Music Performance Commons^™

Sunday Music Series: Carla Trynchuk & Elena Braslavsk, Andrews University

Concerts and Event Programs 2026-2027

Professor of Music and renowned violinist Carla Trynchuk and the equally renowned international pianist Elena Braslavsk present a joint recital under the Sunday Music Series.

An Authentic Key To Universality: The National Sound Of Tajčević And The International Sound Of Milojević In Serbian Piano Music, Nikola Šćepović

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This thesis argues that the authenticity of the works of Marko Tajčević and Miloje Milojević arises from their deep artistic response to the cultural and historical environment in which they lived and created, while their universality lies in their ability to articulate this authentic language within established artistic forms that resonate with a broader international musical community. It situates these works within the broader cultural context of Serbian music between the two World Wars, a period marked by the negotiation between national identity and European artistic integration.

It also explores the two formative directions of Serbian piano music, the music …

Playful Music Learning In Piano Lessons: Implications For Intrinsic Motivation And Sustained Engagement, Cora Lynne Hart

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Within the field of piano pedagogy, there is a great need to adapt teaching strategies to a new generation of learners. Traditional pedagogical methods are not always conducive to student-directed, process-based, and most importantly, joyful learning. The beginning elementary level is the most critical time to start a student’s musical journey with positivity and encouragement, and is a time when these teaching strategies make a profound impact. This thesis explores how play activities can facilitate engaging musical experiences that are more aligned with children’s natural way of learning. Through a literature review, the thesis synthesizes existing research on child learning …

Lecture Recital: Josepha Auernhammer, Bonnie Littlejohn

Honors Theses

This lecture recital highlights the work of the classical Viennese composer and contemporary of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Josepha Auernhammer (1758-1820). After an introduction to Auernhammer’s life and a brief overview of her compositional output, her Six Variations on “Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja” [I am the birdcatcher] and Harpsichord Sonata in A Major are discussed, diving into the work’s cultural context and intriguing compositional elements. A performance of the compositions concludes the lecture recital.

Jonathan Watson Graduate Piano Recital, Andrews University

Student Degree Recitals 2025-2026

Jonathan Watson presents his Graduate Piano Recital featuring works by Beethoven, Brahms, Rachmaninoff, and Shostakovich.

Jonathan Watson is a student of Dr. Chi Yong Yun.

Aiko J. Ayala Ríos Senior Piano Recital, Andrews University

Student Degree Recitals 2025-2026

Aiko J. Ayala Ríos presents her Senior Piano Recital Ex Umbra in Lux, featuring works by J.S. Bach, F. Liszt, W. A. Mozart, and S. Prokofiev.

Aiko J. Ayala Ríos is a student of Dr. Chi Yong Yun.

Howard Series Presents: Chi Yong Yun & Charles Reid, Andrews University

Concerts and Event Programs 2025-2026

International-renowned pianist Chi Yong Yun & acclaimed tenor Charles Reid present a voice recital under the Howard Series.

Treatment Of Birdsong In Selected Works For Solo Piano, Madeline Hoover

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Birdsong-inspired music makes up a small but important part of the classical piano repertoire. This paper reviews birdsong in classical music since the seventeenth century, exploring different techniques for mimicking birdsong and the unique strengths of the piano as an instrument for purveying bird music. In the Baroque and Classical eras, the cuckoo song was sampled often because of its simplicity. Later, composers’ attention turned toward more complicated songs, like that of the hermit thrush. Interest in more complex songs led to experimentation in notation and a push for more accurate transcriptions. In the 20th century, composers included recordings of …

Praise With Pipes And Strings: An Exploration Of American Protestant Hymnody Through New Arrangements For Flute And Piano, Dominic J. Baldoni

Dissertations, 2020-current

This project presents five hymn tunes from the American Protestant (A.P.) tradition arranged for flute and piano, accompanied by a scholarly analysis of the historical, liturgical, and practical aspects of A.P. hymnody and congregational song. The accompanying document explores the development of A.P. hymnody, the background of each selected tune, the role of instruments, primarily the flute, in worship, and the challenges faced by church musicians in the twenty-first century. By examining both vocal and instrumental iterations of these melodies throughout history, the analysis aims to inform performers and program planners about stylistic and contextual considerations for contemporary services and …

Listen To The Birds: Sound Ecology At The Piano, Anna Showalter

Dissertations, 2020-current

This document explores the intersection between birdsong and piano music using four cases studies from the piano repertoire in the Western classical tradition. Using Jeff Titon’s framework of “sound ecology” as a lens, I ask whether the following pieces of music could in some way function as an “acoustic tissue among human and bird communities that becomes the basis for a healthy economy and a just community.” After exploring the history of birdsong in the piano literature as a microcosm of shifting attitudes toward birdsong in Western art music this study focuses on four pieces as case studies for analysis—Amy …

Creed And Variations: Tracing The Divergence Of Christian Traditions In Select Piano Works Of Arvo Pärt, Olivier Messiaen, And J. S. Bach, Rebekah E. Stiles

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

Within the classical music universe, the works of J. S. Bach, Olivier Messiaen, and Arvo Pärt stand apart as particularly evocative of the divine. Much has been written on these three men’s integration of faith with musical practice, exploring how their music is not only spiritual in nature but distinctly Christian. But in comparing the three, one encounters deeply rooted distinctions between their religious worldviews, a distinction not only found in their personal testimonies but actually heard in their music. Their compositional languages reflect three traditions: Protestantism (specifically Lutheranism), represented by Bach; Roman Catholicism, represented by Messiaen; and Eastern Orthodoxy, …

Carlos Lugo Senior Piano Recital, Andrews University

Student Degree Recitals 2024-2025

Carlos Lugo presents this special recital titled Refreshments of the Soul. Featuring works by Brahms, J.S. Bach, and Chopin.

Andrews University Symphony Orchestra - Spring Concert, Andrews University

Concerts and Event Programs 2024-2025

The Andrews University Symphony Orchestra presented its Spring Concert with a varied musical selection under the direction of Dr. Marc Elyseé.

Featuring soloist Dr. Chi Yong Yun and the University Singers under the direction of Prof. Stephen Zork.

Andrews University Symphony Orchestra - Young Artist Concert, Andrews University

Concerts and Event Programs 2024-2025

The Young Artist Concert, alongside the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra, features AU student soloists John Clough (piano), Jonathan Watson (piano), Carlos Lugo(piano), and Collin Cha (cello).

Schubert Lieder For Solo Piano: From Liszt Transcriptions To An Original Adaptation, Changpeng Ti

Theses and Dissertations--Music

This document investigates Franz Liszt’s transcriptions of Schubert Lieder. Between 1838 and 1846, Liszt transcribed 56 songs (including standalone works and song cycles) by Franz Schubert into solo piano pieces. This document discusses compositional devices used in Liszt’s transcriptions and their relationship to Schubert’s vocal and piano writing as well as the original poetic text. Following the discussion on Liszt transcriptions, I present my own transcription of Schubert’s Im Frühling, D. 882, as an experiment in adapting vocal and poetic nuances into a solo piano piece inspired by the Liszt transcriptions.

J.A.C. Redford’S Variations On The Incarnation: Looking Back And Forward With Piano Theme And Variations, Nathaniel Brown

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This senior thesis consists of a lecture recital and research regarding the development of the theme and variations form in piano literature. It will trace the way the types of pieces that use theme and variations have developed from era to era and composer to composer. The culminating lecture recital will present my research on the topic and will end with a performance of J.A.C. Redford’s Variations on the Incarnation, one of the most recently published theme and variations pieces for solo piano. Redford’s piece was commissioned by Dr. Paul Barnes.

The composers and pieces featured in this project …

Beyond Surrealism: The Developing Keyboard Style Of André Souris, Melanie T. Mallard

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

André Souris (1899-1970) is perhaps best known as a musical contributor to the Belgian surrealist group founded by Paul Nougé, but he assumed many roles throughout his life, including composer, writer, director, and promoter of modern music. His various interests influenced the style of his compositions, which remain largely unpublished and have received little scholarly attention beyond researchers of surrealism. Through this survey of many of Souris’ works for keyboard, I attempt to lay the groundwork for further discussion about Souris’ musical contributions not only through the lens of surrealism but also throughout his compositional career. This descriptive analysis of …

Andrews University Symphony Orchestra - Fall Concert, Andrews University

Concerts and Event Programs 2024-2025

The Andrews University Symphony Orchestra presents Festive Memories, a Fall concert under the direction of Dr. Marc Elysee. Feature artists Earlon Cornwell and Aiko Ayala Rios, conductor and pianist, respectively.

Hyo-Shin Na's Chamber Works, 'From Korea To America- 120 Years And Beyond' And 'Song Of The Fog': A Stylistic Analysis And Performance Guide, Jiyeon Lee

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzes two chamber music works by Korean composer Hyo-shin Na, Song of the Fog and From Korea to America, focusing on how the fusion of Eastern and Western instruments contributes to musical expression and timbral characteristics. It includes an examination of the role of instrumental arrangement and reveals the composer's narrative and emotional intentions. The aim is to present an insight into Hyo-shin Na’s ensemble style.

Song of the Fog uses the Japanese koto with Western chamber instruments to depict the imagery of the accompanying poetry through changes in timbre, dynamic contrasts, and various performance techniques. Despite …

Community Outreach: A Piano Concert Designed For Children, Hsin Shih Liu

Dissertations

Evidence exists that music community outreach has been practiced for at least around a century in Western countries. However, in Taiwan, the idea of music community outreach is relatively new and not as commonly seen as in the United States. This research provides mention of community outreach organizations and individuals in Taiwan and the United States. Additionally, it is aimed to assist in designing more successful programs in the future. Included in this dissertation are a methodology of designing an effective concert program for children and the concert feedback form provided to the participants. This project featured three piano concerts …

Martin Bresnick's “Bitter Suite” Duo For Violin And Piano, Xun Xu

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

This document is intended to be a practical tool for those interested in performing, researching, and cultivating an acute understanding of Martin Bresnick’s Bitter Suite Duo for Violin and Piano. A composer working within varying neoclassical and modern idioms, Bresnick has merited many accolades, from the Rome Prize to a Guggenheim to the American Academy of Arts and Letters' first-ever Charles Ives Living Award.

The first movement of Bitter Suite was commissioned by the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bresnick enjoyed composing this movement and was inspired to write three additional movements, transforming the commission …

Performing Original Arrangements Of Jazz Repertoire, Spencer M. Mackey

Honors Capstones

My goal with this Capstone project was to encapsulate my four years of music and jazz education at Northern Illinois University into a senior recital. I picked repertoire that spanned my whole college career and decided to arrange for jazz combo settings which is something I enjoy doing a lot. Arranging is an important concept in jazz music. My research for this project took a relatively simple approach; I listened to jazz music. Specifically, I listened to multiple versions of the tunes on my recital, compositions by the composers I was featuring on my recital, and other various recordings that …

Faculty Recital: Deanne Mohr, Deanne Mohr

Music Programs

This recital was performed in the WSU Recital Hall on March 26, 2024, by Deanne Mohr (piano), featuring Eric Brisson as narrator for the final piece of the program. Mohr’s performance featured music from the Baroque, Classical, Neoclassical, and Romantic Eras. This performance portrayed how the music from various periods differ in form, style, and subject matter.

Faculty Recital: Deanne Mohr, Deanne Mohr

Music Posters

This is a poster for the faculty recital, which was performed in the WSU Recital Hall on March 26, 2024, by Daniel Sheridan (clarinet), and supported by Eric Brisson (piano), Kristi Krause (oboe), and Harry Hindson (bassoon). This performance included music from the Romantic Era and the early 20th century.

Carlos Lugo Junior Piano Recital, Andrews University

Student Degree Recitals 2023-2024

Carlos Lugo presents this special recital titled Ende vom Lied. Featuring works by Beethoven, R. Schumann, and Ginestera.

Tyler Ninalga Senior Piano Recital, Andrews University

Student Degree Recitals 2023-2024

Tyler Ninalga presents his Senior recital-themed Variations.

It features works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Kapustin.

Gina Park Senior Piano Recital, Andrews University

Student Degree Recitals 2023-2024

Gina Park presents a senior recital titled "Journey".

Featuring works of Schumann, Schubert and Kapustin.

Piano Studio Recital, Fall, Andrews University

Concerts and Event Programs 2023-2024

Students of Dr.Chi Yong Yun give a recital.

Music Of The Divine: Interweaving Threads Connecting Contemporary Chant-Based Piano Repertoire, Jeremy D. Duck

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

The purpose of this document is to prove chant remains an important source of inspiration among living composers, and, despite the number of piano works already incorporating chant, composers today are still finding unique ways to include chant in their music. To achieve this objective, representative works have been selected for research and analysis for four of the major chant traditions. Connor Chee’s The Navajo Piano, Victoria Bond’s Illuminations on Byzantine Chant, and Hayes Biggs’ E.M. am Flügel: Poem-Étude for Piano Solo, though the chants from which they are inspired are diverse in concept and style, they …

Dr. Nick Ross, Piano: Virtuosic Piano Music For The Left Hand Alone, Music Department

Concert and Recital Programs

The recital program for a performance by Otterbein's Dr. Nick Ross. Performed October 20, 2023. This recital focuses on large-scale works for the left hand alone. Three of the four works are well-established masterpieces within this genre, and the fourth is a world premiere of a new work by American composer Kent Holliday. This performance is connected to Dr. Ross's research on left-hand literature.