantitative Analysis Of Socioeconomic Status And Geographic Variables,
2026
Liberty University
Predicting Marching Band Ratings In Nebraska: A Quantitative Analysis Of Socioeconomic Status And Geographic Variables, Michael T. Genslinger
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Although the high school marching band has been a tradition in the United States for nearly a century, it is becoming increasingly rare in many rural areas. Despite economic barriers, some rural schools have overcome the challenges of their location and built successful instrumental music programs. Research on rural music education is vital because most new music educators in Nebraska will begin their careers teaching in rural schools. A quantitative study examined marching band performance in Nebraska, a highly rural state. The study reviewed NSBA State Marching Contest overall ratings from 2015 to 2024, along with a socioeconomic profile of …
Jesus Leads Worship: A Theological Investigation Of The Role Of Jesus Christ In Worship,
2026
Liberty University
Jesus Leads Worship: A Theological Investigation Of The Role Of Jesus Christ In Worship, Vernon M. Whaley
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
There are many books, published articles and formal studies by well-known evangelical theologians and authors that make the case of how Jesus is sufficiently prepared to serve the role as our own personal high priest. But, few studies provide theological and practical evidence that Jesus is passionate in accepting His responsibility to lead us in worship. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate how Jesus Christ is central to our worship and, as Sovereign, He is superior to all of the Old Testament forms of worship. This research seeks to provide a theological, historical and philosophical study of Jesus …
Safeguarding Mission And Sustainability: A Qualitative Study Of Legal, Financial, And Governance Strategies In Faith-Based Nonprofit Performance Conservatories,
2026
Liberty University
Safeguarding Mission And Sustainability: A Qualitative Study Of Legal, Financial, And Governance Strategies In Faith-Based Nonprofit Performance Conservatories, Kathey G. Spurr
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This qualitative study examined how nonprofit attorneys, certified public accountants, and board members describe legal, financial, and governance strategies that support faith-based nonprofit performance conservatories. The study addressed a gap in nonprofit governance scholarship by examining professional advisory and board perspectives within religiously oriented performing arts institutions. Semi-structured interviews with nonprofit attorneys and certified public accountants, along with questionnaires completed by board members, provided the primary evidence for thematic analysis. Observation notes and reflexive journaling increased procedural documentation, triangulation, and analytic accountability. Analysis identified five themes: governance structure and board accountability, financial controls and internal safeguards, regulatory and legal compliance, …
The Impact Of Military And School Band History And How It Affects National Guard Service Member Musician School Band Directors,
2026
Liberty University
The Impact Of Military And School Band History And How It Affects National Guard Service Member Musician School Band Directors, Justin K. Stanton
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this qualitative narrative research was to explore the experiences of Missouri and Oklahoma National Guard service member musician school band directors regarding how the influence of military and school band history, past and present, affects their music education philosophy and pedagogical applications. Less research exists about relationships between military and school bands at the beginning of the twentieth century. The researcher addressed a gap in the literature related to military band activity and the school band movement at the turn of the twentieth century in different ways. However, the literature did not address the effects of their …
Perceptions Of Pursuing Elementary Music: An Examination Of Music Educators' Career Choices,
2026
Liberty University
Perceptions Of Pursuing Elementary Music: An Examination Of Music Educators' Career Choices, Elise N. Luce
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
A growing shortage of music educators leaves school districts with the unfortunate options of cutting music education programs or placing un- or under-qualified staff in those positions. There is a gap in the literature on the personal, professional, and external factors that influence music educators’ career decisions. This qualitative, constructivist grounded theory study addresses the gap in the literature by examining music educators’ perspectives on their career decisions. This study employed focus groups, interviews, and journal prompts to gather data from 26 music educators in the U.S. A theory grounded in the data suggests that personal, professional, and external factors …
Beyond The Stage: Rural Music Educators' Perceptions Of Educational Travel,
2026
Liberty University
Beyond The Stage: Rural Music Educators' Perceptions Of Educational Travel, Andrew Ford Rewerts
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Despite the recognized value of educational travel for student musicians, research on performance-based trips for middle and high school ensembles, particularly in rural communities, remains limited. This gap in the literature hinders understanding of how travel experiences can benefit students in these unique contexts, where financial constraints, geographic isolation, and smaller ensemble sizes can limit access to performance-based travel opportunities. Rural student musicians may consequently miss out on potential benefits, including enhanced motivation, ensemble cohesion, and social development. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine rural middle and high school music ensemble directors' perceptions of how performance-based …
Improvisation, Ear Training, And Sight-Reading Ability In Class Piano Students,
2026
Liberty University
Improvisation, Ear Training, And Sight-Reading Ability In Class Piano Students, Kimberly Witt
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Sight-reading is considered an essential functional piano skill for music majors and a component of keyboard proficiency exams in the university setting. While many studies have been completed on sight-reading over the years, research on developing sight-reading as a skill is lacking or incomplete. Additionally, conflicting results among studies have created uncertainty about how to develop sight-reading as a skill. Developing sight-reading skills is crucial for class piano students who need functional piano skills relevant to their future profession. Studying the correlation between improvisation, aural skills, and sight-reading development may show how sight-reading can be built as a skill and …
Fostering Musicianship Through Trumpet Pedagogy: A Qualitative Comparative Case Study Analysis Of Beginning Band Method Books,
2026
Liberty University
Fostering Musicianship Through Trumpet Pedagogy: A Qualitative Comparative Case Study Analysis Of Beginning Band Method Books, Michaela Brock
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Despite the diversity of beginning band methods, their pedagogical approaches must be more consistent, particularly in developing musicianship among young trumpet players. This study examined the effectiveness of five beginning band method books (Essential Elements (2025), Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician, Tradition of Excellence, Sound Innovations, and Standard of Excellence) in fostering musicianship among young trumpet players by analyzing instructional strategies, content diversity, and alignment with developmental needs, ultimately providing valuable insights to enhance educational practices in music pedagogy for beginning trumpet players. This study employed a qualitative comparative case study research approach to identify perspectives on five …
Learner-Centered Pedagogies In A Secondary Choral Classroom,
2026
Liberty University
Learner-Centered Pedagogies In A Secondary Choral Classroom, Bobby Matthew Reidling
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this research is to develop practice-informed recommendations for integrating learner-centered pedagogical approaches within secondary choral education. Secondary choral instruction has generally been organized around teacher-centered rehearsal models in which teachers retain primary responsibility for musical and instructional decision-making. While teacher-centered approaches remain widely used, learner-centered models described in broader educational literature have been less frequently examined in ensemble-based choral contexts, particularly regarding their alignment with the collaborative nature of choral instruction. This study is guided by the following research question: How can learner-centered pedagogical approaches be integrated into secondary choral classrooms to support student participation, engagement, and …
Appropriate Modified Instruction Benefits Autistic Spectrum Disorder Students In Instrumental Music Education: A Instrumental Case Study,
2026
Liberty University
Appropriate Modified Instruction Benefits Autistic Spectrum Disorder Students In Instrumental Music Education: A Instrumental Case Study, Ian Lee Mitchell
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
There are still limited studies in music education with published documentation for autism, despite growth over the last ten years in educational research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Teachers have received limited preparation and training for students with special needs, including those with autism. Many teachers ask which specific teaching strategies produce positive learning outcomes in instrumental music that align with the curriculum's educational goals, standards, and objectives for students with ASD. The qualitative instrumental case study documents educational outcomes resulting from intervention strategies for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in music classrooms through video modeling and computer-assisted learning. …
Comparing Student-Centered And Traditional Approaches In Mandatory Middle School Music,
2026
Liberty University
Comparing Student-Centered And Traditional Approaches In Mandatory Middle School Music, Charmian Cavanagh
Masters Theses
The purpose of this applied research study is to examine the effectiveness of a traditional theory-based music curriculum compared with an alternative, practice-centered curriculum on the motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes of middle school students enrolled in mandatory general music classes at an inner-city school in Camden, New Jersey. Theory instruction has long served as a foundation of music education; however, many students in required general music settings demonstrate low engagement and limited long-term connection to musical study. Research will explore whether a curriculum that prioritizes creativity, cultural relevance, and active music-making better supports student interest and achievement. Findings will …
“The Rubber Lung” - An Original Instrument Design,
2026
Eastern Washington University
“The Rubber Lung” - An Original Instrument Design, San Gonzalez
2026 Symposium
This project presents an experimental sensor-based instrument designed to produce unconventional sound textures for horror media. The device uses a flex sensor on a balloon that is then connected to an Arduino, which responds to bending and movement, sending data to a Max/MSP patch where the input controls sound processing such as filters and frequency. The physical motion of flexing the sensor on the balloon mimics the expansion and contraction of lungs, creating a breathing like interaction between performer and instrument. This design allows subtle gestures to alter the sound in real time. By using a bodily, breathing motion into …
Music 274 Syllabus (Theory Iv, Harmony, Counterpoint, Keyboard Skills),
2026
Queens College, CUNY
Music 274 Syllabus (Theory Iv, Harmony, Counterpoint, Keyboard Skills), Gilad Rabinovitch
Open Educational Resources
This is a syllabus for Music 274 relying on open-access / zero-cost materials on Open Music Theory (Gotham et al.) and developed by the instructor. Modules developed by the instructor include Szymanowska-style and Joplin-style model composition projects and an analytical focus on chromatic harmony in Schubert.
Sing Lustily And With Good Courage: Reinventing Methodist Hymns In The Context Of The Indonesian Methodist Church,
2026
Southern Methodist University
Sing Lustily And With Good Courage: Reinventing Methodist Hymns In The Context Of The Indonesian Methodist Church, Budi Taniwan
Doctor of Pastoral Music Projects and Theses
The majority of Methodist churches continue to uphold the legacy of hymn singing, a practice highly esteemed by early Methodists. John and Charles Wesley employed hymns alongside sermons as a means of teaching Methodist theology, shaping Christian discipleship, and forming Methodist identity. However, in contemporary times, Indonesian Methodist churches recite fewer doctrinal hymns. Inadequate early translations, the absence of authentically Indonesian Methodist hymns, and the emergence of contemporary Christian music have contributed to this decline. Changes in liturgy, worship culture, and technology have also transformed the way congregations learn and sing their faith. This study explores the historical and theological …
Heuristic Inquiry As A Research Method In Music Education,
2026
University of Connecticut
Heuristic Inquiry As A Research Method In Music Education, Austina F. Lee
Visions of Research in Music Education
This article presents heuristic inquiry as a form of autoethnography and its potential as a methodological resource for music educators. Rather than reporting findings from a single study, the article illustrates how heuristic inquiry can serve as a structured yet flexible process of critical reflection that helps teachers navigate the cultural and political contexts of their work. Drawing on the author’s experiences as a high school choral director, the discussion highlights the six phases and seven processes of heuristic inquiry, showing how personal reflection, cultural awareness, and relational care can be interwoven into professional practice. By framing autoethnography as both …
