Music Commons^™

Prairie Land, Prairie Heart, And Prairie Spirit: An Introductory Analysis And Performance Guide Of Gwyneth Walker’S Prairie Songs, Kiya Fife

Glenn Korff School of Music: Dissertations, Theses, Student Creative Work, and Performances

Largely known for her choral compositions, American composer Gwyneth Walker (b. 1947) has composed hundreds of songs for solo voice. Walker’s songs demonstrate her unique compositional style which blends many characteristics of American music, including strong rhythms, open sonorities, and influences of rock, jazz, blues, and American folk music. With each work, Walker’s goal is not only to communicate to the audience, but for the music and poetry to deliver a specific musical imagery. Walker believes that the message of a song is not solely the poetry, but that the central images of the poem are the message. Walker believes …

Stories Retold: Exploring Real-Life Stories Through An Analysis Of William Vollinger's Art Songs For Lyric Soprano And Piano, Katie Mersch

Glenn Korff School of Music: Dissertations, Theses, Student Creative Work, and Performances

This document explores the art songs for lyric soprano and piano of contemporary composer William Vollinger (b. 1945). Vollinger’s penchant for storytelling inspires his song compositions and the myriad of different stories he relays. In the majority of Vollinger’s art songs for voice and piano, he features the real-life stories of ordinary people and interweaves moral messages. Moreover, all song texts analyzed appear in prose rather than metered poetry, follow the linear narrative structure of short stories, and originate from a variety of unconventional sources.

Freytag’s Pyramid, a diagram created to analyze dramatic structures, serves as a useful model for …

When Did You Stop Singing? Elementary Boys' Attitudes And Self-Efficacy Toward The Act Of Singing, Eric D. Wyler

Glenn Korff School of Music: Dissertations, Theses, Student Creative Work, and Performances

The “missing males” epidemic is one which has baffled music educators and researchers for decades. Many research studies have been conducted to explore why boys choose to not be involved in choral ensembles at their middle and high schools. These studies list numerous retention/recruitment strategies; however, the problem remains. Many boys decide before they reach middle school whether they like to sing. The purposes of this study are to examine elementary age boys’ attitudes toward singing and determine at what grade level, if any, there is a significant difference in boys’ attitudes, to search for a relationship between boys’ attitudes …

Schubert And His Illustrious Repetitive Nature, Nathan Edward Lowe

Music Theses - Archive

Schubert’s music is renowned for its repetitive nature; many critics like Dr. Joshua Drake think this is a negative trait of his compositions. When speaking on Schubert’s strengths and weaknesses, Dr. Drake states, “Haydn's rich use of received forms, his clear melodic and tonal dichotomies, and his tendency for certain resolutions make his music satisfying in a completely different way than the wandering, repetitive, self-interrupting Schubert."1 Dr. Drake faults Schubert on his repetitions; in this thesis, several examples of Schubert's instrumental and piano music will give evidence that counters that claim. On the other side of Schubert's repetition, Jonathan Guez …

An Annotated Bibliography Of Selected Music Theory Resources For The Middle And High School Choral Classroom With Alignment To Mississippi College- And Career-Readiness Standards, Amanda M. Brandon

Master's Theses

Middle and high school choral ensembles often struggle to produce musicians who are proficient in music theory skills; however, music theory and ear training skills provide numerous benefits to the student and ensemble. Promoting and fostering theory and ear training skills develop a student’s overall musicianship – thus, strengthening sight-reading skills– further leading to more accurate sight reading, using less rehearsal time, and the option of learning more, or even more technically challenging, literature. Additionally, developing independent musicianship skills encourages higher order and critical thinking in the choral classroom.

This project will examine and review selected music theory and ear …

The Orchestral Music Of George Walker, Jonathan Hirsh

Music: Faculty Publications

The year 2022 provides an opportunity for the world to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of composer and pianist George Walker. We are fortunate that Dr. Walker left a substantial body of orchestral music. This article provides a comprehensive list of pieces for orchestra, hopeful that this may make it possible for Walker’s works to be performed by CODA member ensembles in celebration of his achievements and of his milestone birthday.

Editorial: Eudaimonia And Music Learning, Gareth Dylan Smith, Marissa Silverman, Dylan Van Der Schyff

John J. Cali School of Music Scholarship and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of Nobuo Uematsu’S Linear Structures: The Score Of Final Fantasy Vi’S Opera, Daniel Comeaux

Master's Theses

Nobuo Uematsu, the composer of the first nine entries in the Final Fantasy video game series, creates sophisticated music in the operatic section of Final Fantasy VI. This thesis will provide a linear analysis of the music, borrowing from contrapuntal techniques of important theorists such as Heinrich Schenker and Paul Hindemith. The analysis will explain how some linear progressions play guiding roles within the music while others although heard, may not be as important. Furthermore, the most important linear structures will be shown to support the tonal identity of a movement, while important end points coincide with junctures in the …

Winter Suite., Timothy Amalavage-Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Winter Suite is a continuation of a larger piece entitled Four Seasons Suite. Four Seasons Suite consists of four movements representing each season: “Winter Suite,” “Spring Suite,” “Summer Suite,” and “Fall Suite.” Four sub-movements constitute each seasonal movement. So, Four Seasons Suite has four movements and sixteen sub-movements. Each movement is designed to be performable as a standalone piece but it is also acceptable to perform all of them during the same concert. Winter Suite takes its inspiration from images of the titular season and seeks to emulate various aspects of winter such as snowfall, blizzards, and ice along …

Contemporary Commercial Music And The Young Singer, Kali L. Sonnenburg

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Vestiges And Dry-Erase Ghosts., Isaac Barzso

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Work for 2 mezzo-sopranos and instrumental ensemble (flute, oboe, clarinet (doubling bass clarinet), alto saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, percussion (2 players), electric guitar, piano, 2 violins, viola, cello and double bass).

A Middle School Choral Methodology And Curriculum Pairing, Eunice Nogueras-Negron

Masters Theses

Studies show that middle school choral education is beneficial to its participants, yet there is a lack of resources such as curriculums or methodologies to better equip students and teachers. This thesis will explore the possibility of the future development of a middle school choral music methodology that follows similar structures to that of widely accepted music methodologies such as Orff Schulwerk, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, and Kodaly Concepts. This research is intended to aid middle school choral music educators who are seeking to improve the quality and intentionality of their instruction.

Popular Commercial Music Across The Spectrum: From Electronic To Symphonic - A Freshman Survey Of Music Composition, David A. Pennise

Masters Theses

There is a need in music composition for educators and administrators to implement concrete pedagogy to improve music composition as a profession that is recognized for its value and integrity. In this study, I addressed this need with a plan that focuses on curricular strategies to guide students in becoming successful artists and equip them to thrive in the increasingly popular commercial music industry. Students will maximize their academic development by applying compositional techniques from the common practice period and improve their chances of succeeding in modern music society by interacting with a harmonic grammar appropriate for commercial pop music.

El Guitarrista Y Sus Cambios De Codigos: Cruzando Fronteras Musicales [The Guitarist And Code-Switching: Crossing Musical Borders], Hector Manuel Aguilar

Theses and Dissertations

The guitar in border towns has links to many musical cultures that vary in their ways of being due to the customs of the specific space. Individual guitarists learn how to navigate the different environments because they understand the etiquettes needed to belong and participate in the musical circles.

In this autoethnographic work, I explore the various musical spaces that I have participated in through my musical journey growing up in Brownsville, Texas, to understand further how the individual musician embodies the style of music s/he performs. As a primary data source for my work, I use the experiences that …

Mariachi Programs At The University Level: Investigating Eurocentric Stereotypes, Clyde M. Guerra

Theses and Dissertations

The number of mariachi programs at the high school level continues to grow in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. However, degree-granting mariachi programs are virtually nonexistent at the university level. The established university music education system and its implementation of classical techniques and styles encourages mariachi violinists to adapt to classical violin teachings. Because mariachi violinists may lack what is considered “formal” training prior to attending a university, they may experience a disadvantage in relationship to classically trained violinists. In this research, I will investigate the perceived attitudes that exist towards mariachi violinists, and the conditions under which they …

Motivational Factors Affecting Recruitment And Retention In The Clever Band Program, Haley Morgan Adams

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Student participation in band has many educational, social, and life benefits for students; however, high attrition rates reflect that many students are not motivated to join and continue in band. This study surveyed sixth, eighth, and tenth grade students in the Clever R-V School District to examine the factors that the students self-identify when deciding to enroll in and persist with band in school. The survey data were analyzed to identify key factors that affect students’ recruitment and retention in school band. Students answered forty multiple choice questions that addressed areas of motivation including parental support, teacher-student relationship, intrinsic motivation, …

Improving Sight Reading Through Beginning Band Instruction, Joshua Earl Kohl

Masters Theses

Aural skills training needs to be included in the beginning band curriculum. Educators strive to help students reach their potential. At the same time, they continue to use method books that emphasize a visual approach to music education. To fully engage with music, students should not just see the music written on a page but should be able to hear it as well. Through aural skills training, such as audiation, students will be able to internalize and hear the music they see without the need for an audial stimulant. This study defines the current amount of aural training included in …

Teaching Biblical Development In Early Childhood Education Through Praxial Music, Cheryl Lynn Pearson

Masters Theses

Music has been deemed important since biblical times for both worship and music education and has made its mark in history from ancient philosophers to modern educators. Its value is determined according to individual experiences, be they aesthetic or praxial, for the purposes of entertainment, education, or worship. Music offers a connection to God granting a deepened sense of purpose in fulfillment of our call to worship. Music is valued because it leads to the development of ethical values through active participation and reflection. Music education and spiritual development are mutually beneficial as they develop students toward a greater spiritual …

Funding A Middle School Technology-Based Music Class: An Investigation On Trends In Funding And A Proposed Curriculum, Shebbie L. Williams Iii

Masters Theses

This paper investigates trends of district funding in relation to music programs. The appendix contains a proposed technology-based music curriculum. The study is a convergent mixed-methods design that reviewed current literature on funding sources for music programs; literature about technology-based music courses was reviewed as well. The results revealed the many factors that play a part in a school board deciding to keep or terminate a music program. Findings also include a correlation in funding and music class quality, less funding usually meant lower quality. This paper can be a tool for educators that wish to make a change in …

The Importance Of Sight-Singing To Ear-Training And Musicianship Of Neurodiverse Students, Courtney Marie Stinson

Masters Theses

This curriculum project aims to recognize the importance of teaching students music with ear-training. The goal is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of ear-training methods. This paper will review existing ear-training methods research. The literature will be reviewed regarding the biology of how listeners hear music, how geographic location influences elements of sound, how emotion influences communication, and why people like the music they like. The second chapter of this article discusses how singing on solfège creates stronger musicianship in all musicians as ear-training is essential for teaching music. Ear-training helps students recognize sounds and sonic events they have …

How Reading, Writing, And Composing Music Enhances A Child’S Creativity, Marisa R. Robertson

Masters Theses

This thesis intends to prove that reading, writing, and composing music in elementary school can help children enhance their creativity. The project will contain recent research that shows how reading, writing, and composing music can enhance a child’s creativity. Research from this thesis will provide parents, educators, and administration with the necessary information to decide to incorporate music into their child’s school curriculum.

Fanny Mendelssohn: The Quandaries Of A Female Composer In The 19th Century, Isabella Mariana Kumagai De Oliveira

Theses and Dissertations

Gender inequality, such as inequality regarding salary and different treatment for men and women in the workplace, has been a polemic topic in various areas and for diverse reasons. In the music environment, the scene is not different, and the issue has been there for centuries. Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel (1805-1847) was a skilled pianist and composer who grew up in a culturally sophisticated home. Although Fanny and her younger brother, Felix Mendelssohn, shared a common music education, Fanny, like many women at the time, was not encouraged to become a professional musician, unlike her brother. Despite her unconditional support to …

Effects Of Nonmusical Factors On Virginia High School Band Concert Performance Assessment Results, Larry Michael Seipp

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nonmusical factors affect the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) concert performances and subsequent assessment results; namely, school size, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. A comparison of ratings given by individual trained evaluators demonstrates interrater reliability. A comparison of final ratings given at different assessment locations and times reflects the reliability of ratings. However, administrators and evaluators must consider nonmusical factors to report instrumental music performance results accurately. Predictor variables included SES, school size, and minority percentage. Outcome variables included overall band rating and band performance literature difficulty. Using an MLR design, the researcher compared data from the 2019 VBODA …

“It’S War That's Cruel”: The Evolution Of Wartime Representation And ‘The Other’ In The American Musical, Leana Sottile

War, Diplomacy, and Society (MA) Theses

Musical theater has historically been a venue for Americans to come to terms with our past and present on both a national and an individual level as it stages and restages war mythology on the Broadway Stage. As the nation has won, lost, and abandoned foreign conflicts, the connotation, remembrance, and commemoration of war in American memory has shifted from romanticizing former conflicts to renegotiating their memory. Thus, this project examines how twentieth-century war memory is represented in the American musical, starting in the 1940s and continuing up to the present day. To do so, the phenomenon will be examined …

American Indian Law Students Association (Ailsa) Sponsors A Drum Circle, Roger Williams University School Of Law

School of Law Conferences, Lectures & Events

No abstract provided.

An Orchestral Percussionist's Guide To Instruments Of The Caribbean, Lucas Brust

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Sparked by the introduction of Janissary percussion into the works of the First Viennese School, composers have been steadily expanding the musical responsibilities and tonal palette of the orchestral percussion section. Most institutions of higher education extensively address the traditional orchestral percussion instruments and only relatively recently have these institutions begun incorporating the more “exotic” percussion instruments from various indigenous musical traditions. With the resources and proposed performance practices suggested in this document, orchestral percussionists can gain the knowledge and familiarity to identify the instruments by name and construction, demonstrate fluency in technique and sound production, and display basic understanding …

Use Of Conductor Directives In Rehearsals By Conductors Of Professional Music Ensembles, David Coyner

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This descriptive study catalogues the auditory directives of eight conductors of professional ensembles and compares their rehearsal time spent on directives and ensemble response. Rehearsals of eight conductors of professional ensembles were observed through commercially available videos through rental or YouTube. The conductors are Leonard Bernstein, Karl Böhm, Frederick Fennell, Valery Gergiev, Herbert von Karajan, Carlos Kleiber, Georg Solti, and Leopold Stokowski. Conductor directives and ensemble responses are marked based on directive type, compiled into an observation log, and timed to track frequency and duration. The directive and ensemble response types are academic, modeling, instruction, nonmusical, approval/disapproval, and performance. Results …

Exploring The Relation Between Musical And Dance Sophistication And Musical Groove Perception, Samantha R. O'Connell

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Listening to groovy music is an enjoyable experience and a ubiquitous human behavior in some cultures. Specifically, many listeners agree that high-groove songs are enjoyable, familiar, and likable compared to low-groove songs. While the pleasurable and dance-inducing effects of musical groove listening seem omnipresent, what is less known is how subjective feelings towards music, individual musical or dance experiences, or more objective musical perception abilities are correlated with the way we hear music with groove. Therefore, the present online study aimed to evaluate how musical and dance sophistication relates to musical groove perception. One-hundred and twenty-four participants completed an online …

The Beat Of A Subculture: A Study Of The History And Impact Of Non-Pitched Percussion In Early Hip-Hop, Jeffrey Michael Taylor

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This document presents a study of the origins and role of non-pitched, percussion-based samples in the history and development of the hip-hop genre. The survey presents an historical synopsis of hip-hop’s origins including the infrastructure of the genre, the DJ forefathers, and the music and drummers responsible for the subcultural emergence. Emphasis is placed on the specific genres of music that influenced the creation of hip-hop and the drummers responsible for the sounds that were appropriated to create new musical works. Influential drummers are examined, and transcriptions are given to aid the development of relevant drum set performance techniques. A …

The Butterfly Lovers’ Violin Concerto (1959), Ying Zhang

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The study examines the importance of the Butterfly Lovers’ violin concerto (1959) by He Zhanhao and Chen Gang and the related research on its musical and culture context in China, focusing on how students from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music explored the use of Chinese traditional music elements on a western instrument, the violin in the 1950s. The dissertation discusses three aspects: the social and compositional introductory background, composition analysis and the influence of this piece in the eastern and western musical worlds. In the first chapter, I give a brief introduction to the piece. When the new People’s Republic …