Music Commons^™

Diamonds In The Shadow: Hidden Treasures From The 1930s-1970s-African American Female Guitarists In The Blues, Jamisha-Antarae Harris

Masters Theses

Culturally, African American females are recognized as vocalists in American music but are routinely overlooked as guitarists. Writers and scholars of the blues generally ignore African American female guitarists’ creative and innovative contributions to this genre of music. This thesis documents the exploration of African American females playing guitar to define their musical roles in American society. Racial and gender identity, as well as the limitations imposed by the larger society, will be explored through this instrument as an essential element of creative expression. Racism and sexism are two sides of the same coin, rendering their musicianship identities nearly invisible. …

Breath, Void, Ground, Huichun Yang

Masters Theses

Before the sound, there is breath. Before the explosion, there is a threshold. Before the noise, there is silence.

Inspired by the physicality of balloons, this thesis explores breath as sonic material that carries memory, moves through bodies, and resonates across spaces. The balloon becomes a skin that holds breath: a force inhaling trauma, ritual, and intimacy. When released through mouth and latex, breath conjures alien, untranslatable voices that hiss and hum.

It begins with a balloon and expands with endless breath. The balloon becomes a site where the history, body, and voice disintegrate and reform. The pressure and tension …

How To Walk On Water: Living Through The Absurd, Esther Du

Masters Theses

Set in a speculative world submerged by water, this thesis constructs a fragmented, nonlinear narrative that reflects on survival, memory, and displacement in the aftermath of catastrophe. Through three interwoven chapters—The Outcast, The Researcher, and The World—the project explores the emotional and psychological landscapes of individuals navigating a post-apocalyptic existence where the past is irretrievable and the future uncertain. Using an interdisciplinary form of visual storytelling, writing, and sound, the work draws from personal experience and collective trauma to examine how people reconstruct identity and meaning after loss. Rather than offering a definitive answer to existential …

The Shared Roots And Divergent Paths Of African American Spirituals And Afro-Caribbean Music, Jana Jones

Masters Theses

The resilient perseverance of African culture manifested itself in the music of the diasporic communities of the transatlantic slave trade. This slave trade led slaves to two main areas: North America and the Caribbean. While there were common roots and shared experience of slavery that influenced similar growing musical traditions of African American and Afro-Caribbean music such as rhythmic and melodic elements, over time, their music evolved along distinct paths due to differing social, political and religious contexts. Through a comparative study of lyrical themes, melodic patterns, rhythmic characteristics and cultural functions, this research traces the influence of the African …

A Phenomenological Study On The Effects Of Graded Performance Evaluations On The Longterm Musical Engagement Of Students In Malaysia, Qianxi Lim

Masters Theses

This qualitative transcendental phenomenological study aimed to research the effects of graded examinations, such as the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Trinity, on the musical engagement of students who have taken private music lessons. Graded examinations are widely used in Malaysian private music studios, and most music teachers and students use the examinations as the primary source for music education. Participants shared their demographics, experience with graded examinations and private music lessons, and current musical engagement through an online questionnaire on Google Forms. Eight Malaysians who have taken private music lessons and graded examinations were …

The Evolution Of The Drum Set In American Musical Theater, Andrew M. Wert

Masters Theses

For several decades, American musical theater has been an essential part of the entertainment industry and has provided large-scale employment for musicians. Over the past several decades, composers have produced new works incorporating contemporary music styles and ensembles. This project will explore the changes in music styles in the music of musical theater from vaudeville to the present, analyze the effect that popular music in America has had on the techniques used by composers and orchestrators who write for drum set in musical theater, and examine changes in the function of the drum set player in pit orchestras. Ultimately, this …

Multicultural Worship: How A Korean-Led Multicultural Church In America Works Toward Unity Through Diverse Worship, Kylie Barbara Halter

Masters Theses

This study follows Praise International Ministry (PIM), part of Praise Assembly of God in Springfield, Missouri, United States, for their first year of ministry. The pastor of the ministry is a Korean immigrant, and the ministry has served people from at least ten different nations, including China, Japan, Mexico, and Egypt. The goal of the study was to find out how a congregation made up of multiple cultures could attain unity.

To answer the above question, the researcher observed the congregation by attending services, as well as serving on the worship team and attending leadership meetings. In addition, she conducted …

Tria Prima, Mack Booth

Masters Theses

Tria Prima is a three-movement alternative rock and metal song cycle based on the three primes as described by 16th century alchemist Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, most commonly known as Paracelsus. Paracelsus hypothesized that the three primes - sulphur, mercury, and salt - are a representation of the human experience. He also believed they are the basis upon which the seven celestial metals are made, as well as the source of and cure to all diseases by nature of their imbalance.

Sulfur corresponds to the soul — it is combustible and unstable, and represents emotions and desires. Mercury …

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, …

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 …

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, …

Arranging And Communication Techniques For The Studio Music Producer: A Curriculum, Elizabeth A. Rajcok

Masters Theses

College music students who desire to pursue careers in the commercial music industry would benefit from learning all aspects of music production, including the techniques of rhythm section instruments and the intricacies of various genres. However, courses that provide students with hands-on training in communicating and arranging within a recording studio are lacking in residential collegiate contemporary and commercial music degrees. Students lacking in multi- instrument knowledge and immersion in contemporary genres may find their insufficiency is an impediment when functioning in their desired profession as a music producer post-college. The curriculum project detailed in this study is designed to …

Discovering The Value Of Decision-Making Through Meaningful Experiences During High School Marching Band, William V. Reese

Masters Theses

This paper reviews the decision-making skills that can be acquired during a young musician’s life while participating in the marching band. Marching band can have a major effect on a person’s life, and many things can be connected to the life practices of a civilized adult. Characteristics of good judgment can be exercised when participating in a marching band. There are a lot of decisional practices that can be displayed in the growth of a scholarly musician and their journey to becoming a responsible adult. The purpose of school is to prepare the youth for adulthood choices and marching band …

An Online Beginner Piano Course: A Fully Asynchronous And Online Curriculum For Beginner Piano Instruction, Jonathan David Holowaty

Masters Theses

The purpose of this applied curriculum is to provide piano instruction through an online and asynchronous method. Online and asynchronous methods of learning have been increasing in higher education and, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been used in the primary and secondary levels. This trend shows no signs of stopping. Much research has been done in online methods of learning in higher education; however, not nearly as much has been done with lower age groups. More research and experimentation is needed in the application of these methods at the primary and secondary levels. Considering this, the course conceived of …

Orichas Roots Of Latin American Music: Syncretism, Music, And Its Possibilities For Missionaries, Erika Dianne Ray

Masters Theses

The African diaspora as a result of the Caribbean slave trade had long reaching consequences, specifically for the Ikwere people. Due to the Catholic Church's support and, at times, encouragement of syncretism, a new religion was formed. Lucumi tradition is based on the musical rhythms specific to the Orichas from Nigeria, referred to as Igboland, the term employed by the citizens. The Ikwere are one people group of many affected by the slave trade and had their religious practices transformed as a result. The Ikwere are focused upon due to their prominence as the majority of slaves from Igboland were …

How Music Genres Affect Test Anxiety Among Third-Grade Elementary Students, Amy Summersett Ardovino

Masters Theses

This descriptive case study investigates the effects of classical, rap, electronic, and jazz genres of music played during a test administered to third-grade elementary students. Many studies focus on three main genres, such as classical, rock, and popular music, and not new, emerging popular music genres. With learning performance being a primary concern in education, it is beneficial to ascertain if different music genres affect anxiety in third-grade elementary students. Third-grade students serve as the population for this study; the sample involves 123 third-grade students from Chelsea Park Elementary School. This study implemented the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAI-CH) …

The Difference(S) Between Autistic Individuals And Neurotypical Individuals When Learning To Identify Pitch, Kayla Faith Bostic

Masters Theses

This study aimed to compare and determine possible differences between autistic and neurotypical individuals in learning to identify pitch. This study investigates whether autistic individuals are more accurate at pitch-matching than neurotypical individuals. This study employs a quantitative approach and a variation of the pitch-matching test. The population for this study consisted of males and females from West Virginia, with 20 autistic and neurotypical participants aged 18 years and older. The study included 50% of participants with autism and 50% of neurotypical participants. In each group, there were an even number of males and females, neurotypical and neuroatypical, and a …

The Phenomenological Effects Of Fidel Castro’S Communist Revolution On The Christian Church In Cuba, Daniel Orama

Masters Theses

The claims that religious freedom in Cuba can coexist alongside the Communist, Marxist, Socialist regime without hindrance contradicts the Word of God and eyewitness testimonies of those who serve in the Cuban Christian church. Church pastors in Cuba often suffer imprisonment as long as twenty years before being allowed to return to their homes and communities. This study regains the views of countless pastors and those serving in churches throughout Cuba, whose opinions concerning Christians who put themselves in harm’s way against the communist authorities are expurgated. Using the qualitative research paradigm, this study utilizes qualitative artistic and creative research …

Teaching Instruments To Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Students, Angelina Kim

Masters Theses

This curriculum project provides information regarding teaching musical instruments to Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students in elementary school settings. Previous studies have addressed teaching DHH students reading, writing, and general music, but not much on implementing musical instruments for DHH students. In this study, the researcher will have extensive document reviews on the importance of music education for DHH students and identify the ways to teach DHH students about instrument playing. Furthermore, the researcher will prepare lesson plans teaching musical instruments for DHH students in elementary music classrooms and add more data for analysis. The results of this …

Funding Allocations Concerning Composition Creation Standards, Garrett L.H. Robertson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to provide applied research data showing either a correlation or no correlation between the amount of school funding allocation for music education programs in various elementary, middle, and high schools and pedagogical approaches associated with elementary, middle, and high school student’s ability to carry out composition creation relating to the Nation Coalition for Core Art Standards. Additionally, it provides applied research data on how music educators should perceive their effectiveness regarding the quality of school funding. By examining historical evidence through multiple studies, the research data will be able to help conclude if a …

A Qualitative Study And Comparative Analysis Of Japanese And American Music Education Methodologies And Philosophies, Mallory Elaine Flory

Masters Theses

This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study investigated the differences that studies have yet to explore between Japanese and American music education methodologies in terms of teaching music literacy through foundational keyboard skills, world music incorporation, repertoire, and life enrichment philosophies. This study utilized a qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological research design and examined the effects of Japanese music education methodologies and philosophies through data collection and qualitative interviews conducted with nine students whose music education consisted of these elements. The researcher interviewed two Japanese music educators, two American music educators, two Japanese music students, and three American music students. This study helped to …

Embodied Abstractions: Identity And Representation In The Digital Era, Srikar Hari

Masters Theses

The digital image is a copy in motion. As it accelerates, it deteriorates.

It is a ghost of an image, a preview, a thumbnail, squeezed through

digital connections, resized, uploaded, downloaded, reformatted

and re-edited.

- Adapted from “In defense of the Poor Image” by Hito Steryel

With today’s digital technology, the image is no longer a stable

representation of the world, but a programmable database that

is updated in real time. It is not only part of a program, but it

contains its own operating code: the image is a program in itself.

Consequently, the image’s rhetoric has taken on …

Mental Health And Spiritual Well-Being: The Generational Differences Of Worship Experiences In The Multicultural Church, Lashawna S. Wills

Masters Theses

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness, 52.9 million people in 2020. “Mental health and well-being are an asset whatever an individual’s age, race or ethnicity, and mental health problems [do not] discriminate [based on] these attributes.” The execution of this research is to facilitate healing within a community in need and open avenues of conversation for understanding, relativity, and oneness within the body of Christ. The researcher will use the qualitative design method through research in literature and population cohorts. Using research sources of panel discussions, …

That They Do Always Remember Him: The Impact Of Music And Covenant On The Modern Rite Of The Last Supper, Rebecca A. Ard

Masters Theses

This paper examines the function of music in the rite of the Lord’s Supper as well as similarities and differences in execution, doctrine and function within three major branches of Christianity. As Christianity has evolved the practice of Communion has been adapted to fit the beliefs and practices of various Christian traditions. The Catholic Church, Protestantism and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints represent three different applications of the rite. The use of active covenant making in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a unique characteristic of their Sacrament ordinance. Examining data gathered through surveys, …

What’S This Feeling? Understanding Elementary Music Performance Anxiety, Nathaniel Scott Estes

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was a qualitative analysis of how elementary general music teachers adapt their instruction to meet the needs of elementary students with anxiety disorder in Virginia public schools. The phenomenological research design described the meaning of the shared experiences by students with performance anxiety. The participants for this research consist of elementary music teachers in central Virginia. Through a survey, phenomenological information was collected about how elementary music teachers teach students with anxiety disorder. Data was collected through a survey of elementary school music teachers in central Virginia. This qualitative study employed thematic coding to look …

Ownership Behaviors In Children's Music Culture, Sarah Dworjan

Masters Theses

Adults may demonstrate cultural ownership of music in various ways, but children are limited in their artistic expression by the restrictions of youth, parental authority, and financial subordination. This project evaluates the ownership behaviors demonstrated by 60 third and fourth grade female students in Albany, NY. Considering self-reported behaviors and the completion of creative activities in the general music classroom, the study also examines a secondary question: is there a difference in the way children interact with music of their own choosing as compared to the music of a teacher’s choosing? Results from this project indicate that students naturally respond …

Popular Music And Sociocultural Empathy In The Elementary Classroom, Kelsey M. Packman

Masters Theses

This qualitative ethnographic study explores the undocumented effects of popular music on elementary students’ social and cultural empathy. Previous studies have explored the effects of popular music on adolescent and college-age students, but no study has researched these effects in the elementary classroom. This study aims to show that learning about socially-relevant popular music in a social setting advances students’ sociocultural and musical development. The researcher recruited eighty elementary-aged students from a private school in the Las Virgines School District in Los Angeles to participate in this study. The participants were sorted into subgroups by grade, and each subgroup was …