Music Commons^™

Investigating The Influence Of Modern And Traditional Instructional Practices On Creating Lifelong Habits Of Music Engagement In The Prospect Mountain Schools System, Thomas D. Stevens Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of modern and traditional pedagogical approaches on student development of music engagement and learning in the Prospect Mountain Schools system during and after high school. Student retention is critical to maintaining music programs; therefore, educators must discover ways to motivate students to continue participating in general music and ensemble courses. Combining modern and traditional pedagogical approaches creates learning experiences that inspire students to continue playing music throughout their lives, both during and after high school. One of these pedagogical practices is incorporating popular music into the classroom, which can enhance …

A Phenomenological Study Of String Teacher Perceptions Of Professional Development At Three Career Stages, Michael James Hanf

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This hermeneutic phenomenological study aims to understand the perceptions of elementary and secondary string teachers’ experiences with quality professional development from early-, middle-, and late-career stages. This study analyzes perceptions of quality professional development for music teachers, including content-related, evidence-based, applicable, relevant, collaborative, providing feedback, actively involving teachers in learning, longitudinal, coherent, and allowing for reflection. It follows a hermeneutic phenomenological research design guided by the theory of human motivation and aims to understand how professional development affects teacher needs. Participants include elementary and secondary string teachers across the United States from early-, middle-, and late-career stages. String teachers sampled …

Applying The Principles Of The Five Building Blocks Of Reading Strategies To Teaching Rhythmic Concepts To Pre-Kindergarten (Age-Four) Music Students, Keith S. Cottrill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative experimental case study was to explore the effects of applying the principles of the five building blocks of reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) to teaching rhythmic concepts to pre-kindergarten (age four) music students and how they affect the student's ability to develop a rhythmic vocabulary and comprehension. Furthermore, this experiment showcased how teachers can incorporate cross-curricular activities into the music classroom. There is an expanding interest in the broader benefits of music in relationship to reading; however, there is little evidence relating to the effect that the five building blocks of reading …

Assessing The Elements Of Worship From The Experience Of Seventh-Day Adventist Believers Participating In Local Multi-Generational Churches Located On The Campus Of An Educational Institution, Daniel Biaggi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation assesses the elements of worship from the experience of Seventh-day Adventist believers participating in local multi-generational churches located on the campus of an educational institution. The research aims to understand which elements of corporate worship are meaningful and practiced by participants of diverse ages and what makes these elements significant in their opinion. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data to examine how church participants prioritize different elements of worship and whether these preferences vary by age group and campus context. This survey also sought to identify specific worship elements that might be perceived …

The Both/And Church: A Qualitative Study On The Motives, Processes, And Impacts Of Instrumental Music In Churches Of Christ In The Bible Belt, Samuel Scott Souder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the information available on worship styles of churches in America, perspectives of Churches of Christ who have started using instruments have yet to be explored. Since 1906, Churches of Christ have been one of many distinct religious sects in America. Expressions of this denomination are most often found in the Deep South of the United States — what many religious persons refer to as the “Bible Belt.” Known for their emphasis on weekly communion, baptism as a sacramental part of discipleship, and their embrace of extra-biblical additions to ministry like missionary societies, one spiritual practice sets them apart most …

Improving The Work-Life Balance Of The High School Marching Band Director: A Case Study, William Elijah Holmes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although many studies have been conducted on high school marching bands, research has yet to be completed on the impact of the number of after-school marching band rehearsals. High school band directors frequently rehearse after school to raise student proficiency and perform at a high level for football games, community events, and marching band competitions. Directors who demonstrate high rehearsal efficacy can reduce the number of marching band practices to avoid negatively impacting the lives of the adults and students involved while maintaining student achievement. This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological case study investigated the effects of reducing the frequency of secondary …

Factors Influencing The Success Of Modern Wind Band Transcriptions Re(New)Al By Viet Cuong, Bells For Stokowski By Michael Daugherty, And Masks And Machines By Paul Dooley, Edward F. Protzman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Transcriptions have played a significant role in wind band literature since the end of the Renaissance period. Due to a desire for more significant original band works in the1900s and the existence of many low-quality transcriptions, conductors often view orchestral transcription as a lesser part of the wind band canon. Contemporary wind band transcriptions like Re(new)al by Viet Cuong, Bells for Stokowski by Michael Daugherty, and Masks and Machines by Paul Dooley are significant works in both the orchestral and band repertoire. This study investigates how instrumentation, sonic variety, acceptance of new music by wind band conductors, composition prizes, and …

An Investigation Of Formal And Informal Mentoring Practices On Novice Elementary And Middle School Band Teachers In California, Adriane A. Ambriz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the existing body of literature on mentoring programs for novice music educators, research on the influence of formal versus informal mentoring on first- and second-year elementary and middle school band teachers remains limited. With the ever-increasing administrative responsibilities and instructional demands, novice educators need meaningful, subject-specific mentoring to support their teaching and reduce attrition rates. This study examines the experiences of novice band teachers with formal and informal mentoring practices.  Guided by a phenomenological research design, this qualitative study examines how mentoring relationships influence the early careers of novice elementary and middle school band teachers. Data will be collected …

A Comparison Of Two Worship Education Programs And The Relative Effectiveness Of Preparing Worship Leaders For The 21st Century Evangelical Church, John Dawson Kinchen Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines and compares the worship leadership programs at Liberty University and Union University, focusing on their curriculum design, development, and effectiveness in preparing worship leaders for the 21st-century modern evangelical church. Utilizing a multiple-case study methodology, the research traces the historical development of these programs, evaluates their curricular frameworks, and analyzes their alignment with the standards set by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The study identifies shared core learning competencies, including music theory, conducting, ensemble participation, and theological understanding, while highlighting unique strengths in each program's approach.

Liberty University’s curriculum emphasizes contemporary worship practices, integrating …

The Impact Of Religious Music On Psychological Well-Being: A Survey Study Of Chinese Christians In Hong Kong Churches, Ka Man Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This cross-sectional survey investigates the relationship between listening to religious music and psychological well-being among Chinese Christians in Hong Kong, addressing a critical gap in Asian studies. Data were collected from 243 participants through a survey comprising demographic questions, music-listening habits (weekly frequency, average duration, and music era preference), and the 24-item Chinese Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale. Multiple linear regression and ANOVA analyses reveal that the average duration of listening to religious music positively associates with overall psychological well-being and its six dimensions, while frequency shows a negative relationship. Traditional religious music (composed in or before 1980) is associated with …

Technology-As-Instrument: A Case Study Of Undergraduate Student Experience With Daw Technology, Brian Coski

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Within the typical music appreciation class, diverse subsections of students exhibit varying levels of experience that can result in challenging inequities in engagement and comprehension. For those students with no background in playing an instrument or singing, musical ideas often need more context and perspective. Technology can present an opportunity for all students to explore the elements of music by utilizing music production software as a virtual instrument. In this study, the researcher utilized curriculum strategies specifically designed to foster deep musical connection through a technology-as-instrument approach. Through informal learning and the tools of music production, students visualized and interacted …

Theological Themes And Musical Influences Of Worship In Indonesian Immigrant Churches In The United States, Agnes Keren Bale

Masters Theses

Beyond evoking emotional experience, theologically sound songs are crucial for evangelizing, edifying the church, and congregational spiritual growth. This study examines worship in Indonesian immigrant churches in the United States, analyzing recurring theological themes in the most regularly featured songs in the worship repertoire. Additionally, it explores the influence of Western worship music which shapes the blended identity of these churches. Via the data gathered through worship service observations from a few churches and a survey for platform ministers, twenty-two congregational songs were coded and analyzed for their theological themes. Findings included the omnipotence and sovereignty of God, victory/battle, faith, …

Finding A Correlation Between Emotional Intelligence And Burnout In Music Teachers In Southeastern Pennsylvania, Richard Raymond Freda

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite studies showing that individuals with higher levels of emotional intelligence report higher job satisfaction and happiness, relatively few studies have looked at the relationship between higher levels of emotional intelligence and lower levels of teacher burnout, especially among music teachers. With so many music teaching positions going unfilled and many music teachers leaving the profession, it was imperative to find a way to keep music teachers in the classroom. By making teachers aware of their emotional intelligence and how to understand their emotions, it is possible that more music teachers can be retained. In this quantitative study, music teachers …

Title I Music Programs In Tennessee: Administrative Decisions In Allocated Funding, Aisha R. Allen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The study of this project overviews a qualitative research study on the lack of funding for music education programs through allocated funding for Title I schools. The research reflects the choices made by the administration in different Title I schools and how these funds are applied. Classroom resources needed to develop these music education classes include performance equipment, instruments, and more. The state of Tennessee allocates a certain amount of funding for every school. However, most of these funds are used for testing, leaving the remainder of the funds available for music programs. Because the administration controls the funds, music …

The Impact Of The Virginia Department Of Education On Music Education During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Erica S. Denham

Masters Theses

This research was to identify how the Virginia Department of Education handled Music Education during the COVID-19 pandemic. When proper support from the Department of Education is given, music educators can run their programs efficiently without doing much research on their own. By examining the COVID-19 policies and procedures created by the Virginia Department of Education, this qualitative study investigated how much emphasis was put on the unique needs of an education in music. Therefore, this investigation examined these policies and procedures to note in what ways music education was taken into special consideration. This study explored three distinct phases …

George Butterworth’S Musical Contribution To A.E. Housman’S A Shropshire Lad And Bredon Hill And Other Songs, Brenden M. Smith

Masters Theses

​George Butterworth and A.E. Housman were highly influential scholars at the turn of the 20th century. Both men were well known for contributing to folk genres in their corresponding fields. Many famous composers implemented Housman's works, the most conspicuous of which was Butterworth. The composer was tragically killed in World War I in 1916, and today, two song cycles of his remain, both are the poetry of A.E. Housman.

​Butterworth's Shropshire Lad cycles are some of the less-performed works in our classical repertory today because Butterworth abandoned most of his works during World War I. The following paper will give …

The Choir Effect: A Case Study On Adolescent Boys’ Academic Self-Confidence, Dedrick L. Guyton

Masters Theses

Realizing the cognitive and social benefits of choral participation in early adolescent boys may be critical in understanding their academic self-confidence. This qualitative research study examines large public school choral ensemble participation and the academic self-confidence of boys between the ages of twelve and fourteen. Previous studies on formal music education in children suggest that active music participation has academic and social benefits. However, research has not addressed the effects of early music exposure on adolescent boys who sing in a large public school choral ensemble. The research illustrates the experiences of approximately 20 twelve-to-fourteen-year-old male choral ensemble members within …

Covid-19 Effects On School Choral Music Programs’ Rehearsal Instruction: Exploring Responses, Sharing Teacher Perceptions On Future Preparedness, Watson Chilala

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The US experienced increased hospitalizations resulting from a resurgence of COVID-19 infections from Late July to mid-September 2023. Among educators and parents, the trend brought back memories of government school closures and their school instruction-related repercussions. This qualitative holistic case study explored how school choral music directors perceive their choral music programs' preparedness to mitigate instruction-related losses should future pandemics or long-term disruptions to instruction occur. The study examined relevant literature vis-a-vis journal articles and books and conducted open-ended interviews online, by phone, and in person. This study can empower choral music education with teaching strategies to improve SCMPs’ future …

Easy As 1, 2, 3: An Analysis Of Rhythm-Counting Systems And Their Affect On Performance Accuracy In Beginner Band Students, Brendan Beiersdorfer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music educators implement rhythm-counting and syllable systems globally to guide students in rhythm interpretation and performance. These systems are often associated with music disciplines and cultural regions; however, the influence of these systems on students’ rhythmic performance accuracy is not well-documented. This quantitative, quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Traditional, Kodály, and Takadimi rhythm-counting systems on the rhythmic performance of beginner band students. The sample included students from three educational settings (n = 146), each providing instruction in one of the three rhythm-counting systems. Pre- and post-instruction assessments were administered to measure rhythmic accuracy and compare each …

Harmonizing Faith Across Generations: The Spiritual Resonance Of Modernizing Traditional Worship Lyrics, Hyoeun Eunice Jeon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The quest to create an inclusive worship environment that honors diversity without sacrificing the sacred essence of traditional hymns is challenging. This study is anchored in the understanding that music, as a profound expression of faith, has the power to transform individuals and communities, and therefore modernizing traditional hymn lyrics could be vital in bridging the generational divide. This would then enhance the sense of togetherness in communal worship. By employing a qualitative research approach, this study analyzes the impact of lyrical modernization on intergenerational engagement within worship settings. Data was collected through interviews and participatory observation, tapping into the …

Biblically-Based Songs: Agents Of Healing For Women Overcoming Rejection, Michal Rivera

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to examine how biblically-based songs can serve as aids to women who have overcome or are overcoming rejection. The research employs a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, in which interviews, in vivo coding, reflection, interpretation, and biblical analysis explore how biblically-based songs provide or have provided aid to Christian Hispanic Women. Interviews question women about their experiences and how they cope with rejection, the importance of the Word of God, and biblically-based songs, capturing the history and healing process and transformation of the participants. Worship leaders and worship ministries will be educated, exhorted, and challenged in …

The Emotional, Physical, And Mental Effects Of Physiological Entrainment And Heart Coherence In The Choral Ensemble, Nicole M. Mattfeld

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite endless studies on the benefits of music related to stress reduction and decreased anxiety, there is more in-depth research in the holistic health realm, which has yet to be applied, especially to music educators. Scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries in the last decade, proving that music can heal the nervous system; and guide one’s body into a state of physical and emotional coherence. This study gathered existing research and applied it through the lens of the choral music educator. Guided by the founders of the HeartMath Institute and additional scientific pioneers, this mixed-method study identified methods of holistic health …

Musical Flow: An Analysis On Optimizing Yoga Sequences For Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms In Choral Teachers, Vanessa Adams

Masters Theses

This qualitative study identified work-related musculoskeletal symptoms that middle and high school choral teachers experienced and identified yoga asanas that may mitigate the physical imbalances that lead to those musculoskeletal symptoms. Previous studies have focused on musculoskeletal symptoms in instrumentalists, conductors, and vocalists. However, a choral teacher’s work includes all those jobs and requires unique tools curated for their work demands. Self-care can be more easily facilitated when tools that fit the specific needs of choral teachers are available. Proper self-care may lead to reduced musculoskeletal symptoms and improved holistic health. Yoga asanas, which target the most reported areas of …

A Study On Private Piano Curriculum Using Edwin Gordon’S Music Learning Theory, Cody Chandler

Masters Theses

This quantitative descriptive research study addresses the deficiencies in modern piano educational literature pertaining to aural development at the earliest stages of piano education. Contemporary piano methodologies often prioritize music notation over aural skill development during the initial stages of instruction. This study addresses this imbalance, offering insights into curriculum selection based on its influence on competition performance scores, music theory exam results, and student retention. The participants in this study are 329 piano students who began lessons between kindergarten and twelfth grade selected from five qualified piano teachers from 2010-2024. Data was collected by recording competition and festival scores, …

The Call To Worship/Music Vocational Ministry: A Case Study To Better Understand The Function Of The God-Ordained Call To Vocational Worship Ministry, Jerry Leonard Newman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigates the multifaceted role of worship and music leaders in Christian congregations. It emphasizes that their responsibilities extend beyond mere musical proficiency to embody a profound spiritual calling rooted in a vocational call to ministry. A survey of 401 worship leaders from various Christian denominations reveals the role's dual nature: they are skilled musicians and spiritual guides uniquely called to facilitate the congregation’s faith journey. This vocational calling highlights their divine appointment to ministry, aligning with biblical principles such as those found in Ephesians 4:11-12, which stress the equipping of the saints and the building up of the …

Gatekeeping The Choral Classroom: The Existence Of Caste System Levels In High School Choral Singing, Amber J. Klein

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The high school choral music sector has become increasingly competitive in education, leading to selectively allowing certain students into the choral classroom and fostering exclusionary practices within choral music instruction. The term "gatekeeping" may evoke a sense of unease and concern, although it refers to a long-standing system that has existed for centuries. Gatekeeping, which excludes pupils who do not meet the standards set by the competitive choral world, is a growing concern in music education. The all-ability choir movement has experienced gradual growth in urban areas following years of challenges that originated from implementing the No Child Left Behind …

Harmonizing Voices: Vocal Pedagogy In 21st Century Music Education, Thomas J. Clark

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to provide recommendations for improving vocal pedagogy practices in both collegiate and secondary-level education, emphasizing fair and equitable treatment alongside the evolution of teaching practices from the 1950s to the current classroom environment. Vocal education, a cornerstone of music instruction, has been shaped by the changing educational landscape over the decades, presenting educators and students with unique challenges, including the need for inclusive and culturally sensitive practices. In response to these challenges, a central research question arises regarding the evolution of vocal pedagogy and its potential for improvement within the context of fair, equitable, …

The Contrast In Music Aesthetics Prior To The Romantic Era And Its Impact On Music Education, Sophia Grace Moon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study explores the approach to music education prior to the Romantic period. Prior to the modern era, the aesthetics of music explored the mathematical and scientific dimensions of rhythmic and harmonic organization. The composition of music was very structured, there was a “right” approach to composing. In the era of Romanticism, some composers and critics argued that music should and could serve as a means for self-expression or the conveying of emotion. Beginning in the Romantic era composers were free to experiment with musical ideas. Traditionally accepted manners for composition had less meaning, as composers were given the …

The Art Of The Comeback: Reversing Burnout Among Rural Music Educators In The United States, Richard J. Kane

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative, deductive, narrative inquiry will examine how to reverse burnout among music educators in rural schools in the United States. This study will also discuss the development of processes that aid in burnout recovery and passion reclamation. Despite the increasing acknowledgment of occupational burnout, more information is needed about reversing its effects among rural music educators. Further, the untold perspectives of this specific sub-set of music teachers could inform others enduring similar situations. This study examines the perspectives of six rural music educators in various states of burnout; two have reversed burnout, two are currently contemplating a career change, …

High School Orchestra Teachers Of The United States And Their Music Literature Programming Pedagogical Effectiveness, James Herbert Bailey Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The nature of student-interest genre effectiveness is an ongoing debate in music education due to popular music’s appeal to students. This study involving teachers from the United States high school orchestra programs aims to determine the frequency of implementation and the teachers’ and students’ perspectives on the effectiveness of the programming and lessons in the orchestra classroom. In this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study conducted with high school orchestra teachers in the United States, data was collected from eight orchestra teachers’ programs, and perspectives were acquired and analyzed to identify commonalities and differences between teachers in various counties. The teachers’ programming …