Music Education Commons^™

Visualizing The Fretboard: Arpeggiated Patterns, Muscle Memory, And Neurocognitive Strategies For The 5-String Electric Bass, Matthew Alexander Woisin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Proficient navigation of the 5-string electric bass requires a comprehensive mastery of various techniques and a solid understanding of music theory. This includes a detailed grasp of arpeggios, chord extensions, and the development of deeply ingrained muscle memory for precise execution. This thesis introduces a structured methodology that refines existing fretboard visualization techniques and applies a unique manner of fretboard mapping, offering a more precise framework for comprehending and unlocking the full range of the instrument. By drawing insights from music theory, music education, cognitive science, neuroscience, and technology this approach is achieved by synthesizing research on visual pattern recognition, …

Self-Efficacy And Racial Identity For Undergraduate Music Majors, Rachel E. Lim

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students’ identities can impact their self-efficacy, or their confidence in their ability to succeed in producing a desired outcome (Bandura, 1997; Klassen, 2004a; Klassen 2004b; Oettingen, 1995; Usher & Pajares, 2008); however, little peer-reviewed research explores the relationship between racial identity and self-efficacy for undergraduate music majors. In the United States, undergraduate music students of color often navigate educational experiences where they do not find their identities represented in the curricula (Ewell, 2020), their faculty (Higher Education Arts Data Services [HEADS], 2020), or their fellow students (HEADS, 2020).

This convergent mixed methods study utilized the theoretical framework of critical race …

A Bright Point In A Dull Day: A Qualitative Exploration Of Middle School Students’ Perceptions Of Music Ensemble Participation, Kailee Amburgey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Music participation, specifically in an ensemble setting, is known to promote learning and social skills and to contribute to a well-rounded overall education. With this in mind, this qualitative, constructivist grounded theory study explored the impacts that participating in chorus, band, or orchestra has on students’ overall experience in middle school, with a focus on joy and identity development. The researcher interviewed fifteen students about their personal experiences and feelings about their lives as middle schoolers and musicians. The findings, shared in six theoretical concepts tied to the research question, reveal important facets of these students’ experiences that shed light …

Engaging Students In Learning Music Theory Fundamentals And Preparing For College Level Music Theory, Marissa Aronson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this thesis is to provide teachers resources to prepare students for college-level music theory by using the keyboard. By providing visualization of patterns, the keyboard provides a superior tool to create a smooth transition between pre-college and college-level music theory instruction. In search of easing the passage between these levels, I interviewed numerous piano teachers who provided suggestions on how they include the keyboard to teach theory. After the interviews, I compared piano lesson theory books and college theory textbooks to compare their approaches. To assist with any gaps found in the theory books, I provide some …

Defining Recomposition Through The Works Of Gregson, Richter, And Peck: Creating A Dialogue With Vivaldi And Bach To Compose New Music., Amanda Peck

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recomposition has been a commonly utilized compositional method for hundreds of years, yet there is no universally accepted definition in the musical community. The existing literature on the subject is limited, so this project will examine various sources to define this term more accurately. This research analyzes successful recompositions for string ensemble, Peter Gregson’s Bach - The Cello Suites Recomposed (2018) and Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi - The Four Seasons Recomposed (2012), and my two new compositions, Air on the G String Recomposed and Vivaldi Cello Sonata No. 3 in A Minor Recomposed. My compositions incorporate the …

Perceptions Of Preparedness Regarding Administrative Responsibilities: A Comparative Analysis Of Preservice And In-Service Secondary Music Educators., Ashley Ann Hokenson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated perceptions of knowledge and preparation regarding administrative responsibilities among in-service and preservice music teachers. Samples were selected randomly through NAfME and NASM databases. Data collection and analysis answered research questions asking how knowledgeable these groups felt about administrative topics, how they felt their undergraduate coursework prepared them for administrative responsibilities, and if there were any significant differences in preparedness among different subject areas taught by in-service directors. The findings report in-service teachers felt more knowledgeable of all administrative topics. Among in-service and preservice teachers, one significant difference was found; regarding preparedness pertaining to laws of communication via …

Principal Decision-Making And Perception Of Fine Arts Programing In Curricular Design, Osvaldo Altamirano

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study included an exploration of the concept of perception affecting decision- making in curriculum design and the support of school administrators toward fine art programs in West Texas School Regions 18 and 19. Research shows that the fine arts provide students the social and creative skills to become productive citizens. However, research shows that in the current realm of urban and rural public school curricula, the fine arts exist at either a limited capacity or are nonexistent. This dissertation included an attempt to answer how a school leader's fine arts perception affects a principal's ability to support, build, …

Leading Through Music: A Comparative Case Study On The Effects Of Military Band Performance, Jessica A. Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the emotional impacts of military band performance, as well as the result of military band support loss on individuals in surrounding communities. The primary objectives of this qualitative comparative case study were to discover the value of military bands perceived by audiences and musicians. A critical, qualitative examination was implemented to assess how the atmospheres created by military bands influence their audiences and how communities react to reduced opportunities to interact with military band members. Community members of the 329D and TRADOC Army Bands were surveyed and interviewed in this study to compare the morale and sense …

Embodied Cognition In The Music Theory And Aural Skills Classrooms, Leslie Thompson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Applying concepts of embodied cognition positively impacts pedagogy in the theory and aural skills classrooms. This thesis defines a holistic view of the student and identifies how classroom instruction from that perspective can benefit student learning as well as overall well-being. The opening chapters provide a brief scientific background and connect concepts of embodied cognition with specific music theory and aural skills examples from an interview. A select survey of the music theory pedagogy literature also illustrates principles of embodied cognition. Based on this background, the final chapter presents new sample lesson plans and discusses how to adapt to student …

Music Theory Pedagogy For The Violin: Cognitive Philosophy And Three Model Curricula, Morganne J. Mcintyre

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Violin playing promotes a connection between mind and body that allows the performer to internalize, or embody, tactile features of the instrument, such as the distance between strings, the feeling of the fingertips on the fingerboard, the interval size between notes, and many other aspects. This thesis designs a pedagogy that employs the violin’s physical attributes to provide the beginning through advanced player with a deeper understanding of music theory. The thesis suggests pairing of physical learning and musical theory at each stage of a violinist’s musical education. Chapter 1 surveys embodied cognition and cognitive artifacts. Chapter 2 applies these …

“This Rigid Curricular Way”: Evaluating Expectations In Collegiate Music Education, Sophie Ailsa Lewis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Conversations surrounding curricular reform are abound in music education today. Much of the literature on this topic explores how professors can adapt their teaching practices to the presumed needs of students in the classroom, but student voices are infrequently centered in these discussions.

This thesis examines the study of music in the collegiate setting from the student perspective. Using a survey which I designed and interviews that I conducted, I examine the disconnect between student values and those of the institutions they attend. I then put these student perspectives in conversation with existing literature.

I discovered that student experiences revolve …

The High School Choral Classroom As A Platform For Cross-Cultural Education: A Content Evaluation Of The 2020 Tnmea Satb All-State Repertoire., Michael Ian Colavita

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the United States, there is a push toward culturally responsive music education in response to a rapidly changing student demographic. However, teaching music from unfamiliar traditions presents a unique set of challenges for the music educator. The 2020 Tennessee SATB All-State repertoire provides one example of music selected with the goal of teaching a wide array of cultural traditions. This thesis analyzes these seven pieces from a musical and pedagogical perspective to demonstrate this collection’s utility for culturally responsive music education. Evaluation of the pieces demonstrated that while most of these works come from distinct cultural traditions, few present …

Lining-Out And Performance Practice Of The Dr. Watts Hymn- Lining Tradition In Three Selected African American Missionary Baptist Churches In The Northern Mississippi Delta Region, Kelvin K. Towers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this descriptive study is to analyze the performance practice of lined-hymns that are sung in three selected African American Missionary Baptist churches located in the Northern Mississippi Delta region. ‘Dr. Watts’ lined-hymn singing has survived in some African American church denominations for approximately 150 years without the availability of a standardized printed musical notation source. Focus of the investigation is guided by five questions exploring the historical context, liturgical function, musical characteristics, performance practice, and method of learning of this musical tradition. Further examined are the role of the song leader, and cultural beliefs and philosophical differences …

Explorations Of Timbre In Selected Songs From Schubert’S Winterreise, Samuel Clayton Garner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis analyzes five songs from Franz Schubert’s song cycle Winterreise (1828) according to timbre using spectrographic images created with the Sonic Visualizer computer program. The report begins with an introduction to timbre, an explanation of spectrographic technology, and defining to terminology to be used in the analyses. The songs and topics to be covered are “Gute Nacht” and how individual performances can dictate timbre; “Die Wetterfahne” and the motive of wind related to timbre; “Der Lindenbaum” and timbral relationships among strophes; “Frühlingstraum” and how emotions, dream sequences, and weather are conveyed by timbre; and “Der stürmische Morgen” and the …

Creating Life-Long Relationships With The Arts: A Caring Philosophical Approach, Jennifer Sparkman Bartee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

It is important to understand how performing and visual arts teachers make their classes personally relevant for students. This study examines what the intentions of elementary performing and visual arts teachers who chose to teach with additional affective content. Four research questions were addressed in this study: 1) What are the instructional intentions of care-oriented elementary arts teachers? 2) What are the affective intentions of care-oriented elementary arts teachers? 3) How are these intentions actualized (or not actualized) within elementary arts classrooms? 4) What is the significance of these findings for elementary schools throughout the country?

To respond to these …

Brazilian Rhythms On The Drum Set: Stylizations Of Baiao, Frevo And Maracatu By Drummers Airto Moreira, Nene And Marcio Bahia., Lucas Gomes Maia Tome Pimentel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research is to gather and analyze stylizations of Brazilian folk rhythms baião, frevo and maracatu in contemporary Brazilian jazz. For this end, I examined transcriptions from well-known contemporary drummers Airto Moreira, Nenê and Márcio Bahia. Firstly, I reviewed the path of the drum set in Brazil by examining the important contributions made by drummers Luciano Perrone and Edison Machado. After that, I presented musical characteristics of baião, maracatu and frevo in their original environment, followed by analysis of each rhythm’s stylizations to the drum set made by drummers Airto Moreira, Nenê and Márcio Bahia. I concluded …

A Descriptive Analysis Of Rehearsal Techniques Of Expert Middle School Band Directors From Kentucky, Mississippi, And Tennessee, David John Culp Jr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the present study was to identify rehearsal techniques among expert middle school band directors Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Twenty-one potential participants were recommended by university faculty and other leaders within the profession. Seven directors were identified who met criteria for participation in the study. Six directors agreed to participate, but due to scheduling conflicts, five were observed. Participants were observed and video recorded for three consecutive rehearsals. Initial analysis divided rehearsals into subsections including: warm-up, repertoire rehearsal, run-through performance, and non-instructional time. Repertoire rehearsal time for all participants was then systematically analyzed using rehearsal frames with two …

Junior High School Student Preference: Teaching Taiwanese Folk Songs Using Orff Activites Vs Traditional Teaching, Mei-Chi Wu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research explores the development of the Orff approach in Taiwan and its applications in the teaching of singing. The researcher seeks to examine the effects of Orff activities in raising the interest of junior high school students in singing. The literature review includes the historical background of the Orff approach and the examination of potential creative adaptations in the teaching of folk songs. In this research, the following are discussed: music education in Taiwan, the development of the Orff approach in private schools, comparisons and contrasts between the New and the Old Curricula in Taiwan, the nature of folk …

Measures Of Music Teacher Effectiveness In Three Early Career Levels, Alicia L. Canterbury

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Corroborative findings across instructional targets rehearsal frames and the summative evaluations indicated a general lack of specificity across all levels which improved somewhat during student teaching and peer teaching. Unidentified targets and nonspecific positive feedback were observed less frequently in student teaching and novice teaching. No growth was found across levels in specific positive and negative feedback. Directives were the most frequently observed teacher verbal category in selected rehearsal frames and information and demonstrations were consistently the highest ranked items across all levels in the summative evaluation. However instructional directive scores were inconsistent. Results indicate that new teachers of all …

Content Analysis Of The Journal Of Historical Research In Music Education: 1980-2019, Gail Simpson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this descriptive study is to explore the trends in historical research over a period of forty years (1980-2019) as presented in peer-revieJournal of Historical Research in Music Education (JHRME). This content analysis is geared towards examining categories of research conducted particularly within the last decade (2010-2019) with comparisons to previous studies. Adopting categories and definitions from Heller (1985), McCarthy (1999, 2012), and Stabler (1986), five questions guide the focus of investigation to include historical periods of study (e.g., 20th century), individuals, events, outcomes, and process variables, i.e., the teacher, the learner, the interaction of the teacher and …

Score Study Procedures And Processes Among Instrumental Music Teachers And Students Of Varying Experience., Jacob Mark Mitchell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Score study is agreed to be an essential part of musical preparation by professional conductors. However, no single method for score study has been established. This thesis examines the score study habits of undergraduate music majors, graduate students with a minimum of five years of instrumental teaching experience, and highly-qualified instrumental music teachers with a minimum of ten years of experience. Qualitative methods are employed, and interview transcriptions are the primary sources of data. Findings showed that instrumental music teachers and those with instrumental teaching experience base many of their score study decisions on the abilities and needs of students …

Breathing Instruction Of Successful High School Marching Band Directors., Michael A. Alsop

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The breath is considered one of the most important factors of playing a wind instrument because it affects nearly every aspect of playing. The purpose of this study was to examine the breathing instruction of successful high school marching band directors. The researcher sought to learn about how often proper breathing is taught, what methods are most commonly used, perceived benefits for the marching members, and potential negative aspects or consequences of breathing instruction. Two-hundred-and-thirteen successful marching band directors were invited to complete a survey consisting of multiple choice, Likert scale, and open-ended questions. Seventy-six directors completed the survey. It …

The Use And Effectiveness Of Warm-Downs By Brass Students From The University Of Mississippi And Band Directors From Mississippi, David Matthew Cuevas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Although many instrumental directors recognize the importance of warm-downs for their brass players, actual research surrounding the topic is practically non-existent. This study was started with the purpose of determining the effectiveness and use of warm-downs in the state of Mississippi. Twenty brass players from The University of Mississippi were surveyed over the course of four weeks; at the end of each week the subjects would report the amount of pain they experienced while playing. In addition, band directors from various parts of Mississippi where surveyed on how they implemented warm-downs. The study found that there was a direct correlation …

The Effects Of Participation In Band On Band Music Preference, Benny Ratliff

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study focuses on band music preference, and specifically, how this preference is affected by participation in band. With this knowledge I argue that band directors can select repertoire that both challenges and engages students while still being enjoyable to perform. Despite the existence of studies that consider the many factors that affect music preference, no study has focused exclusively on band music, which remains a vital part of music education in the United States. Students from three high schools rated ten 30-second examples of concert music on a Likert-type scale. I placed these musical examples into five self-defined categories: …

The Effect Of A Researcher Composed Mouthpiece Buzzing Routine On The Intonation And Tone Quality Of Beginning Band Brass Students, Jason William Beghtol

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study is an investigation of the effect of an author composed mouthpiece buzzing routine modeled by the teacher on beginning band brass students’ intonation and tone quality. The subjects (N = 43) were sixth grade beginning band brass students from a large band program in the northeast region of Mississippi. The experimental group (n = 27) buzzed a daily routine modeled by their instructor at the beginning of each class period. The control group (n = 16) received no treatment and proceeded through normal classroom activities. The duration of the instructional period was ten weeks. This study utilized …

Virginia-Gene Rittenhouse: The History And Organization Of The New England Youth Ensemble, Valencia Collins Thevenin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study focuses on Virginia-Gene Rittenhouse and the history and organization of the New England Youth Ensemble (NEYE). Born in Lacombe, Canada in 1922, Virginia-Gene Rittenhouse was a violinist, pianist, composer, and notable music educator in the Seventh-day Adventist Church who established the New England Youth Ensemble in 1969. The ensemble has toured internationally since the early 1970s and it is the resident orchestra at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Maryland. The youth orchestra has played numerous times under the baton of John Rutter and has performed frequently in Carnegie Hall under the auspices of MidAmerica Productions. The author …

Why We Love Music : A Case Study Of High School Principals., D. Benjamin Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the viewpoints and value of music in the public schools from the perspective of high school principals. Principals from five high schools in an urban school district in a southern metropolitan area were interviewed. All schools that were a part of this study varied geographically and socioeconomically. Each school had a curricular program for band, choir, and orchestra and a highly-qualified teacher directing the programs. Interview questions ranged from their own participation in band, choir, or orchestra when they were in any level of school, what roles they see music as …

Factors That Lead Students To Study Music Education : A Descriptive Study., Alexander T. Hamilton Ii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to survey music education students in their first year of undergraduate studies to learn what influences and/or musical experiences affected their choice in selecting music education as their major. Participants (N = 28) were enrolled in an Introduction to Music Education course at a mid-sized metropolitan university. Subjects were asked to complete a survey and rate perceived degree of influences on the selection of the music education major. Participants were also asked to provide written responses on personal influences that led them to select music education as a major. Survey results indicated that …

The Effect Of Colored Accent Marks In Music Notation During The Sight-Reading Process For High School And College Wind Instrumentalists, Eric Bradley Malone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test new ways of improving the sight-reading process in music. This experimental study has been split into two identical studies completed in different settings. The first study utilized 56 volunteer wind instrumentalists from a high school band as subjects, while the second study utilized 30 volunteer wind instrumentalists from a college band as subjects. The same pretest-posttest experiment was used for each study. The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, while two short musical excerpts were composed to use for the experiment. The pretest excerpt was unaltered …

Music Education At The Troy Female Seminary: 1817-1904, Jennifer Elizabeth Peck Campbell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

When examining the historical origins of music education in the United States there exists a gap in the research concerning female music educators. There have been many calls to action by researchers with the aim of focusing research on the contribution of women to music education. This project sought to document details about musical studies and female music educators at one institution of higher learning. The Troy Female Seminary was founded by Emma Hart Willard in 1817 and exists today as an independent secondary school for females (renamed the Emma Willard School in 1895). Relevant books, journal articles, master’s theses, …