Music Commons^™

Transforming The Challenges Of Improvisation For Sacramento Elementary Music Teachers, Monta Monique Saïd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the widespread consensus among music teachers that improvisation is a crucial skill for children to learn, there have been multiple challenges integrating improvisation into daily teaching practice in general elementary music classrooms. This research, conducted across multiple public schools in the Greater Sacramento Area Unified School District, aimed to identify these challenges and provide actionable solutions based on teacher feedback to improve the situation. Using phenomenological research design as explained by Creswell, this study analyzed, synthesized, and identified patterns of experience among general elementary music teachers through observations, interviews, and collected artifacts. The study found that lack of time, …

Balance And Blend: Quality Of Life And Work-Life Balance In Military Reservist Band Directors, Jeremy Ryan White

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the research on work-life balance and stress management in various fields and stages of life, the perspectives of music educators serving in the military as part-time reservist musicians have yet to be explored. Teachers with a desire to serve in the military may find the part-time status appealing, as most duties are performed on weekends or during the summer. While there are many benefits to serving one’s country as a reservist, this second career may place added stress on the service members and their families. This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study will gather data via qualitative surveys collected from Military …

The Effects Of Modern Band Performance On Enhancing Confidence And Emotional Maturation In Fifth-Grade Students, Julia M. Wetherhold

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Current research notes that participation in modern band general music instruction elicits improvements in students’ sense of inclusion in school; however, it is yet to be determined if additional benefits of modern band implementation occur. This applied study aims to investigate the potential for a causal comparison between fifth-grade students’ confidence levels and emotional maturity after exposure to modern band instructional techniques and performance compared to fifth-grade students engaged in music education with an emphasis on vocal instruction. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were implemented. Data were collected and analyzed by surveying thirty-seven fifth-grade students reporting their confidence levels and …

The Application Of Syncopated Rhythms In The Development Of Sight-Reading Skills For Non-Keyboard Music Majors, Ronald David Rodriguez Herrera

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This study investigates the impact of integrating syncopated rhythms into the group piano curriculum for undergraduate music students with varied levels of piano proficiency. Participants (N=76) enrolled in Group Piano II and IV were assigned control and experimental groups across multiple class sections. Three research questions guided the study: (1) How does the introduction of syncopated rhythm patterns affect group piano students’ sight-reading performance? (2) How does consistent practice of syncopated rhythms influence students' ability to sustain a steady pulse? (3) Do students consider exposure to syncopated rhythms a valuable component in their future careers as music educators …

Sense, Drugs, And Rock 'N' Roll: A Critical Review Of Music And Psychedelic Literature, Sophia Harper-Hague

Expressive Therapies Theses

The use of psychedelics has been shown promising efficacy surrounding treatment-resistant mental health diagnoses, as well as improving quality of life for those not suffering from mental health conditions. Additionally, music has been seen as a significant part of psychedelic research, both by music therapists and other allied health professionals alike. This literature review explores the current research surrounding music therapy and psychedelic approaches, as well as the areas in which they intersect. The current review focuses on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and self-concept, delving into the perceptions of both music and psychedelic therapy as emerging treatment options …

Alive Old-Time Radio Play: Performance-Based Drama Therapy With Cognitively Healthy Older Adults, Aaron T. Dore

Expressive Therapies Theses

The live radio play format is uniquely positioned to offer social benefits for older adults when explored through a performance-based drama therapeutic lens. Though firsthand familiarity with old-time radio is not a prerequisite for meaningful participation in a group styled after this bygone era of storytelling, the format naturally supports accessibility needs common among the older adult population. The minimal blocking requirements, script-in-hand approach, and adaptable format make it especially accommodating to a wide range of skill levels and areas of interest. Research into therapeutic interventions for older adults tends to rely on reminiscence and life review approaches with an …

Music Therapy For Premature Infants In Neonatal Care: A Literature Review, Yu-Tzu Li

Expressive Therapies Theses

For both babies and their families, premature birth is a life-altering event that often brings out a complicated web of physiological and emotional challenges. In recent decades, music therapy has gained recognition as a support system for the smallest and most vulnerable patients in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), where they receive specialized care. This literature review explores how music therapy supports the development and emotional well-being of premature infants while also supporting the parents in navigating the emotional difficulties, engaging with their babies, and being more secure in the NICU environment. According to current research, this paper collects and …

Music Therapy And Cerebral Visual Impairments (Cvi) In Early Childhood: A Literature Review, Katie Hock

Expressive Therapies Theses

Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is the leading cause of visual impairment in children within the United States, and results from neurologic impairment to areas of the brain responsible for processing and interpreting visual input. Due to the brain-based nature of this impairment, improvement in functional vision is possible through the process of neuroplasticity and development of compensatory strategies to improve personal access to the environment and surroundings. Intact vision provides access to information about the world around us, and without this sense children are highly susceptible to developmental delays in the areas of cognition, motor skills, communication, and social functioning. …

Metal As A Tool For Gender Liberation In Music Therapy: A Literature Review, Ashley B. Mccarthy

Expressive Therapies Theses

Metal music is a genre which appears to be minimally researched and utilized within the context of music therapy. Despite its often loud and disruptive musical sound and sometimes violent lyrics, many fans of metal report mental health benefits from engaging with the music and participating in metal subculture. It is also well documented that metal as a genre is deeply rooted in a culture of White cisheteronormative masculinity, which often results in the scene being hostile toward women and gender minority fans and artists. Yet, many of these individuals express feelings of liberations brought on through engagement with metal …

A Method For Developing Multicultural Musical Fluency: Reclaiming A Relationship With Traditional Ashkenazi Music, Rachael Penn

Expressive Therapies Theses

Counseling and music therapy scholars recommend that students and clinicians engage in self-inquiry to explore their cultural values to build multicultural competence. I created an arts-based method for deep reflection using theory and techniques in the literature regarding culture-centered music therapy, including ethnographic inquiry, the cultural unconscious, intersubjective theory, active imagination, embodiment, and artistic reflection. I engaged with music from my own cultural background, which included Ashkenazi klezmer music and Yiddish folksong, to reflect on my cultural values and to build a living relationship with the music. Thematic analysis revealed eight themes, including the function of the music, personal memories …

“How Can We Sing In A Strange Land?” The Pastoral Musician As A Master Griot/Griotte, Dollie Howell

Doctor of Pastoral Music Projects and Theses

The writer of Psalm 137 asks a question that poignantly resonates with the experiences of enslaved Africans who were taken captive, exiled from their homelands, and told to forget their languages, worship practices, and tribal traditions. Their dehumanization was intensified by expectations that “required a song and . . . mirth.” The question was “How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” In response to this question of engaging in song as a community while in a strange land of deep and persistent systemic suffering, enslaved African-descended people founded a unique tradition within Christianity that responded to …

Dumy And The Nation: How Folklore And Folk Songs Help Compose A Distinct Ukrainian Narrative, Amy Herd

Senior Theses

Historiography and ethnography have played a critical role in the development of modern Slavic nationalisms, particularly in Ukraine. As these studies became increasingly popular in the nineteenth century, scholars and members of the bourgeoisie identified folk culture as the key component for the making of the modern nation. Viewed as an authentic window into national history and tradition due to their limited interaction with the modernizing world, rural folk offered the perfect opportunity to illustrate how Ukraine had always been distinct from Russia and its other historical oppressors. As folk culture fervor gripped the intellectual elite of Eastern Europe, however, …

A Pastoral Music Response In Support Of The Universal Apostolic Preferences Of The Society Of Jesus, Daniel Dangca

Doctor of Pastoral Music Projects and Theses

This thesis establishes the relationship between Catholic congregational song and the apostolic work of the Society of Jesus. The Society of Jesus is currently at the halfway mark of their ten-year plan guided by the Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs). These UAPs focus on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, marginalized communities, young people, and caring for the earth. Currently, there are no resources that exist that promote the UAPs through the lens of liturgical music. It is the hope that the suggested hymns, whether sung in the community or individually, deepen the spiritual journey of the participants as …

Graduate Harpsichord Recital, Dongyuan Chen

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

The thesis consists of a harpsichord recital that will include the Suite No. 3, “Melpomene” in A Minor by Johann Caspar Ferdinand Fischer; The First Pavan and Galliard by William Byrd; Sesta Toccata by Michelangelo Rossi; Sonata No. 1 in C Major: The Fight between David and Goliath by Johann Kuhnau; Keyboard Sonata No. 37 in E Minor by Carlos de Seixas; Keyboard Suite in D Minor, HWV 436, by George Frideric Handel; and Passacaglia Ungherese by György Ligeti. Accompanying the recital is an extended research document, which includes program notes with introductions to the composers and their musical styles, …

Futurismo Cósmico: Sonic Dislocation Under The Fifth Sun, Rodrigo Martínez Torres

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

Futurismo Cósmico is a text in which I tune into the interstices of my sonic practice: popular musical styles, alternative tuning systems, and different, contrasting epochs of my experience as Mexicano and Latino. I discuss three projects of mine that engage with sound, time, and space in different ways. The journey concludes by looking at my practice in the context of a culturally dislocated space I inhabit, in my own psyche. However, understanding that I am a social being, this same practice is what provides a drive and a sense of purpose in an otherwise loosely articulated identity.

Influences On The Ecuadorian Flute Repertoire: Compositions By Sixto María Durán, Jacinto Freire, Gerardo Guevara, Luciano Carrera, Juan Carlos Urrutia, Blanca Layana, And Leonardo Cárdenas, Ligia Verduga

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Ecuadorian music is rich, diverse, and beautiful. It encompasses several genres, rhythms, histories, backgrounds, and influences. Ecuador is a small country situated in the northwest corner of South America atop by the equatorial line that divides the northern Hemisphere from the South, hence the name Ecuador. It borders to the north by Colombia, to the south and east border by Peru, and to the west, by the Pacific Ocean. The repertoire for flute from Ecuadorian composers is a very interesting topic that deserves further exploration and research. As additional repertoire is available; however, there are not many scholarly papers written …

The Jack Pine And Four Other Solo Piano Works Composed By Five Canadian Women In The Twenty-First Century, Huanwen Wang

Dissertations, 2020-current

This document aims to shine a light on five distinctive piano works by five twenty-first century Canadian women composers. The pieces are Minute Etudes (Book Two) (2002) by Emily Doolittle, From Wapta Ice (2003) by Diana McIntosh, The Jack Pine (2010) by Jocelyn Morlock, Smoke Darkened Sky (2021) by Kelly-Marie Murphy, and …our inner lives were entwined… embroidered with the same pattern... (2021) by Karen Sunabacka. The main objective of this document is to identify stylistic traits in the selected pieces, discuss the source of inspiration of each piece and illustrate how the musical elements reflect the source of …

The Sonata For Double Bass And Piano By Ruth Gipps: A New Performer's Edition With Commentary, Nicholas M. Greer-Young

Dissertations, 2020-current

The Sonata for Double Bass and Piano by Ruth Gipps (completed in 1996) presents unique challenges for performers. The piece was previously only available in a published version of the manuscript which lacks many articulation markings, dynamics, and other expressive indicators. This allows performers justification for a wide variety of interpretations but also requires a high level of analytical investment to produce a compelling performance. The new, fully edited, score makes the sonata more easily accessible while the opportunity to engage in in-depth analysis and interpretation offers tremendous pedagogical value to students who would like to start from the first …

A Discussion Of Rodion Shchedrin’S Ten Piano Pieces, Op. 20, Wei Mo

Dissertations, 2020-current

Russian composer and pianist Rodion Shchedrin (b. 1932) is considered one of the most successful contemporary Russian composers. He established his reputation at a young age. This document will discuss Shchedrin’s early musical style as reflected in his Ten Piano Pieces, Op. 20, a collection of ten pieces composed between 1952 and 1961. By analyzing the structure, harmony, and character of these pieces, this document aims to explore the commonalities among them and explore the distinctive appeal of Shchedrin's music.

Elements Of Greek Identity In The Eight Dances From The Greek Islands By Yiannis Constantinidis, Afroditi Mitsopoulou

Dissertations, 2020-current

The purpose of this research is to present elements of Greek style and identity in the composition for solo piano, Eight Dances from the Greek Islands (Οκτώ Νησιώτικοι Ελληνικοί Χοροί, για πιάνο) (1954) by Yiannis Constantinidis. What is regarded as Greek national identity? How was it formed and developed throughout the centuries, and what compositional techniques did Greek composers before Constantinidis use in their works to define Greek identity? A topic examined in this document was the construction and deconstruction of Greek identity, and the question addressed was whether Greek identity can ultimately be defined. Constantinidis (1903-1984) was …

Move It! The Percussionist’S Guide To Developing Performance Skills And Emotional Connection, Shelby N. Shelton

Dissertations, 2020-current

What is this?

The primary goal of this book is to enable students to be more comfortable projecting emotionally to an audience through their body movement and touch while also providing lesson plans and support for the front ensemble instructor. We want this collection to be useful for a student alone in a practice room as well as in a large ensemble setting. There are 10+ activities with examples that encourage the student to dive deeper into the emotion of their piece. Each etude has curated exercises that develop necessary techniques used in the tune. Program/performance notes aid the student …

Minimize Barriers, Maximize Success: Optimizing The Private Trumpet Lesson Experience For Students With Adhd, Stefanie M. Tetzloff

Dissertations, 2020-current

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a high-prevalence neurodevelopmental disability found in an estimated 6% to 16% of children ages 3-17 in the United States. A recent survey showed that 84% of private piano and string lesson instructors have taught students with disabilities and needed to adapt their teaching, but most cited having little to no education in how to appropriately do so. While public school teachers may receive support from specialists and recommended accommodations in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan, private lesson instructors may not be informed of a student’s disability and often lack resources to …

The Performance Of Gender In Sound And Screen: Unpacking And Countering The Double Standards Of Women In Taylor Swift’S “The Man,” Brienne Of Tarth, And The Substance, Alexandra C. Ali

Masters Theses, 2020-current

This rhetorical analysis examines how femininity is constructed, policed, and resisted in popular culture through three case studies: Taylor Swift’s “The Man,” Brienne of Tarth from Game of Thrones, and The Substance, using the lens of Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity. “The Man,” both the song and the music video, reveals the double standards working against women, incorporating an additional layer of analysis through Kenneth Burke’s perspective on incongruity. Brienne of Tarth from Game of Thrones defies gender expectations, blurring the line between the performance of masculinity and femininity. Additionally, this analysis embodies archetypes of women, such …

The Development Of Violin Art In China And The Exchange Of Eastern And Western Elements: A Case Study Of Fritz Kreisler's Tambourin Chinois, Chengyu Ren

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Violin, often regarded as one of the most expressive and versatile instruments in the world, holds a central place in both Western and non-Western musical traditions. Its wide dynamic range, tonal flexibility, and unmatched capacity for nuanced expression have allowed it to transcend cultural boundaries and play a key role in the development of diverse musical genres. From classical symphonies and chamber music to folk, jazz, and even popular music, the violin's distinctive voice can be heard shaping the sonic identity of cultures across the globe. In the context of Chinese music, the violin's influence has grown significantly since …

East Meets West In Chinese Orchestral Repertoire: The Fusion Of Chinese Nationalism And Western Musical Influence, Tianxi Wen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This doctoral document explores the intersection of Chinese musical traditions and Western orchestral influences, focusing specifically on how Chinese composers have navigated this blend to create distinctive orchestral works. Grounded in my background as a doctoral student in orchestral conducting and enriched by my ethnomusicological expertise, this document examines how these composers have integrated both traditions into their music.CHAPTER 1, “Introduction”, introduces the document’s structure, central argument, and the selection of orchestral works for analysis. It also defines the document's purpose and scope. CHAPTER 2, “A Brief History of the Orchestra in China”, examines the origins, evolution, and development of …

Balanced Artistry: Integrating The Methods Of Michael Chekhov And Body Mapping For The Versatile Singing Actor, Olivia Yokers

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This document explores the integration of movement-based techniques in vocal performance training by focusing on integrating Michael Chekhov’s acting method and Body Mapping. It examines how these methodologies enhance expressive freedom, technical efficiency, and injury prevention in singers. By providing a framework for performers to embody characters with greater authenticity, this document contextualizes exercises from both Body Mapping and Chekhov’s technique through an interdisciplinary approach that enhances student achievement of technical vocal and acting proficiency. Synthesizing principles from Body Mapping, such as inclusive awareness and the dynamic points of balance, with key elements of Michael Chekhov’s acting technique, including crossing …

A Comparative Analysis Of Fife And Flute Pedagogical Methods And Resources For Amateur Musicians, Lauren A. Zwonik

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This document explores the pedagogical literature and tools used by fife and drum instructors during private lessons and ensemble rehearsals. The document will address the general history of the fife and drum and how the instrumental pair has been a leading cultural, historical, and musical signifier across Europe and the United States over the past millennium. It also analyzes the strengths and pitfalls in fife pedagogical literature and highlights supplemental teaching resources from flute pedagogical literature. This research aims to strengthen the current methodological tools for amateur fife learning while providing a dialogue between different music genres and ensemble structures. …

Kealaikahiki By Michael-Thomas Foumai: A Transcription For Wind Orchestra With Accompanying Historical Context, Cultural Significance, And A Discussion Of The Transcription Process, Ocean Kupono Akaka

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This document includes a transcription of the three movements of Michael-Thomas Foumai’s suite for orchestra, Kealaikahiki. An overview of the historical context of the work; including biographical information about the composer, and the history surrounding the inspiration of the work is included. A detailed explanation of the techniques used in transcribing the work for wind orchestra is also included.

The Science Behind Free Rebound, Ryan Nash Bond

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This document examines a history of the the percussion stroke used throughout history leading to Free Rebound. It focuses on how grip, technique, and pedagogy have evolved over time through various pedagogues. The concept and stroke motion in Free Rebound was first advocated by George Lawrence Stone, Billy Gladstone, Fred Hinger, Buster Bailey, Ed Soph, and Joe Morello, it was implemented in playing and teaching by Gary Cook, and furthered by Dean Gronemeier. This discussion aims to support professionals', students', and teachers' interests by discussing the pedagogies of different approaches over time. The health and wellness section helps to discuss …

Musical Language And Communication: Students Connect Music Streams To Literacy, Mathematics, Science, And Movement, Kelly Collier

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This dissertation discusses how music and literacy claim many of the same skills, ways music may be used as a motivational tool to help promote strategies for skill development, and how teachers working in teams have the innovation to generate strategic learning. By combining music symbolism with the literacy curriculum, one can create a set of elementary school lessons that integrate musical melody with the facets of literacy, mathematics, science, and movement to formulate beneficial opportunities for student engagement and learning. Students cultivate learning by using the elements of rhythmic literacy, such as identifying beat values in conjunction with their …