Music Commons^™

Composition Portfolio, Gabriel I. Gonzales

Music ETDs

This composition portfolio consists of a series of works written during my master’s program at the University of New Mexico. Each chapter in this collection includes a brief description of its corresponding piece. The compositions featured in this portfolio are: Axaxaxas Mlö (2020), for live bass with fixed audio accompaniment; Conflagrations (2020), for fixed audio-visual media; Fumiko/Yukio, Mov. I (2021), for six voices, Preliminary Materials for a Piece About a Drum (2021), for live bodhran with fixed audio accompaniment and sound-processing; Everyday War, Pt. 1 (2022) for fixed audio, and Everyday War, Pt. 2 (2023) for live found percussion with …

Jeff Scott’S "Startin’ Sumthin’, Composed For The Monmouth Winds," Transcribed For Full Wind Band, Trevor Butts

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The goal of this project is to create a wind band transcription of a work for a chamber music ensemble by Jeff Scott. Jeff Scott creates works that he considers “Urban Classical Music”. These works are rooted in European traditions and informed by his African American culture. His music is unapologetically influenced by the cultural experiences of his diverse, urban environment upbringing.

This project is intended to contribute to the overall body of wind band literature, specifically the body of wind band literature composed by underrepresented composers. There has been a lack of representation of African American composers throughout the …

Musical And Spiritual Meaning In The Franciscan Works Of Franz Liszt, Jorge Luis Modolell

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Liszt’s relationship to St. Francis of Assisi was an integral part of the composer’s identity. His devotion to the saint, cultivated from an early age, served as a constant source of spiritual guidance that only grew stronger over time. Texts by St. Francis and anecdotes from the saint’s life provided the artistic incentive for a number of important works, which form the core of the present study. By examining several of these works together, with full analyses and within a broader cultural framework, this dissertation aims to arrive at a true understanding of the messages Liszt took from this figure …

Texas Exceptionalism And Texas Style Fiddling: Fiddle Contests, Patriarchs, And Musical Markers, Emilie Catlett

Music Theses and Dissertations

The phrase “Texas Fiddle Player” indicates a unique musical identity within the Greater North American Fiddling community. Beyond fiddle tunes, fiddling culture involves technical diversity, interpersonal relationships, various performance contexts, teaching and learning, and the stories making up a community’s collective memory. The Texas Fiddle Player identity is the result of a process of connecting these aspects of fiddling culture to symbols and narratives that evoke a specific kind of “Texan-ness.” This process is a form of musical Texas Exceptionalism, in that it asserts a belief that Texas Fiddle Players are somehow different from their American fiddling peers. This manifests …

Experimenting With Colors In Music: Making And Breaking Rules In The Butterfly Effect, Chloe King

Honors Theses

The following thesis is a culmination of four years of academic and musical development as a percussionist at the University of Mississippi. It offers a discussion and analysis of my original composition, The Butterfly Effect (2021-2023), exploring the compositional process from preliminary sketches to the finalized score. It also discusses the inspiration for composing an original work, the use of different music theory techniques relevant to an analysis of the work, and comparisons to relevant compositions throughout the history of Western music. The Butterfly Effect experiments with compositional techniques that often depart from established rules of harmony and counterpoint, a …

Selected Elementary Music Educators’ Perceptions Of Curriculum, Scheduling, And Workload, Mara Nowlin

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Elementary music is a field that many people would agree is important, but the subject does not always get an equal opportunity when stacked up against subjects that are regulated with standardized tests, such as math or language arts. I set out to study elementary music programs in the region where I am employed (the Four State Region of Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma) in the Midwest. Some questions I sought to answer were what types of elementary music curricula are available and popular, and how districts come to select their music curriculum. Additionally, I wanted to examine the school …

A Tale Of Two Good Bands: Students’ And Directors’ Perceptions Of Middle School Non-Varsity Band, Carson Ross

Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning

This action-research study was conducted with two middle school bands in West Texas. The researcher primarily studied student and director perceptions in the non-varsity band to identify recurring themes within the ensembles. Fifteen non-varsity band students were given a survey, and eight were interviewed. Four directors participated in small focus groups at each of the two campuses. Data was coded to observe any major themes that occurred simultaneously in the collection process. The findings of this study indicated UIL was a contributing factor to these schools’ non-varsity bands. Another significant factor was the importance of challenging music and social relationships …

A Thesis Submitted To The Graduate School In Partial Fulfillment Of The Requirements For The Degree Of Master Of Music, Isaac E. Hernandez

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

The thesis serves as extended program notes supporting my master’s level graduation recital in piano performance at Pittsburg State University. The repertoire to be presented consists of the Prelude and Fugue BWV 849, in C sharp minor by Johann Sebastian Bach; Piano Sonata Op. 81a "Les Adieux" by Ludwig van Beethoven; Pour le Piano by Claude Debussy and Variations on a Theme by J.S. Bach from the Cantata, Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen by Franz Liszt. This document includes writings on the historical context of each of these works, a musical analysis, as well as interpretative suggestions based on the different …

A Graduate Recital In Voice, Theresa Fischer

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

A Graduate Recital in Voice

A Thesis by: Theresa Fischer

The following thesis consists of accompanying program notes for my graduate vocal performance recital. The recital includes a variety of music including composers such as Carlisle Floyd, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Richard Strauss, Lili Boulanger, and Pauline Viardot. Each song is accompanied by program notes that include a brief biography of the composer, information about the song, text and translation, and a performance reflection.

Friedrich Warnecke: Toward A New Edition Of Ad Infinitum, Elton Machado

Dissertations

The dissertation collects and organizes information on German double bassist, pedagogue, and author Friedrich Warnecke and investigates the significance of his life and work to the double bass history. The ever-changing European musical environment throughout Warnecke’s life, the challenges double bassists faced during that time, and the rapid developments of the double bass at the turn of the twentieth century provide a rich historical background. The study addresses Warnecke’s life, pioneering writings on the history of double bass, pedagogical contribution and influence as a teacher and author, and work as a performing double bassist. Finally, it discusses Warnecke’s substantial pedagogical-technical …

Finding Home: The Correlation Between Amanda Maier's Piano Trio In E-Flat Major And Swedish Folk Music, Christina Mathis, Christina Mathis

Doctoral Projects

This document examines the musical and rhythmical elements found in the Piano Trio in E-flat Major by Swedish composer Amanda Maier and their connection to Swedish folk music. The purpose of this project is to inform the reader of the history of Amanda Maier’s Piano Trio in E-flat Major, performance practices related to the work – including a connection between common rhythmic and melodic motives found in Swedish folk music and ideas Maier uses repeatedly in her trio – and to discuss collaborative challenges that may occur in performance of this piece. The research was based on a study of …

Chinese Inner Mongolian Folk Elements In Jin Ta's "Mongol" Sonata, Yuecheng Lu

Doctoral Projects

“Mongol” Sonata, Op. 6 was written by the composer Jin Ta (b. 1972) in 2019 and published in 2020. This sonata is a contemporary flute and piano work based on the folk music elements of Inner Mongolia, the region of northern China adjacent to Mongolia. This work interprets some Inner Mongolian folk music elements such as Long Song, Nugalaa, Khoomii, Uliger and mimics the traditional Inner Mongolian instruments’ sound on flute and piano. This project will introduce the main Chinese Inner Mongolian folk elements and analyze the way Op. 6 portrays them in the music.

An Introduction To Five Selected Modern Korean Art Songs, Gagok, By Composers Guisook Lee And Jiyoun Chung, Ji Hee Kim

Dissertations, 2020-current

Modern Korean art song, Gagok, is the Western-style vocal music genre that developed in the twentieth century in Korea, predominantly through the influence of western music curricula in missionary schools and the presence of Korean military bands. These influences led to the first generation of Western music leaders who contributed to the birth of Gagok. As a result, this new genre rapidly became popular and continued to be developed despite the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945) and up to the present day. Since the birth of Gagok, two divergent compositional styles have emerged.

This DMA document aims to introduce professional …

Etudes For Marimba: An Assessment Of Intermediate And Advanced Techniques With Four New Works, William Alderman

Dissertations, 2020-current

Over the past century, the marimba has experienced rapid growth. From its construction, performance practices, and technical approach, the instrument has been elevated to a well-respected instrument. Since the development of the five-octave marimba in the early 1980s, literature for the marimba has expanded exponentially. Through this expansion, works for the beginning and advanced performer has become widely available. However, a gap in literature exists within intermediate to intermediate-advanced range. Although it is of utmost importance for the progressing performer, this stepping stone literature can be difficult to find. In response, I have written my book, Etudes for Marimba: Four …

Reevaluating Student Engagement: Exploring And Applying Alternative Assignments In Higher Education Undergraduate Applied Saxophone, Anthony S. Cincotta Ii

Dissertations, 2020-current

Undergraduate applied saxophone study revolves around the conservatory model. This inflexible model, often referred to as a master-apprentice relationship, can create an instructor-centric power dynamic which does not address the needs of the modern student. A classroom where the power lies so heavily with the instructor can stifle student engagement and can create a sense of disenfranchisement. In this setting, students have limited input on their assignment selections. While curricula have evolved with regards to being more culturally diverse, relevant, and inclusive, the approach that educators use to deliver the material has remained largely unchanged. There is limited research on …

Repertoire Selection For High School Band Assessment, Miranda Cook

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Selecting repertoire is one of the most dynamic responsibilities music educators face, as it often serves as the music curriculum for band directors. Selecting high quality repertoire for students that achieves musical, educational, and culturally responsive goals is vital as part of their ensemble experience. When selecting repertoire for assessment, band directors must determine what repertoire their ensemble can perform well according to the Virginia and Band and Orchestra Directors Association performance rubric, while demonstrating musical and educational growth. The purpose of this study is to examine elements used by high school band directors when choosing repertoire for assessment. Research …

A Survey Of Secondary Music Educators Regarding The Perceived Impact Of Integrating Non-Ensemble General Music Activities Within Secondary-Level Performing Ensembles, Brandon Morris

Masters Theses, 2020-current

The purpose of this study was to survey Commonwealth of Virginia middle and high school music educators concerning the impact of integrating non-ensemble general music activities within secondary ensembles. Specifically, the questions focused on integrating guitar/piano, composition, and music technology into (non-jazz) performance ensembles, as identified through the lens of the NAfME Performing Strand. For the purposes of this study, non-ensemble general music courses were defined as courses that are traditionally not viewed as performance classes. Throughout this study, the integration of general music activities in secondary performance ensembles was examined through the lens of the NAfME Performing Strand.

The …

Du Undergraduate Showcase: Research, Scholarship, And Creative Works, Caitlyn Aldersea, Justin Bravo, Sam Allen, Anna Block, Connor Block, Emma Buechler, Maria De Los Angeles Bustillos, Arianna Carlson, William Christensen, Olivia Kachulis, Noah Craver, Kate Dillon, Muskan Fatima, Angel Fernandes, Emma Finch, Colleen Cassidy, Amy Fishman, Andrea Francis, Stacia Fritz, Simran Gill, Emma Gries, Rylie Hansen, Shannon Powers, Jacqueline Martinez, Zachary Harker, Ashley Hasty, Mykaela Tanino-Springsteen, Kathleen Hopps, Adelaide Kerenick, Colin Kleckner, Ci Koehring, Elijah Kruger, Braden Krumholz, Maddie Leake, Lyneé Alves, Seraphina Loukas, Yatzari Lozano Vazquez, Haley Maki, Emily Martinez, Sierra Mckinney, Audrey Mitchell, Kipling Newman, Audrey Ng, Megan Lucyshyn, Andrew Nguyen, Stevie Ostman, Casandra Pearson, Alexandra Penney, Julia Gielczynski, Tyler Ball, Anna Rini, Christina Rorres, Simon Ruland, Helayna Schafer, Emma Sellers, Sarah Schuller, Claire Shaver, Kevin Summers, Isabella Shaw, Madison Sinar, Claudia Pena, Apshara Siwakoti, Carter Sorensen, Madi Sousa, Anna Sparling, Alexandra Revier, Brandon Thierry, Dylan Tyree, Maggie Williams, Lauren Wols

DU Undergraduate Research Journal Archive

DU Undergraduate Showcase: Research, Scholarship, and Creative Works

Elsewhere: In Defense Of Daydreaming, Alex Braden

MFA in Visual Art

Much like music, organic life is an absurd, improbable, and serendipitous instance. I set circular, electric, acoustic, and magnetic forces in motion and allow them to coalesce freely in the hopes of synthesizing unexpected moments of beauty, connection, and harmony.

Uni Children's Choir Spring Concert, May 9, 2023 [Program], University Of Northern Iowa. School Of Music.

Music Recital Programs

Program of a music recitals given by faculty, students, or guest artists from the School of Music at the University of Northern Iowa.