Music Commons^™

Funding A Middle School Technology-Based Music Class: An Investigation On Trends In Funding And A Proposed Curriculum, Shebbie L. Williams Iii

Masters Theses

This paper investigates trends of district funding in relation to music programs. The appendix contains a proposed technology-based music curriculum. The study is a convergent mixed-methods design that reviewed current literature on funding sources for music programs; literature about technology-based music courses was reviewed as well. The results revealed the many factors that play a part in a school board deciding to keep or terminate a music program. Findings also include a correlation in funding and music class quality, less funding usually meant lower quality. This paper can be a tool for educators that wish to make a change in …

The Importance Of Sight-Singing To Ear-Training And Musicianship Of Neurodiverse Students, Courtney Marie Stinson

Masters Theses

This curriculum project aims to recognize the importance of teaching students music with ear-training. The goal is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of ear-training methods. This paper will review existing ear-training methods research. The literature will be reviewed regarding the biology of how listeners hear music, how geographic location influences elements of sound, how emotion influences communication, and why people like the music they like. The second chapter of this article discusses how singing on solfège creates stronger musicianship in all musicians as ear-training is essential for teaching music. Ear-training helps students recognize sounds and sonic events they have …

How Reading, Writing, And Composing Music Enhances A Child’S Creativity, Marisa R. Robertson

Masters Theses

This thesis intends to prove that reading, writing, and composing music in elementary school can help children enhance their creativity. The project will contain recent research that shows how reading, writing, and composing music can enhance a child’s creativity. Research from this thesis will provide parents, educators, and administration with the necessary information to decide to incorporate music into their child’s school curriculum.

Effects Of Nonmusical Factors On Virginia High School Band Concert Performance Assessment Results, Larry Michael Seipp

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nonmusical factors affect the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) concert performances and subsequent assessment results; namely, school size, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. A comparison of ratings given by individual trained evaluators demonstrates interrater reliability. A comparison of final ratings given at different assessment locations and times reflects the reliability of ratings. However, administrators and evaluators must consider nonmusical factors to report instrumental music performance results accurately. Predictor variables included SES, school size, and minority percentage. Outcome variables included overall band rating and band performance literature difficulty. Using an MLR design, the researcher compared data from the 2019 VBODA …

A Study Of Pedagogical Approaches To Inform Instructors On How To Help Ease The Transition Of A Flute Student Switching To Oboe, Mai'ya Jackson

Masters Theses

Young band students are seldom allowed to begin on the oboe, due to the specialized difficulties of the instrument. It is more prevalent for a student to begin on another instrument, such as the flute, and transition to the oboe after some initial experience. Many students switch to oboe from flute, since both instruments have similarities in fingering and wind technique. However, there are significant differences between the two instruments. These differences include embouchure formation, articulation, octave keys and alternate fingerings, intonation adjustment, and double reed care. If a student is not able to receive individualized instruction during this transitional …

Incorporating Video Game Music Into Music Education: Potential Benefits And Challenges, Zechariah D. Emery

Masters Theses

This study examines the potential benefits of incorporating video game music into various forms of music education. Since no previous scholarly work could be found on this specific subject, this study relies on examining various aspects of video game music and adjacent studies on student motivation and achievement. The study is broken up into several sections. An analytical study determines that video game music has developed to the point where it is just as complex as other forms of music and has unique aspects that could make it a valuable tool in education. The study also examines the uses of …

Unsung And Unheard: An Analysis Of The History And Impact Of Female American Vocal Composers, Shannon Marie Myers

Masters Theses

American female composers create music that is pedagogically valuable and should be included in the repertoire commonly used by undergraduate vocal students. The purpose of this research is to provide awareness of the existence and the contribution that American female composers have made to standard vocal repertoire and their pedagogical value. The essential question answered as part of this research is: how have the American women composers contributed to the development of standard vocal literature? Additional sub-questions addressed in this research include: 1) What historical factors (culturally, economically, etc.) have influenced the rise of female composers in America beginning in …

Pathing The Ṭubū': Modal Theory In The Modern Tunisian Conservatory, Drew Garret Minaker

Masters Theses

While the eastern Arab modal system of maqāmāt has been amply explored by a variety of scholars and practitioners, the systems of melodic modes which underlie North African- Andalusian music traditions colloquially called the ṭubū‘ (s. ṭab‘) are relatively unknown outside their native regions (even within the Arabic-speaking world), and their features have not yet been explored in Western ethnomusicological literature. This thesis attempts to represent the modal theory of the ṭubū‘ found in one style of North African-Andalusian music, Tunisian ma’lūf. It offers a summary of pedagogical approaches used for teaching the ṭubū‘ in a typical conservatory and describes …

Trends In The Gospel Music Ensemble Experience: Establishing The Precedent And Need For Inclusion Of Gospel Choir Ensemble Experience And Pedagogy Into The Collegiate Level Music Curriculum, Arthur Demario Beard Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

During the late 1990s, gospel music emergence in secondary schools and colleges brought a new awareness of a dynamic change in social-cultural, peer-relations, and many educational sector activities in America. Gospel music is part of the musical tapestry in the United States arts community. The music genre shapes, frames, and reflects the worship-life and faith expression in most African-American churches. The nature of gospel music itself encourages teachers to introduce it as a meaningful, albeit alternative genre in music education curriculum and teaching experiences. This study aims to articulate the significance of integrating gospel music ensemble into the college music …

A Method For The Evaluation Of Song Texts In Evangelical Churches: A Crucial First Step In Developing Indigenous Songs, Kristi Jeanne Colas

Masters Theses

How important are song texts in worship services? According to the Bible, these songs have a multi-faceted role. Not only do they contain truths about God’s revelation of himself in Scripture, but they also call his people to respond with their whole being. The same song can express worship to God, teach believers truths about him, and challenge unbelievers to turn from their false gods. Therefore, the lyrical content of Christian congregational songs is of utmost importance. However, a survey of ethnodoxological literature reveals a greater focus on songs’ musical content. One reason for this may be the general emphasis …

Palestinian Evangelical Christian Music In Bethlehem, Israel/Palestine, Abby Smith

Senior Honors Theses

Often the story of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is portrayed as Jewish vs. Muslim, Hebrew vs. Arab. There is little room in the international dialogue for minorities such as Arab Christians. Though Palestinians have a rich culture of Arabic musical and poetic heritage, they are unable to produce their own new songs. In this study I interviewed three members of Immanuel Evangelical Church on their experiences and opinions on local Christian worship. The findings show that Palestinian Christians may feel unable to write worship music because of a prevalent feeling of inadequacy and a lack of musical training. I propose several …

On The Historical And Future Role Of The Music Producer, Tyler Harrison

Senior Honors Theses

The research completed in this thesis is designed to review the historical role of the music producer and track its evolution into the modern era. Focus on the history of the producer will include formal research from the time and a review of individuals who pioneered significant change in the industry. The thesis will then explore the role of the contemporary record producer and raise questions about the impact of modern technology and practice.

The Music Making Family: A Music Class For All Ages, Jordan Lee Slater

Masters Theses

Whereas music both unlocks and fuels devotion as well as strengthens mental faculties, whereas teamwork and shared experiences deepen familial bonds, whereas the Bible is the root of all knowledge and wisdom, the need for The Music Making Family has arisen. Colossians 3:16 states, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” The purpose of this qualitative study is to provide teachers, whether in private school, public school, a religious entity, in a standalone studio, instructional material for …

Teaching Music To Special Needs Students Using Multiple Intelligence Theory, Megan Lawrimore Bolt

Masters Theses

Students who fall under the label of “special needs” or “exceptional learners” are often forgotten when it comes to music class. Unfortunately, in many schools they either do not attend music classes at all or they only attend with other students who are also considered special needs students. These students deserve the right to be in an inclusive music class with their peers who are not special needs students. Students of all abilities should receive the same opportunities to learn music together. One question that will be addressed is whether music teachers in South Carolina are making their classrooms inclusive …

Teaching Expression And Communication Through Music And Collaborative Arts, Goeun Kim

Masters Theses

Music and art are vehicles for creative expression that people have practiced throughout history to express and communicate their thoughts, emotions, feelings, and experiences. Art is the purest and most unique form of self-expression, but today’s perception of art is usually accessible for people who are naturally gifted or specialize in a particular art form. Children have the potential to understand, learn, and enjoy music if given a chance to explore creative expression. Especially during pre-adolescence or adolescence, many young children find it difficult to express themselves outwardly because they are concerned about peer relations and people’s expectations. While an …

Teach Your Choir To Read Music, Bryan Cody Rante

Masters Theses

Teaching chorus presents many challenges to directors and one of the main challenges that directors face is teaching their students how to read music. Many students rely on rote teaching or aural repetition to learn music, and this can prevent students from becoming proficient musicians. Bryan Rante researched different ways to assess the choral group and simultaneously teach them how to read music proficiently. The curriculum used for this research was Andy Beck’s Sing at First Sight: Foundations in Choral Singing Level 1 & 2 to help students learn how to sight-sing and become confident in reading music. The curriculum …

Performer Wellness And Applied Stage Practices Curriculum: Preparing The Undergraduate Vocal Performance Major For An Opera Career, Gabriel J. Kirby

Masters Theses

Within higher education, the goal is to prepare students to enter the workforce with the knowledge and abilities to meet or exceed the chosen occupation’s requirements and expectations. To achieve these requisites, schools create curricula comprising key information for several fields and concentrations while abiding by the regulations enforced by both their school boards and accreditation organizations. Students can apply for a job knowing that their degree holds value. Many institutions continually revise degrees to curricula to inspire the next generation in the workforce. The purpose of this curriculum project is to advocate for expanded curriculum considerations that include acting …

A Proposed Curriculum For Prenatal, Postnatal, And Early Childhood Christian Music Education, Danielle Emily Dixon

Masters Theses

From the prenatal to postnatal/infancy stages, to early childhood and beyond, music plays an integral role in development. This research study aims to detail and describe the benefits of a prenatal, postnatal/infant, and early childhood Christian music education. Employing a mixed-methods and historical research approach, this study seeks to answer the question, in what ways, if any, could a prenatal, postnatal/infant, and early childhood Christian music education be beneficial for developing children and their mothers? By combining the benefits of an early childhood music education with Christian principles, the results of this study will have significance in not only the …

Deliberate Sequencing In The Music Classroom: A Curriculum To Guide Undergraduate Music Education Majors In Music Instruction, Allison Shew Phillips

Masters Theses

The content and structure of courses designed to train potential teachers are critical to such individuals' success. Instructors of these courses should assess which skills are required of pre-service teacher candidates. Researchers have conducted studies over the years to decide what skills are needed for successful teaching. Learning cannot occur without an instructional sequence. Undergraduate music education majors are often not instructed on sequencing methods or have a chance to practice instructional sequencing before their student teaching placement. Research studies have shown that teachers who sequence their instructional delivery and following the complete teaching cycle are considered more effective in …

Music And Autism Spectrum Disorder: Possible Effects On The Autistic Mind, Alexandra L. Ferro

Masters Theses

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a known neurological disorder that directly affects an individual's ability to communicate and interact with others; ASD is diagnosed within the first three years of life. One of the most common forms of therapy or interventions used is music. Music incorporation can change in a format such as learning a specific instrument, singing, or simply dancing to promote physical activity to help brain stimulation and process the overall musical experience. Music has been a commonly used therapy or intervention for children diagnosed with ASD dating back to the mid-1940s. Those diagnosed with ASD have difficulty …

Worship Through Creation, Caleb Gudgeon

Masters Theses

Understanding the purpose of worship through the lens of creation. The creation story tells the story of God's design of worship and His heart for relationship with mankind. Sin broke the original design and set the Biblical storyline of the coming redeemer in motion. Jesus opened the door for all mankind to find new life in and only through Him. Now mankind can worship in that intended form of relationship as designed in the beginning.

Sixth-Grade Sight-Singing For Low Vision Students: A Course To Enhance Confidence And Music Reading Ability, Jamie Lane Carpenter

Masters Theses

Students enter the private or public-school system with a wide variety of emotional, mental, and physical impairments that impact their confidence, self-esteem, and overall path to their future. One misunderstood and under-represented population of students are those who are not fully blind but fall under the category of low vision. Since the low vision spectrum is wide, students must advocate for themselves according to their unique visual condition. While some students may be nearsighted, others may experience color blindness, tunnel vision, a wide variety of partial blindness in one or both eyes, and more. If educators are not aware of …

Hello, Neighbor! A Curriculum For The Instruction Of Social And Emotional Learning In The Early Childhood Music Classroom Using The Pedagogical Strategies Of Fred Rogers, Julia Conceison

Masters Theses

Modern music educators are faced with many unique challenges while teaching in the early childhood and elementary classroom. With these challenges come the added stressors of students’ individual and collective experiences as they learn to process and regulate their behaviors and emotions through a variety of often unfamiliar social, political, and familial challenges. Currently, while many university teacher preparation programs focus on teaching content differentiation, curriculum creation, and content knowledge, they do not often focus on cultural relevance and responsiveness. One champion of cultural relevance and responsiveness in music education is composer, educator, minister, and children’s television host, Fred Rogers, …

Principal Perceptions On The Inclusion Of Music Education And Professional Development Opportunities: A Qualitative Study, Gabriel Woods

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative case study identifies perspectives that have not yet been explored and documented concerning the difference in attention across school levels when it comes to offering professional development opportunities for music teachers. The majority of previous studies have focused on STEM programming, not the arts. In this study, the researcher interviewed six K-12 principals who aided in deciding whether to include music programs to students and professional development opportunities to teachers. Two principals were interviewed in the different K-12 school levels: elementary, middle, and high schools. The results of this study add to the literature and can foster an …

Music Appreciation Course Design: Facilitating The Increased Participation Of Non-Music Majors In Collegiate Music Performance Ensembles, Rebecka Elizabeth Rose

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The cessation of music performance after high school graduation can be mitigated through recruitment type course design methods interwoven within collegiate Music Appreciation courses. When appropriately designed, Music Appreciation could serve as a catalyst for resuming musical participation in music ensembles. This study investigated how the college level Music Appreciation course may renew interest in performing music by non-music major students. Best teaching methodologies and Music Appreciation curriculum components to engage non-music majors are examined in addition to music ensemble recruitment techniques that can be integrated within Music Appreciation course design. This study is of qualitative design and utilizes the …

Old Testament Principles For Worship: Worship Practices Applied To Modern-Day Worship In The Evangelical Church From The Life Of Abraham, Cameron Scott Gaddy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Worship in the evangelical church faces challenges regarding its purpose, design, and method of expression. In order to cultivate an authentic community of worshippers, Christians must first strive to understand the biblical basis of worship. Worship is initiated by God and requires a response from man. Many studies have shown the importance of understanding the biblical foundations of worship; however, few studies have focused on understanding biblical worship through observing the historical development of God’s identity through the biblical character of Abraham. The purpose of this study is to identify key worship principles from the life of Abraham that may …

Contemporary Monacan Nation Identity Expression: A Music And Cultural Arts Study, Gretchen Cline, Katherine Morehouse

Liberty University Research Week

Graduate

Three Minute Thesis

A Middle School Choral Methodology And Curriculum Pairing: An Introduction, Eunice Nogueras-Negron, Rebecca Watson

Liberty University Research Week

Graduate

Theoretical Proposal

Travelin’ To The Promised Land: Symbolism Of The Jordan River In African Spiritual, English Hymn, And American Folksong Selections, Hope Dornfeld, Linda Granger

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Performing Arts - Music

Modeling A Spectrum Of Positive Music On The Circumplex Theory Of Emotion, Joshua Mckinnis, Chanson Lee

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Applied