Music Commons^™

Bridging The Gap Between Vocal Performance Degrees And Opera Apprentice Programs: A Comparative Study Of Pedagogical Methods, Emily Marie Dirks

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

While operatic apprentice programs seek singers with strong vocal potential, they rarely define the specific technical skills necessary for success. This study bridges the gap between vocal performance degrees and the opera industry by identifying the vocal techniques that may improve a singer’s likelihood of acceptance into an apprentice program. To achieve this, the research draws from two primary sources: pedagogical texts and interviews with industry experts who actively teach, coach, or perform alongside apprentice artists at elite opera houses. These experts include voice teachers Darrell Babidge and Jack LiVigni, vocal coaches Beatrice Benzi and John Parr, and internationally acclaimed …

The Interconnectedness Of Fun Home On Page And Stage, Livia M. Nocito

English and Creative Writing Independent Study Projects

In Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel, instances of Alison’s emotional “rise,” or openness in being queer, and Bruce’s “descent,” or need to conform, in the book are further supplemented by translations made into the musical through leitmotif and musical composition. This cements not only their roles as Daedalus and Icarus respectively in the metaphor Alison presents in her memoir, but also highlights their lived experiences in a way that truly extends Alison’s liberation as a lesbian to be elevated in grandeur and Bruce’s stifling life to be as damning as Icarus’s fall into the sea.

Creative Expression Through Worldbuilding: A Study On The Connections Between Literature And Music Through Analysis Of Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive, Lauralei S. Palmer

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the worldbuilding connections visible throughout fantasy literature and musical works. Though their tools seem different, authors, composers, and performers use equivalent techniques to draw in their audiences and produce an immersive, emotional experience. This research focuses on American author Brandon Sanderson’s highly detailed worldbuilding in his epic fantasy series, The Stormlight Archive. The Stormlight Archive exhibits the three pillars of worldbuilding: completeness, invention, and consistency. This research also examines Franz Liszt’s Les Préludes, a symphonic poem based on Alfonse Lamartine’s poem, Ode. Finally, this thesis culminates in the fusion of literary and musical worldbuilding in description …

An Approach To Teaching Sight-Reading: The Station Technique, Aislinn K. L. Queen

Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning

The station learning technique is more effective than traditional teaching methods regarding academic achievement and student engagement. However, stations are not a typical method high school teachers use when teaching sight-reading in a choir classroom. This study investigated the implementation of the station learning technique in a high school choir setting. The participants were a single classroom of 17 students and two teachers. The data collection tools included student self-assessments, skill assessments, sight-reading rubrics, student and teacher surveys, and student and teacher focus group interviews. Qualitative data was analyzed and coded using the constant comparative method, and the quantitative data …

Uses And Perceptions Of Student Leadership Roles In A Secondary Choral Program, Jenna M. Rickerhauser

Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning

This study examined student leadership structure in a high school choral program, including data from a junior high director in the district. It aimed to evaluate the role and influence of a designated student leader in a secondary choral program through perceptions from student leaders, student members, and directors. Collected data included surveys, focus groups, individual interviews, field notes, and observation notes. The researcher analyzed the data using the constant comparative method. The resulting data fit into four level 2 codes: program structure, roles of student leaders, influence/impact on the choir, and personal impact of leadership on student leaders. The …

Woodwind Seminar, May 9, 2025 [Program], University Of Northern Iowa. School Of Music.

Music Recital Programs

Program of a music recitals given by faculty, students, or guest artists from the School of Music at the University of Northern Iowa.

Integrating Music Content Into The Secondary Mathematics Classroom: Facilitating The Process Of Designing Interdisciplinary Lessons, Denae Bumpus

Honors Projects

Many people enjoy music, and music has a multitude of connections to mathematics, so it makes sense for a mathematics classroom to incorporate musical elements into the instruction, but the literature has shown that many math teachers do not have a strong enough musical background to feel confident in incorporating music into the math class. Therefore, this research sought to provide a resource to help secondary mathematics teachers integrate age-appropriate musical applications to their mathematics lessons which connects standards of mathematics into standards of music. Specifically, the paper connects the Ohio Standards of Mathematics for Geometry with the course objectives …

Social Media Addiction Explained Through Film, Matthew Layton

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

“How much is too much?” The central frame of my creative work tackles this question through the lens of queerness, addiction, isolation, and self-identity, giving an unfiltered voice to today’s youth. Social Media’s negative effects go deeper than the usual anecdotes of decline in sleep quality, physical activity, and attention span. The ramifications of a negative mental headspace are often overshadowed by flashy promises and a false sense of belonging. The societal impact is especially influenced due to the malleability of the adolescent brain. In 2022, up to 95% of teenagers ages 13 to 17 claimed to use social media, …

Don V Moses: In Memoriam, Michael Deane Lamkin, Michael E. Ruhling

HAYDN: Online Journal of the Haydn Society of North America

The Haydn and music communities are saddened by the passing of Don V Moses on March 12 at age 88. Dr. Moses was a tireless conductor, scholar, and ambassador of Haydn music performance, and encouraged the forming of the Haydn Society of California and its expansion into the Haydn Society of North America. His legacy continues with the Eisenstadt Classical Music Festival which he founded in 1975 and which will celebrate its 50^th anniversary this coming August.

Visibly Invisible: Reclaiming Atlanta Black Architecture Through Black Expression, Sean M. Spencer

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Architecture has long grappled with questions of self, community, and cultural identity. While the number of Black architects is growing, architecture that genuinely reflects Black identity remains rare. This lack of representation has contributed to a sense of invisibility for Black communities within the built environment—whether by design or neglect. There is an urgent need to define and celebrate Blackness and Black space in ways that reflect the cultural richness of Black communities. As George Will points out, broad labels like African American or African often obscure the unique cultural experiences within Black communities. Historically, the lack of economic and …

Katy Price, Soprano, In A Graduate Recital, May 6, 2025 [Program], University Of Northern Iowa. School Of Music.

Music Recital Programs

Program of a music recitals given by faculty, students, or guest artists from the School of Music at the University of Northern Iowa.

Salve Regina: Organ Devotionals To The Blessed Virgin Mary: A Graduate Organ Recital, Caleb R. Klinzing

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

This thesis is a Graduate Organ Recital with accompanying program notes on the pieces performed. The program notes include composer biographies, formal analyses of the works, and discussions of performance practice concerns. The recital explores the rich tradition of Marian devotional music and features works by Jehan Titelouze (1562–1633), J.S. Bach (1685–1750), Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937), Charles Tournemire (1870–1939), and Marcel Dupré (1886–1971).

Hearing Caste: Dalit Resistance Through Folk Music In West Bengal, India, Antara Bhattacharyay

Music Honors Projects

Caste—a graded structure of hierarchy—has historically shaped identities in South Asia and persists to this day. In opposition, Dalits (caste-marginalized communities) have utilized diverse mediums to communicate their resistance. In this thesis, I analyze the role of music in Bengali Dalit resistance through the work of Dalit singer-songwriter Smritikana Howlader (b. 1960). Based on ethnographic research, I investigate how folk music becomes a mode of Dalit historiography. In particular, I explore how Howlader aims to transcend caste boundaries through song, evoking shared humanity. I argue that Howlader’s performances combat dominant caste discourse and Dalit erasure, furthering Bengali Dalit resistance.

Using Expressive Arts Therapy With Autistic Children To Help Regulate And Build Coping Skills: A Literature Review, Swara Swaminathan

Expressive Therapies Theses

This literature review is about whether we can use Expressive Arts Therapy with autistic children to regulate and build coping skills. The author could not find articles that covers the entire topic, but she split the topic in terms of autism in India and various application of Expressive Arts Therapy globally. She was able to find Expressive Arts Therapy or Creative Arts Therapy was helpful to autistic children, or children with trauma. She could also notice the stigma of autism in India in some of the articles.

Matt Glascock, Cello, In A Graduate Recital, May 5, 2025 [Program], University Of Northern Iowa. School Of Music.

Music Recital Programs

Program of a music recitals given by faculty, students, or guest artists from the School of Music at the University of Northern Iowa.

Sigma Alpha Iota, Alpha Upsilon Chapter, In A Sister Recital, May 5, 2025 [Program], University Of Northern Iowa. School Of Music.

Music Recital Programs

Program of a music recitals given by faculty, students, or guest artists from the School of Music at the University of Northern Iowa.

Aiden Endres, Percussion, With Quinn Wubbena, Percussion, May 5, 2025 [Program], University Of Northern Iowa. School Of Music.

Music Recital Programs

Program of a music recitals given by faculty, students, or guest artists from the School of Music at the University of Northern Iowa.

Everyone Drums: A Music And Social Studies Homeschool Curriculum, Emma Zemancik

Honors Projects

Everyone Drums: A Music and Social Studies Homeschool Curriculum aims to fill a gap in music education homeschool curricula. The workbook, parent guide, and paper work together to highlight percussion traditions from around the world as means to teach geography, history, culture, and of course music.

Vocal Toning Increasing The Parent-Child Bond In Neonatal Care: A Proposed Method, Mikki Mcintire

Expressive Therapies Theses

Vocal toning in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is an innovative therapeutic method that greatly improves emotional connections between caregivers and fragile infants. This practice is more than just a new idea; it fosters the crucial relationships essential for developing newborns. Vocal toning also aids in stabilizing physiological responses and promoting emotional regulation in infants, who are often subjected to high-stress situations. Using structured vocalization techniques, caregivers can provide consistent auditory and vibrational cues that encourage relaxation and promote co-regulation with the infants in their care. This proposed approach examines the theoretical foundation, solid methodology, practical application, and anticipated …

The Legacy Of Auguste Franchomme: Pedagogical Analysis And Performance Practice For The “Twelve Caprices Opus 7 For Cello Solo”, Zi-Yun Luo

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This written document focuses on a personal pedagogical analysis of the Twelve Caprices composed by the French cellist and pedagogue, Auguste Franchomme. His works have served as significant cello studies for young cellists, comparable in importance to the Twelve Caprices by Carlo Alfredo Piatti and the High School of Cello Playing by David Popper. Each of these caprices is written in different key signatures, tempi, include a variety of bowing styles and techniques, express melodies over a wide range of the cello register, and present unique and ubiquitous issues that cellists may encounter in the canon of cello literature.

In …

Harmonic Healing: Exploring Music As A Therapeutic Resource, Kalilah B. Chears, Mary Lynn Doherty

Honors Capstones

Mental health concerns among college students are increasing, especially in the post-Covid pandemic era. These issues could negatively affect students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. Additionally, research illustrates that there are accessibility challenges for students who seek traditional counseling resources; campuses are struggling to meet this rising demand. The authors’ background in music ensembles inspired an exploration of music as an informal therapeutic resource. This literature review investigates one main question: How can an alternative mental health resource such as music serve college students experiencing barriers to traditional mental health resources? Findings suggest that music-based resources can alleviate some common …

Charles W. Bolen Faculty Recital: May 4, 2025, Elizabeth Thompson, Tuyen Tonnu, Daniel Baer

School of Music Programs

University Galleries

May 4, 2025

Sunday Afternoon

2:00 p.m.

Composition Honors Recital And Lecture, Hannah Simmers

Honors Projects

This project demonstrates compositional techniques and development. It provides a view on the writing process of musical compositions and an analysis on the different components of the pieces. The project included public speaking, where I spoke about each piece and different aspects of the pieces to listen for. A large portion of my role before the recital consisted of organizing musicians, creating a program, and writing my essay.

Make Some Noise: The Intersection Of Music Therapy And Classroom Management, Erica Ewell

Expressive Therapies Theses

This literature review defines and explores the themes at the intersection of music therapy and mental health counseling techniques and general education practices for classroom management. This work explores how general education teachers, who are not therapists or musicians, might use music to engage students so that their classrooms feel safe (physically and emotionally), productive, and ideally, fun. From recent and relevant literature in music therapy, psychology, and education journals as well as classroom management guidebooks grounded in trauma-informed theory, five major themes emerged: (1) Student Intrinsic/Extrinsic Motivation, (2) Student-Teacher Relationships (3) Social/Emotional Learning, (4) Psychological Safety/Well-Being in School, and …

Isu String Project Spring Concert: May 3, 2025, Sara Garrett, Benjamin De Kock, Cora Swenson Lee, Katherine Lewis

School of Music Programs

Center for the Performing Arts

May 3, 2025

Saturday Morning

11:00 a.m.

Colin Cha Senior Cello Recital, Andrews University

Student Degree Recitals 2024-2025

Colin Cha presents his Senior Recital featuring works by Barriere, Smetana, Handel-Halvorsen, and Prokofiev.

Aquí Y Ahora A Dance Tribute To Gustavo Cerati And The Expression Of Hispanic Immigrant Identity In New York City, Karina Terán

Theses and Dissertations

This Thesis explores how dance serves as a language of cultural identity among Hispanic immigrants in New York City. Through a multidisciplinary performance and research, it reflects lived experiences, blending movement and music to celebrate legacy, resilience, and community, while honoring the influence of Argentine rock icon Gustavo Cerati.

Voice As Dual Striving: Spiritual Resonance And Psychological Negotiation In South Indian Musical Practices, Ramya Thiyagarajan

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the intricate dynamics of voice within South Indian musical traditions, examining it as both a spiritual medium resonating with the divine concept of Nāda-Brahman and a psychological instrument navigating modernity, identity, and cultural hybridity. Employing the Self-Rasa-Chakra framework, derived from Upanishadic and tantric philosophies, alongside autoethnographic narratives and case studies, it investigates how the voice serves as a site of striving. Through an interdisciplinary lens combining ethnomusicology, psychoanalysis, and sound studies, this research delves into the paradox of voice: its role in sacred surrender within Carnatic music, juxtaposed against its individualistic expression in contemporary independent music. Case …

Flexing In Popular Songs From 2024 - 2023, Jasmine Ayon, Sky Romeo, Christian Casaerez, Alexa Adame, Kesi Land

Undergraduate Research Symposium Podium Presentations

Purpose:

Music is a major agent of socialization. As an art form, music carries with it messaging and rhetoric capable of reaching people en masse. With this in mind, it is vital that we pay a careful eye to music in order to understand what messaging is reaching the public at large. This project is intended to build off of the current literature on music, rhetoric, and socialization by understanding what artists in music brag about - flex - as a means of gaining cultural capital.

The Development Of Liking And Familiarity Responses To A Novel Musical Scale, Maya Velazquez, Dan H. Berkowitz, Nicholas Kathios, Psyche Loui

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Musical preference is shaped by listening experience

Listeners tend to like music they’ve heard before familiarity correlates with liking (1).

As listeners acquire knowledge of how music is structured, they make better predictions about events as they unfold.

Familiarity and prediction are key drivers of musical pleasure (2,3).

Present study aims to characterize the relationship between listening experience/exposure and preferences during childhood