Music Commons^™

Outlaw Country Chronicles: Rebels, Roots, And Cultural Change, Ashleigh Diane Howell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music provides lyrics and symbols to express art within the society. The goal of this research project is to examine the outlaw movement in the country music genre to study the connection of the working-class American culture to the music. Additionally, the purpose of this project is to establish the strong relationship of folk genre and country music as an endeavor to provide authentic lyrics that reach into the past to reflect the experiences of the changes in the present. The outlaw movement in the country music genre provided a unique capture through the lyrics and reflection to the culture …

Experiences Of South Carolina Middle School Music Directors Teaching Multicultural Music In Performance Classes: A Multiple Case Study, Helen Bryan Terlizzi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this multiple case study was to discover the experiences of middle school music directors in providing multicultural music performance experiences for students in South Carolina. The theory guiding this study was Cultural-Historical Activity Theory as it allowed for the examination of tools used for teaching and learning. A qualitative multiple case study design allowed for the collection of data from four purposefully selected middle schools in South Carolina. The study sought to answer the central research question: How do music educators describe their experiences in teaching multicultural music in music performance classes? The focus of the research …

An Exploration Of How Working At Marching Band Camps Can Benefit Pre-Service Instrumental Music Educators, Cody Franklin Knott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Equipping pre-service music education students for a teaching career requires practicum experience working with mentor teachers and students. It can be challenging to acquire enough practicum experience through typical undergraduate coursework to prepare future teachers for a classroom of their own entirely. Guided by the phenomenological research approach, this study will investigate pre-service teaching opportunities available to instrumental music education students who work at summer marching band camps to gain experience teaching in the classroom. Data will be gathered from pre-service teachers’ experiences as instructors or technicians at marching band camps through an online survey. This survey will examine the …

Authenticity And Worship Technology: An Evaluation Of The Use Of Prerecorded Vocal And Instrumental Tracks In Worship In Augusta, Georgia, Susan R. Burgess

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Every week, congregations in Augusta, Georgia, gather for corporate worship. A common practice among these congregations is incorporating pre-recorded music technology in their services. Technological advancements have significantly transformed the worship landscape. In this performance-oriented culture, the focus at times shifts from congregationally focused praise to a worship stage production, overshadowing the importance of biblical and authentic worship. This phenomenological case study investigates the lived experiences of worshipers in Augusta, Georgia, focusing on the perceptions of authenticity of worship when pre-recorded music is used. The study involved 15 participants from the Central Savannah River Area, examining their perspectives on authentic …

Evaluating Expressive Conducting: A Statistical Analysis Of Rural High School Wind Ensemble Performances, Cole F. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative research study seeks to discuss differences between musical performances of band students at a rural high school of low socioeconomic status when conducted with expressive and non-expressive gestures as measured by the Georgia Music Educators Association Large Group Performance Evaluation rubric defined as tone, intonation, technique, balance, and musicality. Students in ensemble classes are instructed to watch their conductor or director as he or she gestures from the podium. Gestures may include but are not limited to providing cues for students to begin playing, depicting tempo, and demonstrating the musical phrase and style of the current passage. The …

Cultural Influence On Recruiting Middle School Children To The Jordanian Nai Choir, Diana Samir Talhami

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Social practices influenced the recruitment of middle school children to the Nai choir despite the rich Jordanian culture. This research addressed beliefs, cultural dynamics, social values, and strategies to identify a critical gap in the literature regarding the recruitment of middle school students to the Nai choir. To understand students’ enrollment challenges, the researcher examined community perspectives related to the Jordanian culture, socioeconomic status, communication between students and community, beliefs, and values. Furthermore, exploring the age perspectives of middle school students was essential. The culture of these students also influenced their decision and motivation to join the choir. This study …

Teaching Aural Skills In Undergraduate Music Using World Music Concepts: A Narrative Inquiry, Eugene Seow

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project recognizes the potential of pedagogical innovation through world music concepts, particularly in applying world music education techniques to acquiring undergraduate aural skills. The study examines concepts from African drumming, Indian tala, Arabic maqam, and Japanese gagaku, briefly inquiring into the psychology and theory behind these world musics, and determines how best to transfer the concepts to an undergraduate aural skill teaching curriculum alongside its core concepts rooted in the Western classical idiom. Thus, teachers can augment aural skills education at the collegiate level with cross-cultural perspectives and integrative techniques. This qualitative narrative inquiry research recognizes the imbalance in …

Community Partnerships For Music Education In Rural Eastern New Mexico And West Texas, Joseph Manuel Flores

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the availability of music education courses in rural America’s secondary school setting, the quality and quantity of music education offerings may be in a state of decline due to student retention, lack of collaborations between extra/co-curricular activities and their instructors, scheduling conflicts, or lack of community involvement. Music education opportunities allow students to engage in art forms that further life-long learning and music advocacy. This study will investigate the perspective of music educators in rural Eastern New Mexico and West Texas as they continue to create high-quality music-band programs. The qualitative phenomenological research study highlights perspectives of rural American …

Keeping The Beat: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Retention Strategies And Their Impact On Historically Black Colleges And University Band Student And Alumni Success, Melton Randolph Harvey Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a rich cultural legacy, but there is still little understanding of how these programs impact students in particular ways. HBCUs provide Black individuals a chance to achieve equality, gain respect as a collective in the United States, and secure employment in professional fields. The purpose of this study aims to explore the factors concerning retention that contribute to participation in Historically Black Colleges and University band participation and analyze the effectiveness of its current retention initiatives.

the main research tool created to investigate the dynamics of recruitment and retention in HBCU …

The Effects Of Social Media Presence On Historically Black College And University (Hbcu) College Student Band Selection, Kuronde Washington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research reveals the effects of social media presence on Historically Black College and University (HBCU) college student band selection. This quantitative correlational research study investigates the impact of social media presence and engagement on how HBCU band students select the college band they wish to attend. Variables in the digital space are the students’ influence of choice and social media. The researcher surveyed 75 HBCU band students from various athletic conferences to determine what social media content factors influence how college and university band students perceive and rank band programs. Participants were selected based on active college or university …

Incorporating Aaron Copland's Philosophy Of Inclusion In Midwest Rural Band Programs: A Qualitative Study Of Attracting And Retaining Students Of Low Socioeconomic Status, Jonathan, S. Laflamme

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The field of music education has established the value of instrumental band music instruction as congruent with students’ intellectual, kinesthetic, psychological, and academic success. However, one should scrutinize the validity of the above data, as it addresses issues concerning access to instrumental music education that persist within underserved populations, particularly those characterized by low socioeconomic status (SES) in rural Midwest America. Researchers have synthesized very little data specifically to address the needs of Midwest rural schools and underserved student populations. This qualitative study explores the effects of applying Aaron Copland’s philosophy of inclusion, specifically regarding students of low SES, in …

Understanding The Characteristics Of The Artistic Temperament In A Local Church Through The Eyes Of The Choir Members And The Lens Of Scripture: A Case Study, Deborah A. Mcilrath

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Madness has long been associated with musical geniuses, known as temperamental musicians with uncomfortable mood swings that often border on manic depressive episodes. Secular studies show parallels between musicians with an artistic temperament (AT) and bipolar/manic depressive disorders. Many church choir members and church leaders expect church music directors to be more expressive, but if negative characteristics associated with an artistic temperament (AT) emerge during rehearsals, such as anger or moodiness, conflict is inevitable. This is a phenomenological qualitative study of the characteristics associated with AT in a local church through the lens of Scripture. The purpose of this research …

Hip Hop Performing Arts Charter Schools: The Future Of Arts Education In Predominantly Non-White, Low Income, Underserved Rural Areas Of Louisiana, Anthony P. Shelton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Some still view arts education as a non-essential extracurricular activity despite its benefits. Even though the Every Student Succeeds Act acknowledges arts education is a healthy and well-rounded subject, local, district, and state administrators still control budget allocation and cuts, which generally affect arts education. There has also been a decline or lack of interest in traditional learning methods in the arts and core subjects. Alternative student learning forms have shown benefits in suburban, urban, and inner-city schools. Still, there is little information about these methods in predominantly non-white rural schools. Research using qualitative methods examines the potential effectiveness of …

The Qualitative Ethnographic Research Of The Relationship Related To Parental Involvement, Community Support, And School Administrative Substructure Amid To Inner-City Title-I High School Band Programs In Memphis, Tennessee, Thomas Akil Perry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative ethnographic research investigated the fundamental unsubstantiated relationship related to parental involvement, community support, and school administrative substructure amid two inner-city Title-I high school band programs. This qualitative research embraced an ethnographic process managed by anthropology and sociology approached framework geared to study cultural responses over some time based on similar analytical cultural statistics. This study depicts the socioeconomic domain of a high school band community, highlighting key factors that add to the success and decline of the inner-city and Title-I high school band programs. It was conducted within Memphis, TN, within the North Memphis region, outlining the Raleigh, …

The Role Of Pre-Collegiate Mentorship Programs In Orchestra Teacher Recruitment In South Carolina, Tamar Ben-Pazi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The looming crisis of teacher shortages has garnered attention from music education stakeholders worldwide. The search for causation and resolution of this critical issue has inspired innovative approaches to hiring, training, and the support of professional educators. While mentoring has been lauded by education experts as an essential component of educator career fulfillment, and mentorship programs designed for novice teachers have been recognized within the profession's ranks as effective tools in this pursuit, there has been little research evaluating the impact of mentorship programs designed to identify and recruit pre-collegiate future educators. This study aims to advance the cause for …

The Relationship Between Overtime And Burnout Among Alabama Secondary Music Ensemble Directors, Ashley Deleen Gresko

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although there is an existing body of literature discussing stress and burnout among music educators, there has yet to be a significant study regarding the relationship between working hours and the burnout of secondary music ensemble directors. This study covers the perspectives of secondary school instrumental and choral music ensemble directors in Alabama. This quantitative research study identifies influences of overtime that require additional exploration regarding the burnout of Alabama secondary school music ensemble directors. This study surveyed secondary music ensemble directors in Alabama to illustrate the correlation between overtime and burnout. This study is vital to music ensemble directors …

Determining Factors For College Music Major Success In Small Liberal Arts Colleges And Universities: Perspectives From Students And Faculty, Spencer James Nance

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Deciding to major in music can be daunting for any college student. Students often go through a lengthy audition process, which sometimes includes multiple schools, to receive scholarship offers to major in music. When students arrive on campus, they may experience many challenges that impact their future success in the music major program. These challenges far too often overwhelmed the students and caused them to lose their scholarships, discontinue their studies in music, or switch to another major. There have been studies involving student success within the first year of college. Yet very few studies still measure the success of …

Understanding Millennial Women Worship Leaders’ Perceptions Of Full-Time Ministry Through Their Lived Experiences, Katie Sheree Lenehan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Millennials are the largest employed generation. Yet, with more women in vocational worship ministry than ever, roadblocks remain for Millennial women seeking to thrive and last in this sphere. There becomes a need to understand the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical challenges uniquely facing the Millennial woman worship leader, for these challenges are not necessarily new but certainly are unique in ferocity and how they present themselves to the Millennial woman. Understanding Millennial women worship leaders’ lived experiences becomes vital in retaining and promoting healthy ministry practices that enable long-term vocational success.

Creating Thinking Classrooms In Music Education: Teacher And Student Perspectives Of Twenty-First-Century Instruction, Dave Mcgarry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite changes to provincial documents in British Columbia, many music educators still rely on traditional teaching methods. This convergent mixed methods case study aimed to understand student and teacher perspectives on twenty-first-century instruction in the music classroom, providing insights to enhance and enrich experiences in musical learning. Data were collected from thirty-one students in a singular grade nine to twelve instrumental band class through interviews, lesson journals, direct observations, surveys, student artifacts, field notes, and pre-and post-test measures. The study analyzed students' musical self-confidence inventories and examined the effects of a twenty-first-century student-centered curriculum over six weeks. This curriculum emphasized …

An Exploration Of The Big Five Traits And Effective Private Music Teachers, Christopher James Ozorio

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite research studies on the dispositions of successful music educators, few studies have been published on the relationship between Big Five traits and successful private music instructors in a for-profit setting. By documenting these findings, educators will gain insights into effective traits, enabling them to refine their approach to music lessons in a private business setting. The author identifies this specific area of music education as needing to be explored and documented through qualitative research. Surveyed instructors from Arizona (N=12) indicate a significant correlation between high scores on certain traits of the Big Five and success in the private teaching …

Servant Leader Choral Conductor: The Effect Of Servant Leadership In Community Choirs And Community Partnerships, Zachary Debois Cooke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite servant leadership primarily establishing itself as an appropriate leadership style, there is little research on how servant leadership affects community choirs in music education. Community choirs are prevalent in music education due to the number of individuals seeking choral experiences and community gatherings to sing and express their musicality. This hermeneutic qualitative phenomenological study explores the leadership styles of community choir choral conductors and their perspectives on servant leadership. By surveying current choral conductors of community choirs and community partnerships, this qualitative study identifies the overarching leadership styles and servant leadership qualities that are consciously considered or not implemented …

Charter School Music Programs In The Southwest: Innovation Or Isomorphism, Joseph Justo Ulibarri

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The school choice movement is gaining popularity in the American education system, with supporters touting innovation and improvement in educational outcomes. Research on school choice efficacy—particularly comparisons between charter and traditional public schools (TPS)—is in its infancy. The purpose of this causal-comparative study was to compare the incidence of nontraditional music courses in secondary charters and TPS in the Southwest. Secondly, the study utilized the Climate for Innovation Measure (CIM) to quantify teachers’ perceptions of organizational innovation. This research collected a randomized sample (N = 30) of secondary charter school music teachers (n = 15) and TPS music teachers (n …

The Singing Instrumentalist: A Sound-Before-Sight Approach In Instrumental Instruction, Tammy Joy Bartz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative experimental study was to examine the impact of two differing instructional strategies in beginning band instruction. One approach followed a traditional method, emphasizing technical proficiency and note-reading skills, while the other adopted a sound-before-sight approach where aural and oral skills were nurtured before introducing notation. The experimental study involved fourth and fifth-grade beginning band students from a rural elementary school in the Midwest. All participants were randomly divided into either the experimental or control group. The control group (n = 21) received instruction using a traditional note-reading approach, whereas the experimental group (n = 22) …

Parent Perspectives For Elementary Instrumental Music Participation, Scott Wayne Mcgowan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted to understand participation issues surrounding elementary instrumental music programs from a parent's perspective. Many school districts’ elementary instrumental music programs have continued with a district-funded model with classes that meet during the school day. The school district in this study adopted an outside-the-school-day model that is tuition-based. The study utilized semi-structured interviews and observations from the researcher. A quality music education program should include the highest possible number of students. This study uncovers the motivating factors in elementary instrumental music participation. It also reveals potential barriers to entry. Music educators can use the results …

Small Bands In The Heartland: Competitive Results Of Small School Marching Bands In Kansas, Joel Derek Vinson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, casual-comparative study examines how small school marching bands, classified as 1A, 2A, and 3A, compare scores and ratings to those of larger school marching bands, classified as 4A, 5A, and 6A. In Kansas, high schools of all sizes maintain a marching band, whether parade only, halftime show only, or competitive corps-style. Smaller schools may be competitively disadvantaged compared to more sizable schools, but the data supporting such a notion are not substantive. These disadvantages may be economic-based or participation-based. This casual-comparative study is based on a survey research quantitative analysis of judges’ scores and ratings from various 2023 …

Pedagogical Influences Of Ethnic Percussion Among Virginia Middle And High School Band Directors, Chad W. Brooks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Traditional wind band and Western art classics are standard repertoire in the instrumental curriculum, as ethnic percussion is rarely incorporated. The inclusion of ethnic percussion can emerge as an alternative to concert programming, rehearsal techniques, and applications, enhancing the learning and aesthetic experience. This mixed-method study examined the inclusion of ethnic percussion pedagogy in the instrumental music curriculum. The research findings did indicate that the use of ethnic percussion is present within instrumental music programs in Virginia. A large percentage of directors were unsure of the aesthetic influences such as cultural awareness and peer interaction. This study also discussed methodologies, …

The Middle School Developmental Vocal Methodology: A Middle School Vocal Music Instructional Methodology - The Vocal Pedagogy Branch, Eunice Nogueras

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Middle school can be a precarious time for students and teachers. During this seemingly difficult time, some students cope by participating in choir. Studies outline that middle school choir can be notably beneficial for students. However, teaching middle school choir can be challenging, as directors must respond to students’ varying physiological development, especially when training their voices and establishing a choir. Further, choral music education throughout the United States tends to lack uniformity in curricula despite national and state standards, particularly at the middle school level. While some choral music educators in low socio-economic locations maintain successful programs, some are …

Music Educator Turnover In West Virginia: What Is Keeping Music Teachers In Their Classrooms And Why Are Others Leaving?, Jeremiah Dayne Smallridge

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although there is much literature related to teacher recruitment and retention, little is applied specifically to music education, and very little focuses on music education within rural school districts like those that are common to West Virginia. Moreover, there is almost no research at all dedicated solely to West Virginia’s unique music teacher retention statistics. Therefore, this study collected data using a survey that was administered to working music teachers in several West Virginia counties. This mixed-method study identified why the music educators chose to stay in their positions. In addition, it also identified reasons that may have made the …

The Lack Of And Discouragement Of Certified And Intended Music Educators Due To The State Of Louisiana Teacher Certification Requirements, Kendall James Damond

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Current trends in today’s secondary education level lean towards a shortage of certified teachers and educators in all subject areas. As public and private school administrations devise new incentives and plan to recruit individuals to the field of education, preservice educator requirements and university curriculum demands continue to discourage and prevent aspiring educators from not only becoming fully certified but also continuing the journey of the teacher preparation and certification process. This qualitative research study will focus on Louisiana’s music teacher certification preparation practices within its universities and the effects of failure to successfully pass the Praxis II: Music Content …

A Qualitative Descriptive Study Of Enrollment And Retention Trends In Mid-Sized Pennsylvania Rural Band Programs, Adam Brian Nobile

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite many differences across Pennsylvania's rural school districts, band programs face similar recruitment, retention, and matriculation challenges. Rural school districts in Pennsylvania account for 235 of the 499 school districts in Pennsylvania while educating less than 20 percent of the student population in the state. In addition, rural districts often lack the community infrastructure many urban and suburban school districts possess, creating a unique set of circumstances affecting all aspects of programming, including band programs. While rural communities continue to experience a decline in enrollment, many have had, or currently have, successful band programs while overcoming many obstacles that affect …