Music Commons^™

Chord Conundrum: Examining The Performance Practice Of Polyphonic Figures In J.S. Bach's Solo Violin Works, Emily Vold

Theses and Dissertations

Interpreting and expressing the musical intentions of a composer in an informed manner requires great dedication and study on the part of a performer. This holds particularly true in the case of music written well before the present age, where direct connections to the thoughts of the composer and even the styles of the era have faded with the passing of time. Violinists today consistently struggle with studying and performing a set of works from the musical period referred to by scholars as the Baroque era (1600-1750), the Sonatas and Partitas for Violin without Bass accompaniment, composed by Johann Sebastian …

Five Songs Of Northeastern Brazilian Folklore By Ernani Braga, Harmonized For Voice And Piano: A Performance Guide, Sergio A. De Moura Miranda

Theses and Dissertations

This paper provides a performance analysis of one of Ernani Braga's most well-regarded compositions, Cinco Cancoes Nordestinas do Folclore Brasileiro (Five Songs of Northeastern Brazilian Folklore). I include a biography of the composer, a complete catalogue of his songs, and an analysis of the music construction and technical performance challenges of his folk song cycle. By doing so, I also hope to draw attention to Braga's compositional output for voice and piano, and to raise awareness of his importance as great Brazilian musician and accomplished composer.

The Effect Of Free Movement On Preschool Students' Preference For And Recognition Of Classical Music, Emilee Keith Knell

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted in order to examine two questions: 1) Does free movement while listening to classical music influence a preschooler's preference for the music?; and 2) Does free movement while listening to classical music influence a preschooler's ability to answer recognition questions relative to the music? Subjects (N = 34) were 4- to 5-year-old students from two intact classrooms at the BYU Child and Family Studies Laboratory Preschool. After being involved in six lessons utilizing two different classical pieces, each identified by a prominent instrument and experienced either Actively (with free movement) or Passively (while sitting or lying …

An Analytical And Educational Survey Of Howard Hanson's Dies Natalis For Band, Emily Anne Spradley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to examine Howard Hanson's composition, Dies Natalis for Band, from both an analytical and an educational perspective. To accomplish this objective, research on Hanson's personal and professional development as a composer, teacher, advocator, and otherwise contributor to the field of music was executed, information on and within Dies Natalis for Band was investigated, and suggestions were made for educational techniques to employ when teaching this composition. The author suggests that more analysis using Hanson's own theoretical system on intervallic relationships may yield additional information on his thought processes in composition. Biographical information on Howard …

An Analytical And Educational Survey Of The Sacred Harp By David Liptak, Joshua Payne Howard

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis will explore analytical and educational domains of The Sacred Harp by David Liptak. Influenced by the history and compositional techniques of shape note singing, the composition is a tribute to the past and current Sacred Harp singing conventions nationwide and the exuberance expressed within the shape note tradition. The structure and unique style of The Sacred Harp will be examined within the history of shape note singing. Part I of this thesis addresses the history of the Sacred Harp tune book and the shape note singing schools; Part II is a formal analysis of the composition and Part …

Bedford: Sun Paints Rainbows On The Vast Waves - A Historical And Analytical Perspective, Christian Eden Merchant

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis will investigate "The Sun Paints Rainbows on the Vast Waves" by David Bedford with consideration given to analysis of the work itself, historical perspectives, and educational conceptions. The work was commissioned by the Huddersfield Festival of Contemporary Music with additional financial assistance provided by the Hinrichsen foundation. Composed between June and August of 1982, this is the first piece by Bedford in the wind band medium. Part I of this written project is a short biographical sketch of the composer, Part II addresses influences on David Bedford's style while simultaneously elaborating on the historical significance of the musical …

Johannes Brahms & Richard Mühlfeld: Sonata In F Minor For Clarinet & Piano, Op. 120 No. 1, Emily Tyndall

Theses and Dissertations

Johannes Brahms (1883-1897) originally planned to retire from composing after completing his String Quintet in G Major ("Prater"), Op. 111. However, his mind was quickly changed after being inspired by the performances of Meiningen clarinetist Richard Miihlfeld (1859-1907). Brahms enjoyed Miihlfeld's interpretation of the Weber's clarinet works, especially the Quintet, and was impressed by his ability to move easily between the different registers of the instrument. Because of the way Miihlfeld inspired him, Brahms was able to produce the Clarinet Quintet, the Clarinet Trio, and two Clarinet Sonatas, all of which have become a vital part of the instrument's repertoire. …

Shifting Slides: The Effect Of John Cage's "Solo For Sliding Trombone" (1957-58) On Modern Trombone Literature And Pedagogy, Andrew Michael Shelton

Theses and Dissertations

The trombone has a limited history concerning literature and technique development. A turning point for the literature of the trombone was with John Cage's Solo for Sliding Trombone. This composition brought about new techniques that would permeate throughout subsequent literature. These new techniques would also impact trombone pedagogy and accepted technique. This paper explains the impact Solo for Sliding Trombone had on the development of the instrument including literature and pedagogy.

Historically Informed Performance Practice Of The Baroque Era, Amanda Beard

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, much debate has ensued regarding the level of consideration that should be given to the historical context of musical compositions that were written and performed during the Baroque era, which extends from 1600 to 1750 CE. The question arises as to how closely we should strive to emulate the performance conditions that would have been present during the Baroque era. Robert Donington, an English musicologist and author of two definitive texts on Baroque performance practice, suggests in his Performer's Guide to Baroque Music that we can meet the expectations of the Baroque composers to a greater degree …

Concerto For Violoncello And Orchestra, Op. 27 By Paul Wranitzky: A Critical Edition, Sharon Meilstrup

Theses and Dissertations

The Czech composer Paul Wranitzky (1756–1808) worked primarily in Vienna during the height of musical Classicism. He was well-respected among the higher artistic circles during his day as a composer, violinist, and conductor. His excellence in conducting was recognized by Haydn and Beethoven. His compositions were favored by Empress Marie Therese. Despite his contemporary fame and esteem, his works are relatively unknown today. His works are being revived today, bringing these once popular compositions back to the public. This thesis presents a critical edition of Wranitzky's cello concerto in C Major, appearing for the first time in a scholarly edition. …

Fedra Ed Hippolito By Francesco Vannarelli: A Critical Edition, Daniel T. Rogers

Theses and Dissertations

The biography of the Italian composer Francesco Vannarelli (c.1616–1679) is limited to a series of places and dates listed in scattered documents throughout the peninsula. Generally known only by the motets included in contemporary anthologies, Vannarelli worked nearly exclusively for the church. This thesis briefly chronicles Vannarelli's life and adds previously undocumented music to the list of his known works. Fedra ed Hippolito, Vannarelli's only known complete opera, follows the tragicommedia tradition of Rome in the 17th century and represents the first setting of the Phaedra myth in opera. This thesis makes Fedra ed Hippolito available for the first …

Interdisciplinary Teaching And Learning, Adonna Clark

Theses and Dissertations

In the early 1600's, the Pilgrims and the Puritans brought their musical traditions with them to establish a new life. The survival of their families depended upon their ability to provide food, shelter and clothing. Despite the challenges they faced, the colonists recognized the importance of educating their children. In 1642, the Massachusetts School Law was passed. It required town leaders to require parents to provide their children with an elementary education. Music training was not part of this newly required education. Due to the demands of life, the colonists were unable to nurture their musical abilities. Those who had …

An Analytical And Educational Survey Of Roger Boutry's Métachrome, Kimberly Renée Perkins

Theses and Dissertations

This project is an analytical and educational survey of Roger Boutry's Metachrome, a French wind band piece written in 2003. Part I of this project explores the history of modem French music. Part II is an analytical perspective of the composition. Part III presents a teaching approach, including teaching materials such as lesson plans, assignments, and rubrics. Part IV includes student handouts that coincide with the teacher lesson plans. Additional resources for the conductor can be found in the Appendix section.

A Beginning Teacher's Guide To Beginner Violinists, Anjuli Coe

Theses and Dissertations

In the following pages, the beginning teacher will find a guide to establishing a studio and ideas for teaching students. These ideas are meant to be a springboard for developing personalized organization and teaching tools for the violin studio. Ability to play the violin is not the only ingredient for a successful violin studio. Teaching the violin requires skill in understanding students and how they learn. It also requires a significant amount of planning, preparation, organization, and the setting of goals and objectives.

Beginner violinists may vary from a four-year-old with highly involved parents, to a professional trumpet player who …

Bassoon In The Baroque Era, Emily Spradley

Theses and Dissertations

Good afternoon! Welcome to my lecture recital. I hope you will enjoy learning about the bassoon in the Baroque era. This lecture focuses on the origins and developments of the Baroque bassoon, elements of Baroque style found in music for bassoon, and the application of those elements through Antonio Vivaldi's composition for bassoon, Concerto in G minor, Op. No. 23.

In the 1901 edition of his book, The Holy Cross and Other Tales, Eugene Field states:

If you have never beheld or heard a bassoon you are to understand that it is an instrument of wood, of considerable more length …

Beethoven Sonata For Piano And Cello, Op. 69 In A Major: A Linear Analysis, John A. Musick Jr

Theses and Dissertations

The Classical Sonata Form is not to be thought of in terms of the formal sections it can be broken into. Unlike other musical forms, the Sonata Form has less to do with its formal architecture and more to do with the linear progression and development of themes. Composers in this style did not approach the form in terms of the three sections it contains, though they did maintain these groups. There first needed to be an exposition where two contrasting themes, or keys, are presented. Next, there was a development where themes are broken down and several key areas …

The Effect Of Home Musical Environment On Child Attitude And Aptitude, Donna Lyon

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent the home musical environment affects a child's attitude towards and aptitude in music. Factors that were explored were parent attitudes, parent music background, child attitudes, child aptitudes, age, and gender roles. Parents (N=95) from a suburban elementary school completed an online survey to determine the nature of the musical environment of their home. Their children (N=121), who were first and fourth graders, completed a student attitude survey. The Intermediate Measures of Music Audiation was administered to determine student aptitude. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyze the data …

An Analytical And Educational Survey Of Kenneth Hesketh's Vranjanka, Alisha Marie Wooley

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis will explore Kenneth Hesketh's "Vranjanka" in both analytical and educational domains. Timothy and Hilary Reynish commissioned this piece in 2005 in memory of their son William. Tim Reynish is the former conductor of the Royal Northern College of Music's Wind Ensemble. He has also been deeply involved with the Commissioning Project of the Royal Northern College of Music (1982-2002), which produced over seventy compositions for wind band, and the William Reynish Commissioning Project (2002-2007) that has commissioned over twenty works for wind band. The piece is based on the Serbian Folksong Sano Duso. Vranjanka, literally translated, means "from …

An Introduction To Baroque Ornamentation For Solo Trumpet Literature (1638-1709): A Preliminary Guide For Applied Trumpet Teachers, Adam Seth Mitchell

Theses and Dissertations

This graduate music project is designed to be a pedagogical supplement for high school trumpet teachers who wish to incorporate baroque music into their curriculum. This document addresses the interpretation and execution of select ornaments during the years 1638-1709. The chosen ornaments include the appoggiatura. mordent, inverted mordent, and trill. These notated ornaments were selected based on their relative frequent use in Italian Baroque music. These ornaments are defined via prose and supplemented with musical examples that illustrate their original notation and execution. In addition, musical excerpts from composers such as Jan Krutel Jiri Neruda and Dominico Gabrielli will be …

Classical Guitar Instruction For The Pre-College Classroom, Blake Wuestefeld

Theses and Dissertations

This project is a curriculum for secondary guitar instruction. It consists of eight levels of study and is designed for the beginning to intermediate student. It has repertoire selections and explanations of the pedagogical validity of the works. These works were selected due to their cumulative and didactic nature and because of the specific technical issues they utilize. These technical issues are introduced gradually to ensure a student's steady and incremental progress in both technical and musical aspects.

The student executes exercises from such sources as Aaron Shearers: Learning the Classic Guitar, the Royal Conservatory of Music graded repertoire series, …

A Two-Year Classical Guitar Ensemble For Pre-College Educational Settings, Andrew Clark

Theses and Dissertations

Forty-seven classical guitar ensemble works of various styles have been selected and ordered sequentially with regard to both right and left-hand technical, notational, and ensemble concepts. An evaluation of each work's representation of the aforementioned concepts is provided with illustrated excerpts from the music scores. This collection of works is presented in a logical and sequential order to form a two year, classical guitar ensemble curriculum for pre-college educational settings.

James Hainlen: An Oral History Of An Exemplary Public School Orchestra Director And His Program, Rebecca E. Starr

Theses and Dissertations

Experts advise string teachers to identify and model successful string teachers and programs. However, there is a scarcity of literature that examines this subject. There is literature that examines exemplary band teachers and programs, and these works can be useful to the string teaching profession. However, string teachers ·can benefit more from literature that specifically examines exemplary string orchestra programs and teachers. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to gather information from a renowned public school string teacher about the components of his successful string orchestra program.

The researcher conducted a personal interview with James Hainlen, retired director and …

A Comparison Of The Kodaly Methodology And Feierabend's Conversational Solfege, Aimee Noelle Peek

Theses and Dissertations

This paper compares and contrasts Zoltan Kodaly' s music methodology with John Feierabend's Conversational Solfege. Both systems for teaching music are founded upon similar philosophies and goals and emphasize singing in the classroom. Solfege, rhythmic syllables, and movement are incorporated in both methodologies. The order in which these solfege syllables and rhythmic meters are introduced to students differs between the two methods. The reasons behind this difference are discussed in detail. Folk music, the primary musical material utilized by both methodologies, is also examined.

All concepts in either the Kodaly method or Conversational Solfege progress through specific stages to ensure …

A Singer's Perspective On Recruitment, Auditioning, And Vocal Technique In The Choral Program, Lindsay Patten

Theses and Dissertations

Choral singing has been a part of culture for centuries. Choirs are comprised of singers with a near endless variety of experience levels in terms of training and technique. Three problems that face directors of choirs are: 1) How to recruit and retain students for their programs, 2) How to audition and structure, and 3) How to incorporate vocal technique into the choral rehearsal. In this paper I address some suggestions for recruitment that will touch on the ideas of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations as well as the basics of group vocal technique - breathing, tone, and diction, and …

The "Choral-Vocal Conflict": Explorations On An Established Problem With Offerings Of New Means For Improvement, Laura Anne Foster

Theses and Dissertations

Many students are exposed to both solo and ensemble vocal activities throughout their music education opportunities. For many years, there has been an unspoken conflict between vocal ensemble directors and private voice teachers as to the self-proclaimed, perceived importance of one practice over the other. This graduate music project will attempt to explore the ways this conflict materializes. It will outline the players in this conflict, the actions that fuel the conflict, as well as possible solutions to eliminate the "choral-vocal conflict".

Integrating Vocal And Musical Techniques In The Choral Rehearsal, William W. Rayfield Iii

Theses and Dissertations

The vocal warm-up is an aspect of the choral rehearsal which is many times seen as nothing more than a brief period in which a singer in an ensemble "warms''' his or her vocal mechanism in preparation for singing. It is also considered by many to be separate from the review of literature to be performed. However, if a conductor plans carefully for the warm-up period, it can serve to teach both vocal technique and the repertoire to be reviewed. There are numerous aspects of vocal technique that should be addressed during the choral warm-up. Among these is posture, breath, …

Objective Test Methods For Waveguide Audio Synthesis, Steven Gregory Wood

Theses and Dissertations

Acoustic Physical Modeling has emerged as a newer musical synthesis technique. The most common form of physical modeling synthesis in both industry and academia is digital waveguide synthesis. Commercially available for the past thirteen years, the top synthesizer manufacturers have chosen to include physical modeling synthesis in their top of the line models. In the area of audio quality testing, the most common tests have traditionally been group listening tests. While these tests are subjective and can be expensive and time-consuming, the results are validated by the groups' proper quality standards. Research has been conducted to evaluate objective testing procedures …

Redefining Multicultural Education And Its Applications In The General Music Classroom, Emily C. Hardwick

Theses and Dissertations

"Understanding music in relation to history and culture" is the ninth standard for music education developed by the National Association for Music Educators (MENC) in 1994 (Mark, 1996, p. 50). This principle is very broad and it is up to individual teachers to make sure they include history and multiculturalism in their curriculum. The term multicultural education is extensive and because many teachers do not understand what all it entails, some students do not get a comprehensive multicultural education.

In the general music class for example, teaching students a Japanese folk song is a typical multicultural lesson. I do not …

Rock, Rhythm, And Rap, Wayne Helmly

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis suggests an alternative approach to teaching general music/music appreciation to students in grades 7-12 that incorporates the history of rock and roll and pop music. An approach to teaching rhythm reading skills through rap music is also suggested using Rockin ' Rhythm Raps by Cheryl Lavender (1998). Rare is the student that has not been saturated with popular culture during most of his or her lifetime. The case is made that teaching what is relevant to students, namely the history of vernacular music, can contribute significantly to the development of music appreciation. Sixteen lessons are provided. These lessons …

The Study And Application Of Rhythmic Analysis For Wind Band Repertoire, Christopher Keith Dye

Theses and Dissertations

The ultimate goal of this thesis is to inspire an interest in rhythmic analysis and an understanding of its tools and applications, particularly to the repertoire of the wind band. The content is divided into two sections. Part I deals with a general overview of the subject matter. It includes a review of literature on the subject of rhythm, an outlining of terms and systems that attempt to reconcile the broad approaches taken in the literature, and a general look at the tools and applications of rhythmic analysis. Part II deals directly with applications of rhythmic analysis. It consists often …