Music Education Commons^™

Culture Shock: Understanding World Cultures Through Arts Integration, Shelby Wooldridge

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Teachers often have difficulty engaging students in arts and humanities classes. To aid in this struggle, a series of lesson plans applicable for kindergarten through twelfth grade students in music and arts and humanities classes will be presented. These lesson plans will teach students about world cultures, such as West African, Appalachian, and Latin America, through arts integration. In order to reach this goal, there will be a component on student development in order to match the units with students’ developmental levels. From there, the lesson plans will be developed to incorporate all of the art forms, with an emphasis …

A Study Of Chemistry: For Wind Ensemble, Morgan Duff

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Many musicians have a limited understanding of chemistry, while many chemists aren't familiar with details of music theory or composition. Through the composition of a four-part musical work based entirely on several broad areas of chemistry, certain relationships have been shown between music and chemistry. Because of the overlap between certain scientific concepts and many aspects of music theory, it is possible for members of both fields to use what they already know in order to gain a deeper understanding of the other, very different, subject. Because everyone has learning strengths in differing areas, I believe the use of disciplinary …

Schenkerian Analysis For The Beginner, Benjamin K. Wadsworth

Faculty Articles

In the classroom, the teacher of Schenkerian analysis faces the challenge of reconciling the holistic evaluation of works with the sequential presentation of content from simple to complex. Drawing from previous learning taxonomies (Bloom 1956, Anderson and Krathwohl 2001, and Rifkin and Stoecker 2011), I propose an adapted one for Schenkerian analysis. I note differences between this taxonomy and analytical procedures shown in current Schenkerian textbooks (Cadwallader and Gagné 2011, Pankhurst 2008), pursue implications of the new learning taxonomy, and suggest a wide range of classroom activities that have proven effective in my own introductory course. Goals of the new …

Using Mathematical Research Methods To Solve A Problem In Music Theory Instruction, Specifically, The Teaching Of Secondary Dominant Chords, Angela Ulrich

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The mathematical method for research is used to find a solution to a problem in music theory: understanding and identifying secondary dominant chords. By reviewing and assessing the teaching methods of university professors and theory textbooks, and comparing those findings with student reviews, a new method for teaching the concept is developed. The proposed system incorporates aural, visual, and kinetic exercises to serve every learner. The literature review and sample unit plan are followed by a possible procedure for testing the effectiveness of the new method.

Challenges In Beginning Trombone Pedagogy, Robert Sobnosky

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The development of strong fundamental skills is essential for success on any instrument. Beginning wind players must be carefully monitored so they can develop the good playing habits and basic skills that form the foundations of strong musicianship. Each instrument presents its own unique challenges. The trombone could be considered the most unique of the beginning band instruments due to size, slide, and technique. These challenges can lead to a number of problems that music educators must be able to recognize and correct. For this project, six music educators with experience teaching beginning trombone students were interviewed about common problems …

The Trials Of A New Teacher, Diego A. Rocha

Student Publications

Tim, a new teacher, faces challenges as he works towards changing the environment in a high school music program.

Equity In The Classroom, Robert L. Napoli

Student Publications

When discussing how teachers should pursue equity among, in, and through education in their current educational system, many go straight to discussing the lessons. These are very important, and the planning of these lessons can very much influence students to think more openly about equity, but there is something that must be established first before even thinking about executing a lesson plan, and that is the classroom itself. After all, “a large part of the work of teaching is constructing the laboratory for learning.” (Campbell & Demorest, 2008, p. 87). Postman & Weingartner also say that “the most important impressions …

Mia's Music, Miranda L. Bubenheim

Student Publications

Mia’s Music is a story narrating what I view as an ideal curriculum being put into practice. Music educators have an advantageous and unique position to explore a medium with students that truly has the power to bring people together and help them to understand one another. A curriculum based in the cultural themes that students identify with will challenge them to learn through sharing their experiences and understanding others'.

Biophily: Five Musical Episodes For The Revolutionary Educator, Edward J. Holmes

Student Publications

"Biophily: Five Musical Episodes for the Revolutionary Educator" is a composition meant to reflect, through music, some of the key concepts and ideas of authors like Paulo Freire, William Ayers, Neil Postman, and Charles Weingartner in their works that we covered in Social Foundations. Each piece aims to deconstruct poor teaching habits and practices, and musically express a better way to go about education.

Unlocking The Question, Kelly E. Reymann

Student Publications

Educators are constantly seeking ways to establish equity inside and outside of the classroom. This presentation explores ways in which an inquisitive mindset can make steps toward achieving this goal, and how questioning is essential for creating the optimal learning environment.

The Variety Show: Why Classical String Musicians Are Exploring A Multistyle Approach To Teaching, Kelly C. Wiedemann

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

The Variety Show: Why Classical String Musicians are

Exploring a Multistyle Approach to Music

Kelly C. Wiedemann

This case study examines the experiences of five classically trained string teachers who now include alternative styles in their teaching. The research questions are: (1) What factors inspire a classically trained string educator to begin teaching alternative styles to their students? (2) Why is it important to keep classical music in string pedagogy? (3) How have these teachers, their peers, students, and community reacted to multistylism? The interviews revealed four major points of motivation: Opportunities for developing creativity and finding a personal voice …

The Benefits Of Music: An Exploration Of Music In Core-Curriculum Classrooms, Courtney Froehlich

Honors Projects

Inspired by research that establishes the benefits of using music in the teaching and learning of non-music subjects, this creative honors project provides sample lesson plans for music, math, and English teachers in grades K-8 that use musical activities to teach math and English concepts. Sample lesson plans are grouped by subject and grade levels, and underlying concepts of each plan are identified. Part One includes lesson plans that combine and draw connections between music and math concepts; Part Two includes lesson plans that combine and draw connections between music and English concepts. Within each part, plans are designed for …

Pre-Service Music Teachers' Perspectives Of Experiences In An Informal Music Learning Group, Veronica Jane Sharpe

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Pre-service music teachers’ undergraduate preparation is often geared towards formal music making (i.e., large conductor-led ensembles). However, recent research suggests that many school-aged students are making music in informal settings (e.g. garage bands) outside of school. Despite a recent influx of research in informal music learning, there is little information on pre-service music teacher’s opinions towards and preparedness in incorporating informal music making into the classroom. The purpose of this study was to examine how pre-service music teachers’ informal music learning experiences shaped their perspectives on the importance of informal music learning and its role in the classroom. For this …

Exploration, Language And Application: An Approach To Teaching Beginning Instrumental Jazz Improvisation, Jeremy Todd Pownall

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to provide preservice and inservice teachers with an alternative approach to teaching beginning jazz improvisation to instrumentalists in a classroom setting. It was determined that there exists a need for an accessible (to both teacher and student) method for teaching beginning jazz improvisation to instrumentalists. This is due to the lack of emphasis on jazz improvisation at both the public school and university level, as well as the inclusion of improvisation in both the national and Georgia state standards for music performance. The teaching method presented in this study is based on previous research, …

A Historical Descriptive Analysis Of Federal, State, And Local Education Policy And Its Influence On The Music Education Curriculum In The New York City Public School 1950-1999, David Crone

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Leadership And Administrative Tasks Of Secondary Choral Music Educators, Sharon G. Rush

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The problem of this study was the inconsistency between perceptions of secondary choral music educators and college and university choral music professors pertaining to needed leadership and administrative training in undergraduate music teacher education programs. The main purpose of this study was to attempt to develop a list of recommendations pertaining to necessary leadership and administrative tasks of music education majors. Two subpurposes of this study were: to help university and college school officials evaluate the present curriculum and adjust it to help meet the needs of their music education graduates; and to help expand the limited literature base concerning …

Classroom Music Continuum For The Vallecito Union School District, Kindergarten Through Sixth Grade, Deborah Glow Martin

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

It is generally recognized and accepted that music is a vital part of a child's education. The Music Educators National Conference stated in "The Child's Bill of Rights in Music":

Every child has the right to full and free opportunity to explore and develop his capacities in the field of music in such ways as may bring him happiness and a sense of well-being.

It is impossible to deal with all aspects of elementary music education in a single presentation; consequently, this thesis is directed toward a specific need in a particular school district, namely the Vallecito Union School District. …

A Study Of Scheduling, Staffing And Housing Procedures For A Comprehensive Elementary Instrumental Music Program In The Highline Public Schools, Gerald Clifton Bayne

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a survey of the scheduling, staffing and housing procedures for elementary instrumental music in selected large suburban school districts surrounding the City of Seattle, Washington. Upon comparison with other available studies and a similar survey of the Highline Public Schools, basic recommendations were made for the implementation of three alternate plans for a comprehensive elementary instrumental music program in the Highline Public Schools. The preferred recommended plan involves simultaneously team teaching with instrumental and vocal music specialists.

Current Status Of Chamber Ensembles In The First-Class High Schools Of Washington State, Dennis C. Crabb

All Master's Theses

The problem concerned in this paper is to establish the extent to which ensembles are used as a teaching method in music departments of the high schools of the first-class school districts of Washington State.

The Superintendent's Point Of View Concerning Music In The High Schools Of Washington State, Morris Ray Pedersen

All Master's Theses

A common philosophy of administrators and music educators should be prerequisite for a successful music program. This philosophy should permit enough flexibility to allow for individual differences and yet be rigid enough to encompass general education needs and goals. It can only be shared through communication. The place of music within the curriculum will be understood through this communication between the music educator and the chief administrator. It shall be the purpose of this study to encourage the shared philosophy and communication relationship between school music educators and their administrators.

An Experiment In Teaching Perfect Pitch With Programmed Learning, Harry Ross Nelson

All Master's Theses

Ten college students were subjects of an experiment dealing with the teaching of perfect pitch through programmed learning. The experiment was based on a similar study by Dr. Robert W. Lundin. An attempt was made to use equipment readily available in public schools, and to make the lessons as nearly self-teaching as possible.

The Influence Of Freemasonry On Some Of The Music Of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Lloyd Earl Mitchell

All Master's Theses

There is considerable evidence to indicate that the Fraternity of Freemasonry exerted creative impulses to some of the music of Wolfgang Mozart, subsequent to 1784. This study shows that Mozart, by virtue of his membership in the Order, was sufficiently impressed with benevolences and spiritual teachings of Freemasonry to symbolically reflect the ritual of the Order in an artistic manner. To support this contention a review of Freemasonry in the Eighteenth Century, an analysis of Mozart's association with Masonry, an inquiry into the relation of Freemasonry and the existing religious order, and an overview of Mozart's Masonic compositions are presented.

An Original Composition For Band “Suite For Band”, Bill R. Love

All Master's Theses

The writer's contemporary work seeks to contribute to the growing repertoire of original band music. The technique, range, intonation, and rhythm problems of average high school musicians are taken into special consideration. It could easily serve as an introductory piece to performers unfamiliar with the contemporary idiom. Although performance difficulties are kept to a minimum, "Suite for Band" should prove musically challenging and worthwhile to both high school and college bands.

Historical Development Of The Clarinet With Special Emphasis On Technique And The Resolving Of Technical Problems, Virgil M. Kocher

All Master's Theses

This paper was written for the purpose of discovering how the clarinet developed into the important instrument it is today. There have been many changes and additions to the mechanism and also in tonal characteristics since the first two-keyed clarinet was invented. These changes were the result of an effort to extend the range of the instrument, improve its tone, and to meet the demands of the composers of the day.

An Analysis Of “Little Bat” In The Opera Susannah, James William Dewey

All Master's Theses

Using both a unique character development and an interweaving of the main motives found throughout the opera, Little Bat emerges as one of the prominent characters in the opera Susannah.

Graduate Recital, Gareth L. Larsen

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

It has long been the intention of the writer that many of the problems that arise in the performance of instrumental groups are created by the director's insufficient knowledge of fundamental problems encountered in the playing of the instruments utilized in his organization.

Graduate Recital, Darrell R. Lund

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

A major responsibility of the high school band director is to guide young students in solo and ensemble studies. Successful experiences of this type help develop the student's individual playing and listening abilities which contributes to a more effective band program. It was the purpose of this recital to afford the writer and opportunity to gain added insight in the area of solo and ensemble preparation and performance which might be useful in developing more effective teaching methods.

In preparing this recital the writer was concerned with the selection of solos suitable to the needs and competencies of the performer, …

Report Of A Graduate Recital, Earl B. Swenson

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

The art of successful teaching has long been studied by young people entering the profession and by educators who desire to improve their teaching.

Graduate Recital, Fredrick L. Doctor

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Preceding the performance of each recital work, the following comments were made by the writer concerning the composers and the music.

Graduate Recital, Roger W. Wangerin

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

In the teaching of woodwind instruments, the inherent differences of these instruments with regard to tone production, pitch characteristics and technical problems, make it imperative for the instructor to have an intimate knowledge of these factors. Through actual demonstration by the teacher, the student is made closely aware of the multiple difficulties involved in woodwind instrument performance. It was the writer's purpose in the recital to demonstrate the characteristic tone quality and basic technical facility on each of the major woodwind instruments in addition to some of the standard repertoire for these instruments.