Music Education Commons^™

Transformational Choral Spaces And Trans-Formational Experiences, Dillon E. Beede

Visions of Research in Music Education

Despite a significant increase in the trans and gender expansive (TGE) population in the US (Ghorayshi, 2022), pedagogies and policies have not changed at the same rate in cis-dominant choral spaces (Aguirre, 2018). Drawing from bio-ecological systems theory and trans-identity development frameworks, this qualitative research highlights the challenges and affirmations faced by TGE singers. This study also examines the pedagogical and policy-oriented frameworks within a trans and gender-expansive choral ensemble, aiming to share the unique perspectives of performers and examine how these frameworks influence identity development. This study further contributes to the growing body of literature advocating for equity and …

Music Making To Transgress: A Phenomenology Of Transgressive American Music Educators, Anders P. Lewis

Visions of Research in Music Education

This phenomenological case study examined four self-described transgressive music teachers in the United States. Transgressive teachers may be described as those who challenge oppressive structures, both in educational settings and in the broader social context, to support marginalized students. Findings suggest that teacher identity creation and analytic frameworks of oppressive structures shape the elements of their transgressive pedagogies. These findings also suggest varied paths of becoming for transgressive teachers. The researcher concludes with suggestions for further research and implications for current teachers.

A Descriptive Analysis Of Elementary Music Teachers' Planning Time, Seth N. Mcknight

Visions of Research in Music Education

The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine elementary music teachers’ planning times. The existing literature on planning time is scarce and the literature on elementary music teachers’ planning time is nearly non-existent. The following research questions guided the study: (a) How many minutes of planning time do elementary music teachers have? (b) What type(s) of planning do elementary music teachers participate in? (c) What do elementary music teachers do during their planning time? The researcher modified an existing survey (Hixson et al., 2013), which underwent two piloting phases to establish content validity and statistical reliability. The participants (N …

Autonomous Instrumental Music Learning On An Online Platform: How Is Study Motivation Related To Engagement And Study Outcomes?, Kai Tuuri, Jukka Vahlo, Oskari Koskela

Visions of Research in Music Education

Musical instruments have been recognized as attractive targets of volitionally developed long-term engagement. However, in music education research, the significance of autonomy in fostering learning motivation has mainly been perceived through the prism of student-teacher interaction. Addressing this gap, this study shifts the focus towards an autonomous learner perspective embracing the learner’s volitional approach and interest in engaging with musical instrument learning. Through an analysis of a survey sample (N=215) involving participants’ experiences with an online music learning platform, the study explores participants’ study motives and their association with study engagement, alongside the subsequent learning and wellbeing outcomes. An exploratory …

Conducting Inclusion: A Udl-Inspired Approach To Choral Education, Maria Varvarigou

Visions of Research in Music Education

In this paper I explore the possibilities of a Universal Design for Learning (UDL)-inspired curriculum developed over four years of teaching a module on choral conducting education in three formats: online, as blended, and in-person. The learners were primary school generalist student-teachers. They had diverse backgrounds, experiences, and levels of confidence in choral singing and conducting. Examining UDL through the theoretical lens of inclusive pedagogy offered a theoretical foundation to discuss my approach to creating inclusive choral conducting environments that promote learning and participation. At the same time, implementing inclusive pedagogy through UDL brought to the surface institutional challenges and …

Editorial: A Vision For Research In Music Education? New Answers To A Perpetual Question, Cara Bernard

Visions of Research in Music Education

No abstract provided.

Art Management Of Batavia Madrigal Singer (Bms) In The International Choir Competition, Agustinus Arbi Putra, Hery Budiawan, Rien Safrina

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

This study aims to find out the management of the Batavia Madrigal Singers (BMS) choir, especially in achieving achievements at the international level. Batavia Madrigal Singers is a choir from Indonesia that is consistent in participating in and winning choir competitions at the international level. This study uses a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach through observation techniques, interviews, and literature studies. The results of the study show that the art management of Batavia Madrigal Singers includes (1) Planning, (2) Organization, (3) Leadership, and (4) Control. Based on the results of the research, it was found that Batavia Madrigal …

Harmonic Convergence

DePaul Magazine

Learn about the remarkable relationship between DePaul University's School of Musica and Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), which is anchored by the prevalence of CSO musicians who serve on the school's music performance faculty.

Key Center Workout: Scale Patterns For Trombonists, Ryan M. Heinlein

Sabbatical Projects

No abstract provided.

Integrating World Percussion Into Graduate Jazz Training: A Practitioner Reflection, Eugene Seow

Publications and Research

This reflection explores the pedagogical and artistic impact of a non-traditional instructional choice made during the author’s final semester of graduate study at Queens College (CUNY). Initially enrolled in the Jazz Studies: Performance Track (Drum Set), the author elected to substitute formal principal study lessons with a personalised programme of world percussion study under Professor Michael Lipsey. This decision, initially motivated by artistic restlessness, led to foundational experiences in frame drumming, South Indian rhythmic structures, gamelan ensemble, and classical snare etude work. The outcomes of this shift have since permeated the author’s teaching, performance, and curriculum development practice, including the …

Teaching Students Who Have Been Identified With Autism In The Private Piano Teaching Studio: An Application Of General Music Resources And Interviews With Specialists In The Field, Joy Parker

Dissertations

This dissertation is a practical resource for private piano teachers seeking to gain a better understanding of teaching students with autism. Resources used in general music instruction of students with autism were consulted, and relevant information was adapted for the private piano setting. Additionally, resources that are tailored to private piano teaching of students with an identified disability were consulted.

Interviews with three individuals who have experience working with individuals with autism were conducted, and methods and strategies that they found to be most successful were ascertained. One of the interviewees was Dr. Derek Polischuk, Professor of Piano and Director …

An Application Of Vocal Pedagogy For Thai Singers, Phitchaya Klimov

Dissertations

Vocal pedagogy incorporates diverse techniques and methodologies that aim to maintain longevity of the voice and to improve vocal performance, range, and tone. While vocal pedagogy has been extensively studied in Western music traditions, its application in the context of Thai singers remains unfamiliar. This dissertation will investigate the application of vocal pedagogy for Thai singers, with a focus on understanding the unique challenges faced by them. It will outline pedagogical approaches to address these challenges and will therefore lead to more authentic performances. “Complete mastery of the voice as an instrument is an idea toward which every singer must …

Modifying Italian Consonants In The Voice Studio: An Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Study, Elisa Ramon

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The body of lyric diction literature, particularly on Italian, has grown substantially in the second half of the twentieth century. Lyric diction courses are now a required part of many voice programs across the United States. The widespread use of International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcriptions and transcription rules has significantly contributed to the field. However, relatively few sources focus on the pedagogical strategies needed to teach and modify Italian consonants effectively.

This two-phase exploratory sequential mixed methods study identifies the features of Italian consonants that differentiate the lyric diction of novice singers from that of native speakers. It also proposes …

The Influence Of Past Experiences On Middle School Band Directors’ Instructional Practices, Jessie Lynn Peterson

All Dissertations

This qualitative study investigated the influence of middle school band directors’ past experiences on their instructional decision-making and implementation of culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP). Embedded in Ladson-Billings’s (1995, 2014) CRP framework and Lortie’s (1975) apprenticeship of observation theory, this study explored the relationship between middle school band directors’ past experiences, their beliefs about CRP, and their instructional practices.

Music education in the United States has historically focused on Western European classical traditions that overlook the cultural diversity of today’s students and reinforce dominant pedagogical norms. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six middle school band directors. Participants discussed their musical backgrounds, …

Perceptions Of Ai Chatbots In Music Education, Lauren Beauchamp

Music Education Theses

Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI chatbots like the Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT), have impacted education, yet their specific implications for music education remain underexplored. This study explores general music educators’ perceptions of information provided by ChatGPT, focusing on their ability to distinguish AI-generated content, its perceived accuracy, and the perceived influence of professional experience. A qualitative multiple case methodology including six general music educators located in the state of New York was utilized. Participants were purposively sampled to ensure maximum variation in age, gender, service years, and teaching levels. During interviews, they were asked to …

"Inspiring Empathy": A Descriptive Review Of A Musical Composition, Garo Saraydarian

Educational Studies Dissertations

This study explored the experiences of college professors using an assessment approach, descriptive review, to assess undergraduate music compositions. College professors, and educators in general, often debate best practices around assessing student work. A literature review showed a debate amongst music educators over approaches to assessing student compositions, with rubrics being especially controversial. Descriptive review uses collective discussion and a series of non-judgmental exercises that aim for participants to become more intimate with a student and their work. As an assessment technique that had been used to look at student artwork, albeit at the elementary grade level, descriptive review has …

Reimagining Musical Collaboration: Ai And Music Real-Time Communication (M-Rtc), The Future Of Musical Creativity, Dana Kemack Goot

Journal of the Association for Technology in Music Instruction

This project explored the intersection of Music Real-Time Communication (M-RTC), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) in online musical collaboration. Presented at the 2023 National CMS/ATMI conference, the project served as a preliminary inquiry into how online musicking technologies impact human-to-human interactions and sought out the capabilities in creativity in music technology. The live performance featured three musicians performing from different geographic locations using an AI-generated composition and an AI-powered accompaniment application. The project demonstrated the creative potential of integrating AI and ML into M-RTC, expanding the possibilities for remote collaboration, composition, and performance. The musicians navigated both the …

‘Jamming’ With The Computer: Artificial Intelligence And Jazz Music Education, Bert Johnson

Journal of the Association for Technology in Music Instruction

This article provides a preliminary discussion on the evolution of jazz music play-alongs in the individual practice of time feel. Within the history of jazz pedagogy, play-alongs have been a continual tool for learning repertoire and honing in on one’s ability to play with a harmonic and rhythmic vocabulary suitable to a variety of jazz genres such as swing, straight-feel and bossa nova. Due to the advancements in artificial intelligence and software development, new tools for individual music practice have emerged in the form of apps for computer and mobile devices. Apps such as iReal Pro (iRP) and Genius Jamtracks …

Clarifying Issues Surrounding The “First” Jazz Recording, Mark C. Gridley

The IASJ Journal of Applied Jazz Research

Ten questions are answered regarding the first jazz recording, whether it was really the first, and if so, how it qualifies as jazz. They touch on the nature of swing feeling, the extent of improvisation in the recordings, the primacy of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, the recordings of Wilbur Sweatman, and the comedy team of Harlan and Collins, and why the Original Creole Orchestra of Bill Johnson, featuring Freddie Keppard, did not record.

East Asian And “Extraordinary”: Intersecting Racial And Musical Identities In The Classical Music Solo Career, Audrey Chen

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

A performer’s success within the classical music industry is reliant not only on musical merit but also on extramusical factors like race, gender, class, and culture, all of which influence a musician’s upbringing. For East Asian musicians, distinctions of merit can be accompanied by racialized and often paradoxical narratives about Asian identity that essentialize their performance, personality, and background. This dissertation examines how Asian and Asian-American performers of Western classical music navigate this interplay of racial and musical identity within their careers, with a specific focus on string players and pianists.

Chapter 2 introduces five major racialized narratives used to …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

Instrumental Teachers And Their Musical And Pedagogical Decisions Around Gender, Caroline Shadman

Honors Scholar Theses

This study investigated how secondary-level band teachers navigate musical and pedagogical decisions related to gender in ensemble classrooms. Prompted by the author’s personal experiences as a female trombonist and the observed underrepresentation of women in band settings, the research explores the ways gender influences repertoire selection and classroom practices. Drawing on semi-structured focus groups with practicing band teachers, findings reveal that while educators generally prioritize student needs in repertoire selection and classroom management, explicit consideration of gender is often limited. Teachers reported that music publisher offerings and district policies significantly influence repertoire choices, frequently resulting in a continued predominance of …

A Mixed Methods Study Of The Process Of Commissioning New Music For Choirs, Kyle Justin Brazell

Dissertations

This study provided an in-depth look at the commissioning process for choral music. The pursuit of new music has a storied tradition in western culture, deeply connected with the Catholic church, starting in the medieval era. In modern times, there is a substantial amount of research on commissioning new music. However, most of the existing research is focused on band and orchestra ensembles, with very few exploring choral music commissions. Using a mixed methods design, this study identified a process for pursuing new music for choral ensembles and measured attitudes and perceptions of the director and composer during the commissioning …