Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Dear Lee, Marsha Baxter

Visions of Research in Music Education

Lee often invited us to look back and reflect on our thinking and experiences in her classes at Teachers College through an assignment she called the Dear Lee letter. I chose this informal narrative to capture some of the ways her pedagogy and perspectives shaped—and continue to shape—my work in the classroom.

Editorial: Musical Thinking, Thinking About Thinking And So Many A-Ha Moments!, Elissa Johnson-Green, Gena R. Greher

Visions of Research in Music Education

No abstract provided.

Notes From The Editor, Jay Nathan

Journal of Global Awareness

No abstract provided.

Letter From The Editor, Jay Nathan

Journal of Global Awareness

No abstract provided.

Pange Lingua, Gustavo Leone

Department of Fine & Performing Arts: Faculty Publications and Other Works

The Jesuits were expelled from the Spanish colonies in South America in 1767, leaving behind a remarkable musical legacy that was buried for over two hundred years. But the music did not disappear completely. Thanks to the Chiquitos people of Bolivia, the music was played and preserved throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.

In 1985, Swiss architect Hans Roth discovered 9,000 of these musical manuscripts and in 1990 UNESCO declared the churches of the Chiquitos a “patrimony of humanity”. Dr. Gustavo Leone of Loyola University Chicago's Department of Fine and Performing Arts has painstakingly retrieved and restored several of these …

Zarzuela: Musical Theater Expresses The True Spanish Identity, Rachel Anne Heikkinen

Music: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

This essay will examine the history and traditions behind zarzuela which contribute to how composers portray the real Spanish identity in their works. Through the analysis of El barberillo de Lavapiés by Francisco Asenjo Barbieri and La Gran Vía by Federico Chueca, I note the value placed on the working-class people in Madrid and the abomination of Spanish authority and the elite. Zarzuelas show the stories, customs, and values of the everyday people which these composers argue are the true values of Spain. Through the laughter of this humorous medium, zarzuelas reveal the truth about the importance of the lower …

Song Text And Song Structure: With An Emphasis On Oral/Aural Tradition, Hannah Joy Petrick

Masters Theses

This study highlights the different aspects of song texts and song structures while also establishing the impacts of an oral/aural tradition. Emphasis was placed on the relationship between linguistics and music, and how one may alter the teaching/learning process of new song materials for students (especially young adolescents). Song texts and song structures were also looked at in relation to culture, and how culture is affected by oral/aural tradition. Specifically, the outcomes of students learning song texts in their native language/tongue versus songs of a different culture was explored. The differences and commonalities of learning music in various styles were …

Living The Dream- A Rhetorical Analysis Into The Morgan Wallen Racial Slur Scandal Through William Benoit’S Image Reconstruction Theory, Dylan Joseph Singletary

Masters Theses

Public figures often find themselves in controversies that result in a damaged image. In the field of communication image repair is conducted as a form of crisis communication. William Benoit’s image repair theory views image repair through specific strategies which are mortification, corrective action, denial, evasion of responsibility, and reducing offensiveness. Benoit’s image repair strategies can be found through country music star Morgan Wallen’s rhetoric in his attempts at image repair through the four artifacts. Results of the rhetorical analysis of the artifacts show that image repair strategies work better for certain situations. Benoit’s image theory is supported by Wallen’s …

Utilizing Popular Video Game Music To Teach Basic Rhythms To Beginning Band Students, Erin S. Focht

Masters Theses

Video games have become an increasingly popular form of entertainment and a method of relaxation for all ages which have recently been incorporated into academic subjects such as social studies and science. In addition, music educators are often encouraged to re-examine their teaching strategies to incorporate technology into the music curriculum. Music applications, internet games, and other music programs have been utilized in the general music classroom to assist with note learning and rhythms. However, research investigating the implementation of video game soundtracks in music ensemble classes has not been thoroughly addressed. Questions remain whether student engagement is increased as …

Classical And Musical Theater Vocal Pedagogy For Female Collegiate Singers: An Observation And Study, Christina Kayleen Hoss

Masters Theses

The study of vocal pedagogy in the 21st century has brought much debate among vocal pedagogues, vocal instructors, and singers. The increase in musical genres and commercial music/musical theater programs at the collegiate level has created a new need: voice instructors who can teach outside the classical aesthetic. This study aims to research how collegiate voice professors instruct female collegiate voice students singing both classical and musical theater styles. Focusing specifically on breath management and registration, the study intends to open the discussion on the need for consistent pedagogical techniques for cross-genre teaching. Due to different pedagogical beliefs taught among …

In Response To Civil Unrest: An Analysis Of Compositional Techniques As Used By Contemporary Composers For Flute, Stephanie Marie Strait

Masters Theses

The purpose of this applied research study was to identify a selection of works for flute that were composed in response to circumstances of civil unrest to discover how the composers utilized the flute as a medium for expression, and to study the compositional techniques used to communicate with the performer. These techniques were explored and demonstrated in a lecture recital. Gaining insight and understanding of the compositional process as it relates to the composers’ experiences aids the performer in offering a convincing and informed rendering of these pieces. It also contributes to the body of literature regarding composition methodology, …

The Effects Of Growth Mindset Strategies On The Rhythmic Notation Comprehension And Personal Musical Self-Efficacy Perceptions Of High School Instrumentalists, Frederick Conrad Krieger

Masters Theses

Despite the depth of research in general education and music education teaching methods as well as an implied overlap in these concepts, there is little research directly linking methodology and strategies across these content areas. More specifically, the benefit and implementation of growth-mindset instruction is considered best practice in the general education classroom but is rarely discussed in the context of the performing ensemble. Consistency in educational methods between content areas is critical because it unifies each into a single education process and promotes lifelong learning that will extend into other areas and beyond the classroom. This study will explore …

The Music Of Democratic Kampuchea: Revolution Songs As Public Pedagogy, Anissa Jade Lesh

Masters Theses

The Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK) which ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979 utilized a variety of methods to ensure control over the country and its people. Among these methods were the creation and dissemination of revolutionary songs which extolled the virtues of the CPK, instilled fear, and provided explicit instructions on how to serve the Ângka (the organization). While scholars unanimously recognize the use of music as public pedagogy during the regime, there are very few works which explore the songs, their lyrics, or how the music itself reflected their intended sociopolitical purpose. Through the transcription, translation, and analysis …

The Historical And Modern Significance Of The Choctaw Hymnody, Angela M. Boatner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Working with the Native Choctaw populations of early America, missionaries did much in the way of music and composition. One result was a compilation of original hymns written by English missionaries in the native Choctaw tongue, but there were also Choctaw composers and contributions. Singing these hymns in church services, gatherings, and social situations remains an activity where the Oklahoma and Mississippi tribal members participate today. The recorded history of the known hymns and composers is scarce and is disappearing daily in favor of teaching the ancient cultures rather than the religion of the white colonists. The research chose a …

The Effects Of Socioeconomic Status And Administrator Support On Middle School All-County Chorus Selections, Celeste Rae Cruz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Achieving equal opportunity in vocal music instruction for middle school students in their classrooms is possible. Unequal practices can occur for middle school choral students who live in low socioeconomic areas. Students in middle or high socioeconomic areas can frequently take private music instruction and receive instruction from their public-school music teacher. Students with private music instruction may be selected for the All-County festival selections over students who cannot afford private music instruction. Student selections for all-county are based on ranking according to NYSSMA scores. Therefore, students from middle and high socioeconomic areas can rank higher than those who do …

Sel And Community Engagement Strategies For The Recruitment And Retention Of Suburban Middle School Band Students, Gina Marie Vingara

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research has not yet found a correlation between community engagement and social-emotional learning (SEL) in a manner that benefits the recruitment and retention of suburban middle school band students. Teachers who create community engagement initiatives can boost the number of student recruits as the program becomes more widely recognized as a valuable asset of the school. This explanatory sequential mixed methods design study examined strategies regarding community engagement and SEL for recruiting and retaining middle school instrumental music education students. Perspectives on community engagement and SEL benefiting recruitment and retention of middle school band students emerged. Research revealed a connection …

The Effects Of The Orff Approach On Language Acquisition For Spanish Foreign Language Students, Kimberly Jean Clare Chimento-Tichacek

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the abundance of literature that supports music education connecting to language learning, limited research evaluates the effectiveness of elementary music methodologies, such as the Orff approach, in helping foreign language students in their language learning. The Orff approach develops musicianship in every student through music, movement, speech, and drama. Guided by Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, the researcher implemented a quasi-experimental research study to measure the language fluency of 100 elementary students participating in general music and learning Spanish as a foreign language. The researcher placed half of the students in the treatment group exploring the Orff approach in …

The Impact Of Classroom And Behavioral Management On The Quality And Level Of Learning In Music Education, Matthew Nicholas Farr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music classrooms are often larger in class size than other subject areas. Larger class sizes affect discipline, especially in areas where there is only one teacher for the class or where classroom and behavior management is a point of concern. While little research will support the idea that effective classroom and behavior management can impact learning in music education, research does support the idea that lower discipline infractions in a classroom have higher academic achievement results. Classroom management in the band room can be well maintained when there are limited distractions that take the focus off of the instruction. If …

Skoo-Bee-Dee-Boo-Bop-Scat: The Impacts Of Vocal Jazz Improvisational Techniques On The Secondary Choral Student And Secondary Choral Program, Sara Beth Carroll

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite evidence that vocal jazz improvisation techniques are valuable tools for increased ear training and vocal technique knowledge, the specific impacts of vocal jazz training for the secondary school chorister have yet to be fully expressed. The singing and musicianship benefits of improvisational techniques matter because they impact the young choral singer and the individual student experience in and contribution to the school choir program. This study expressed the impacts of vocal jazz improvisational pedagogy for the secondary school vocalist as a member of the school choir program and the individual student musician. Guided by Eisner’s model of arts-based research, …

Performance Psychology For The Church Musician, Elizabeth Sturm

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the plethora of information on performance psychology and performance anxiety for music and sports, not much valuable information to the Christ-follower is available that is especially significant for ensembles, teams, or collaboration. There is a more substantial gap in the spiritual application of the exact science, especially concerning worship studies. The knowledge of performance psychology is essential to communicate the message of Christ in the best way possible to the most people possible. The study, done through qualitative methods and the method’s results, is analyzed in the light of Scriptural principles. The facets considered are corporate worship performance psychology, …

The Significance Of Teaching Music To Urban African-American Underprivileged Students, Tyreese L. Pleasanton

Masters Theses

This study delves into the significance of providing music education to African American students living in urban areas. By utilizing differentiated instructional techniques and reflective questioning, this study advocates for academic excellence and societal growth in music. The inquiry highlights the undeniable correlation between music education, cultural identity, and student prosperity. Thus, underscoring the critical importance of music for low-income students. Band directors can effectively support academic and musical success through diverse teaching approaches, such as method books and collaborative opportunities. The investigation carefully evaluated key factors, including the participants’ socioeconomic status, music development, and academic accomplishments. The research emphasized …

Exploring The Semblant Effects Of Covid-19 On Minnesota High School Band Programs, Matthew Glen Marsolek

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

At the time of this writing, the impact of the recent COVID-19 pandemic on music education at the secondary level is yet unknown. This study aims to collect and review available data to determine if the COVID-19 pandemic may have had an effect on participation in high school band in Minnesota. This convergent parallel mixed methods research study examines statistical data available through the Freedom of Information Act from a sampling of 167 out of a possible 476 public high schools in Minnesota to determine a potential impact between the COVID-19 pandemic and enrollment in high school band. This is …

The Declining Enrollment Of San Diego County High School Music Programs From 2006-2021, Charles James Jirkovsky

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Since 2006, many San Diego County High Schools have experienced a dramatic decline in music program enrollment. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the new teaching paradigm served as catalysts that caused some San Diego County high schools to discontinue their music programs entirely. The enrollment statistics for San Diego County high school music programs during the fifteen years from 2006-2021 fall far below the national average. The effects of these changes have left many students and communities with either a struggling music program or without a music program at all. This case study examined a set of San …

How Lifestyle Worship Develops The Qualities Of Effective Leadership In Sacred And Secular Leaders, Pervis Omar Blake

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study will examine how lifestyle worship develops the qualities of effective leadership in sacred and secular leaders. The study will use descriptive research regarding leaders from the sacred and secular fields. This study will prove the benefit of the approach of developing leaders through the lifestyle worship model to be impactful in both. The study shows there are common themes and qualities of leaders in different levels of leadership and varying years of leadership. Although there are separate studies on the qualities of effective leadership in both the sacred and secular worlds, there is currently little to no …

The Perception Of K-12 Instrumental Directors In Low-Income Areas On Virtual Learning With Skill Development And Retention, Anthony Lewis Hunt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Due to the extreme measures taken to protect students from COVID-19 during the pandemic, schools closed their doors, and educators struggled to continue teaching through virtual learning platforms. Performance-based classrooms were encouraged to discover new methods and strategies to motivate students to thrive even though face-to-face rehearsals were restricted. This study examined the experiences secondary music education instrumentalists faced while attempting to utilize synchronous and asynchronous instruction in a 100 percent virtual performance-based environment. This study aimed to understand the negative and positive effects placed on secondary instrumentalists’ performance abilities, fundamental development, and participation/retention since the introduction of virtual learning …

Seeking Biblical Clarity Through Blended Worship In Georgia Baptist Churches, Angelia Weide Mcleroy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite worship training, many leaders in Georgia Baptist churches struggle to combine music styles cohesively to produce biblical worship. Because of the musical “worship wars” regarding traditional, contemporary, and blended styles, many leaders encounter congregations that lack an understanding of blended worship that marries varied music styles. Guided by survey findings of Georgia Baptist music leaders, this qualitative research case study may identify challenges leaders face concerning stylistic music selections while striving to achieve biblical worship. By evaluating the educational and training process and biblical content, the methodological selection of music can be assessed through this study as documented worship …

Preparing Pre-Service Music Educators To More Effectively Teach Students With Special Needs, James Patrick Tully

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study analyzed the current required coursework of pre-service music educators to prepare for teaching students with special needs at Pennsylvania degree-granting institutions. It surveyed graduates of Pennsylvania degree-granting institutions on their experience in preparing teaching students with special needs and the challenges and barriers faced as in-service teachers. An additional survey targeted the perceptions of current Pennsylvania music education professors and their thoughts on preparing pre-service music educators for teaching students with special needs. The surveys explore the answers to whether coursework designed for pre-service music educators to teach students with special needs successfully are adequate. The current …

The Effects Of Culturally Responsive Teaching On Three Black Or African American High School Choral Students In The Greater Hartford Region, Samuela Jean Simpson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Culturally responsive teaching is an emerging area of education. Due to an increase of people of color in the United States, there is a greater need to incorporate culturally responsive practices in curricula. This study uncovered the perspectives of three public high school Black or African American choral students and a Black or African American high school choral teacher in the Greater Hartford Region and their experiences with culturally responsive choral music. This qualitative phenomenological study revealed new perspectives on the effects of culturally responsive choral instruction. Four themes emerged from students’ post-study interviews: knowledgeable engagement, identity, connections, and musicality. …

The Analysis Of Superintendents’ Perspectives On The Role And Function Of Secondary Band Programs In Coastal Georgia, Michael Eugene Hutchinson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although some administrative roles in music education provide research literature, the superintendent’s role and performance expectations concerning the sixth through the twelfth-grade bands have yet to be examined in rural, urban, and coastal Georgia. Superintendent leadership of administrative staff decisions and policy creation influence the role of the school band; therefore, this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study illustrates that when superintendents set ambitious goals and standards for learners, children develop mounting, robust expectations in school band performance. The qualitative research hermeneutic phenomenological method analyzed the superintendent’s role and performance expectations of sixth through twelfth-grade bands in rural, urban, and coastal Georgia, …

"Praise Him With Instruments" The Successful Implementation Of Orchestral Ensembles In The Modern Contemporary Worship Service, William Armour

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the high demand for contemporary worship musicians to lead contemporary worship services, there remain classically trained orchestral musicians who desire to worship God with their instruments. Biblical evidence reveals, God, who highly values diversity and creativity, desires these traits in worship. Likewise, this evidence suggests God accepts and is pleased with all who offer Him true worship, regardless of their instrument. As such, there must be ways to accept these classically trained orchestral musicians into contemporary worship contexts and utilize them to enhance worship. Based on biblical evidence, industry resources, and music education materials, this qualitative study identifies the …