Education Commons^™

Ownership Behaviors In Children's Music Culture, Sarah Dworjan

Masters Theses

Adults may demonstrate cultural ownership of music in various ways, but children are limited in their artistic expression by the restrictions of youth, parental authority, and financial subordination. This project evaluates the ownership behaviors demonstrated by 60 third and fourth grade female students in Albany, NY. Considering self-reported behaviors and the completion of creative activities in the general music classroom, the study also examines a secondary question: is there a difference in the way children interact with music of their own choosing as compared to the music of a teacher’s choosing? Results from this project indicate that students naturally respond …

The Lack Of And Discouragement Of Certified And Intended Music Educators Due To The State Of Louisiana Teacher Certification Requirements, Kendall James Damond

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Current trends in today’s secondary education level lean towards a shortage of certified teachers and educators in all subject areas. As public and private school administrations devise new incentives and plan to recruit individuals to the field of education, preservice educator requirements and university curriculum demands continue to discourage and prevent aspiring educators from not only becoming fully certified but also continuing the journey of the teacher preparation and certification process. This qualitative research study will focus on Louisiana’s music teacher certification preparation practices within its universities and the effects of failure to successfully pass the Praxis II: Music Content …

A Qualitative Descriptive Study Of Enrollment And Retention Trends In Mid-Sized Pennsylvania Rural Band Programs, Adam Brian Nobile

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite many differences across Pennsylvania's rural school districts, band programs face similar recruitment, retention, and matriculation challenges. Rural school districts in Pennsylvania account for 235 of the 499 school districts in Pennsylvania while educating less than 20 percent of the student population in the state. In addition, rural districts often lack the community infrastructure many urban and suburban school districts possess, creating a unique set of circumstances affecting all aspects of programming, including band programs. While rural communities continue to experience a decline in enrollment, many have had, or currently have, successful band programs while overcoming many obstacles that affect …

The Interdisciplinary Music Degree: Music Education, Music Performance, And Music And Fine Arts Administration, Edwin R. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite numerous available careers and degrees in music education, music performance, and music administration, perspectives of many music educators and students desiring an interdisciplinary music degree program inclusive of music education, music performance, and music administration have yet to be expressed or examined publicly. The notion of 21st-century skills presents a demand for flexibility across most facets of K-12 and higher education. These skills necessitate fluency in problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration, thus, music education must move toward more flexible and rigorous preparatory music training programs to remain consistent with current trends. Most undergraduate and graduate degree programs in music …

Native American Choral Music: Strategies For Celebrating And Incorporating Music Of Indigenous People, Mary Ruth Young

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

*Language usage is fluid and evolving, representing past and present people groups. During my discussions with my Indigenous composer colleagues, I've found that they hold varying preferences regarding how they wish to be addressed and the terminology they prefer. Because of this, I use the terms Native, Native American, First Nations, Indigenous, American Indian, and First Peoples interchangeably.*

This document will discuss the historical exclusion of Native American music in the Western art forms, specifically the choral tradition, and provide solutions to incorporate it in modern choral performances. Considering first the wars, disease, displacement, colonization, and missionization, it is no …

Ouachita's Wind Ensemble Presents Concert March 4, Coleman Callan, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music in the School of Performing Arts will present the Wind Ensemble in a spring concert Monday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public.

The program will feature “March,” “Song Without Words,” “Song of the Blacksmith” and “Fantasia on the ‘Dargason’” from Gustav Holst’s Second Suite in F, Op. 28 No. 2; “Despedida (Farewell)” from Concerto for Marimba and Symphonic Band by Ney Rosauro; “Lisbon,” “Horkstow Grange,” “Rufford Park Poachers,” “The Brisk Young Sailor,” “Lord Melbourne” and “The Lost Lady Found” from Percy …

Advocacy For Music Education Programs, Katelyn Gibson

Graduate Research Showcase

The main focus of this research is to provide strategies for raising awareness and promoting support for elementary music programs. This literature review seeks to empower music educators with specific strategies for gaining support for music education in a society where budget cuts are vast and the demand for improved test scores on standardized exams favors the increased attention to be placed on core subjects alone. Music education is proven to have many lasting benefits outside of music education alone. Key elements for creating and maintaining a successful program include; collaboration efforts, communication with stakeholders, community performances, highlighting the integration …

Music And Perceived Stress: An Investigation Into The Effects Of Music On Chemistry Students' Perceived Stress Levels, Alice Young, Eric Malina

Honors Theses

Music has long been a prevalent intervention when trying to lower stress in certain populations (Thoma et al., 2013). This study aimed to explore the possible usefulness of music as an intervention for students experiencing stress in the chemistry laboratory setting. Students in general chemistry laboratories were surveyed regarding their stress at the ends of periods in which music was or was not played in their laboratory classes. While the results were not statistically significant, mean stress scores did lower in those groups where music was played. Further research into this topic should focus on type of music, the effects …

And All Those Jazz Hands! A Curricular Show Choir In An Elementary Public School: A Case Study, Anne Valadia Binkley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the known benefits of adolescent participation in secondary music ensembles and the advantages of singing for elementary-aged students, researchers have yet to evaluate the positive effects of student participation in a public school elementary curricular show choir. The potential benefits of an elementary show choir in a public school can reveal more possibilities for music educators to involve students in relevant music-making. This study examines the perspectives of former elementary show choir members, parents, city officials, and elementary school administrators concerned with a public school curricular show choir. Respondents have shared views on benefits to students, families, and the …

A Comparative Study Of The Effects Of Lessons From Music Theory Websites On The Engagement Levels Of Fifth Grade Students, Casey Artis

Masters Theses

The purpose of this correlative research study is to determine if a significant difference exists between fifth grade students learning from musictheory.net and those who learn from 8notes.com. Student engagement and achievement will be measured after they have finished interacting with their assigned music website. The study will explore the relationship between music technology and student engagement and achievement in the music classroom. The results of the study will help music educators add to their list of tools for teaching music with technology and provide them with more data about technologically enhanced student achievement and engagement. It is important for …

Improving Students' Assessment Performance By Reducing Stress And Anxiety In The Testing Environment, Andrew Soelter

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The driving focus of this action research was to better understand how teachers and school districts can help with students' anxiety and stress surrounding assessments. This better understanding of anxiety and stress is crucial to improving academic performance not only on assessments but also across their academic life. A quantitative study was conducted with 88 students spread over two unique content types. 30 students were part of the control group, and the rest of the students were split between one of four different interventions which attempted to reduce students’ assessment anxiety and stress to lead to performance increases. The results …

Ouachita's School Of Performing Arts Presents Worship Concert Sept. 12, Abby Kemmer, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

The Division of Music in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Performing Arts presents the Ouachita Choirs Worship Concert on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 6:30 p.m. on the front steps of Evans Student Center. A relatively new event for Ouachita, the performance is a time for music students to lead the student body in contemporary choral worship.

The concert features a variety of contemporary worship music that many students are familiar with. This year’s performance includes “What a Savior, What a Friend,” written by Ouachita grad Leslyn (Ichter) Jacks ’11. Other songs on the program include “This is Our God,” “Endless …

Change Through Learning: Observing The Need And Benefits Of A Multicultural Music Education Through Applying Coursework About The Korean And Korean American Musical Diaspora, Austin Eamnarangkool

Masters Theses

Music education is often synonymous with Western Music education, or more specifically, Classical music education. Music theory and analysis surrounding the styles of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven have been central to the pedagogy of a collegiate musical background, while expertise in Carnatic, Gamelan, or African drumming—to name a few—is seen as nonessential. This research project aims to uncover the reasons why (higher) music education is so narrowly focused and provides the skeletal framework for a practical method to begin constructing diverse, holistic curricula. While the overarching goal is to diversify music education in all cultures, the project focuses on the …

Sel And Community Engagement Strategies For The Recruitment And Retention Of Suburban Middle School Band Students, Gina Marie Vingara

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research has not yet found a correlation between community engagement and social-emotional learning (SEL) in a manner that benefits the recruitment and retention of suburban middle school band students. Teachers who create community engagement initiatives can boost the number of student recruits as the program becomes more widely recognized as a valuable asset of the school. This explanatory sequential mixed methods design study examined strategies regarding community engagement and SEL for recruiting and retaining middle school instrumental music education students. Perspectives on community engagement and SEL benefiting recruitment and retention of middle school band students emerged. Research revealed a connection …

The Effects Of Growth Mindset Strategies On The Rhythmic Notation Comprehension And Personal Musical Self-Efficacy Perceptions Of High School Instrumentalists, Frederick Conrad Krieger

Masters Theses

Despite the depth of research in general education and music education teaching methods as well as an implied overlap in these concepts, there is little research directly linking methodology and strategies across these content areas. More specifically, the benefit and implementation of growth-mindset instruction is considered best practice in the general education classroom but is rarely discussed in the context of the performing ensemble. Consistency in educational methods between content areas is critical because it unifies each into a single education process and promotes lifelong learning that will extend into other areas and beyond the classroom. This study will explore …

Parental Perspectives On The Role Of Music As A Core Subject, Justine M. Hansen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the designation of music as a core subject by federal and many state education policies, instructional time for elementary music classes is disproportionately less than that allocated to other core subjects. The perceptions held by parents of elementary school children may indicate the extent to which elementary general music education is valued by the public, affecting the allocation of instructional time. At present, no research exists examining the views held by parents concerning the designation of music as a core subject and its role in a well-rounded education. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions held …

The Effects Of Culturally Responsive Teaching On Three Black Or African American High School Choral Students In The Greater Hartford Region, Samuela Jean Simpson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Culturally responsive teaching is an emerging area of education. Due to an increase of people of color in the United States, there is a greater need to incorporate culturally responsive practices in curricula. This study uncovered the perspectives of three public high school Black or African American choral students and a Black or African American high school choral teacher in the Greater Hartford Region and their experiences with culturally responsive choral music. This qualitative phenomenological study revealed new perspectives on the effects of culturally responsive choral instruction. Four themes emerged from students’ post-study interviews: knowledgeable engagement, identity, connections, and musicality. …

2023 Music And Worship Senior Recognition Ceremony, Cedarville University

Senior Recognition Ceremony

No abstract provided.

Ouachita's Division Of Music Presents Annual Prism Concert May 1, Kelsey Bester

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music presents its annual PRISM concert on Monday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. Free and open to the public, the concert will include performances from Ouachita’s instrumental ensembles.

“The Ouachita PRISM Concert is one of my favorite concerts of the year,” said Dr. Craig Hamilton, Lena Goodwin Trimble Professor of Music and director of bands at Ouachita. “It features many of our instrumental ensembles in a unique setting. I am very proud of the music our students and faculty create and look forward to sharing their achievements with our audience.”

Julia Letcher To Perform Senior Vocal Recital April 28, Addie Woods, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Division of Music in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will host Julia Letcher for her senior vocal recital Friday, April 28, at 11 a.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Letcher is a musical theatre major from Plano, Texas. She has been named to the President’s and Dean’s lists at Ouachita, where she is a Friend of the Arts Scholar, a member of Tri Chi women’s social club, serves as president of Alpha Psi Omega national theatre honor society and performed the role of Miss Andrew in the Department of …

Destiny Diaz To Perform Senior Flute Recital At Ouachita On April 14, Addie Woods, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Division of Music in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will host Destiny Diaz for her senior flute recital on Friday, April 14, at 11 a.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Diaz’s principal applied instructor is Dr. Carlos Feller, assistant professor of music at Ouachita.

Ouachita Tiger Steel Flag Flown In Trinidad And Tobago, Kaitlyn Stoddard, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Tiger Steel, Ouachita Baptist University’s advanced steel drum ensemble, was chosen to have its emblem flag flown in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), in the fall as part of the country’s recognition of Steelpan Month. Ouachita was one of the first two universities chosen for inclusion in the third annual Barry Mannette Steelpan Flying High Global Flag Exhibition, part of the Steelpan One World Initiative.

“It’s wonderful to have our steel band recognized and honored this way in the country where steel drums originated! It’s kind of similar to our flags in the plaza on campus,” said Dr. Ryan Lewis, …

Kyleigh Stevens To Perform Senior Voice Recital April 6, Addie Woods, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Division of Music in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will host Kyleigh Stevens for her senior vocal recital on Thursday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall.

Stevens is a vocal performance major from Hot Springs, Ark. Her principal applied instructor is Dr. Natilan Crutcher, visiting assistant professor of music at Ouachita.

Music And Mindfulness And Its Effect On Classroom Community, Jerry Holbrook

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if music and mindfulness practices may have an effect on classroom community. A mixed-methods study was conducted to determine if there was correlation between minutes spent practicing mindfulness and classroom community building activities and overall satisfaction. Throughout the action research, data was collected to understand the significance of mindfulness and its presence and impacts on classroom community. Results revealed that insignificant correlation was discovered in how many minutes were spent and how it may play a role in overall satisfaction of mindfulness practices and classroom community outcomes. These results conclude …

Hardin And Holloway To Perform Sophomore Recitals March 31, Anna Roussel, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Division of Music in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present Amaya Hardin and Brandon Holloway in their sophomore voice recitals Friday, March 31, at 2 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall.

Chamber Winds To Feature Student Compositions During March 28 Concert At Ouachita, Emma Dennis, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Division of Music in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present its Chamber Winds spring concert Tuesday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.

“I love hearing our students have the opportunity to perform in smaller chamber ensembles,” said Dr. Caroline Taylor, dean of the School of Fine Arts and professor of music at Ouachita. “It gives them wonderful experience working independently and playing music written specifically for their groups.”

Success Vs. Survival: The Challenges Of Teaching K-12 School Music In South Metro Atlanta, Davion Rashad Battle

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music education has been an essential part of American education and society. Since the earliest beginning of our nation's founding, many proponents of music education successfully advocated for musicians to teach music as a curricular discipline within the core of academics. Still, changes continue to occur with governmental reform and educational policies. Coupled with the demographic changes within our society, successful and influential music education has become a difficult challenge for many educators who teach within communities with limited resources. Many teacher-educator preparation programs across the nation modify curriculums to meet the concerns of an ever-changing society, including socioeconomic status, …

Isabella Owen Wins 25th Shambarger Competition At Ouachita, Kelsey Bester, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Isabella Owen, a senior music major from Jonesboro, Ark., won the 25th Annual Mary Shambarger Competition for Singers held Tuesday, Feb. 21, in McBeth Recital Hall at Ouachita Baptist University. Hosted by the Division of Music in Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts, the competition is named for the late Mary Shambarger, professor emerita of music at Ouachita. Shambarger served on the music faculty for 32 years, teaching voice and directing student choral groups until her retirement in 1998.

Ouachita's Wind Ensemble Presents Concert March 6, Emma Dennis, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music in the School of Fine Arts will present the Wind Ensemble in a spring concert Monday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public.

Cordell Hufstedler To Perform Junior Recital At Ouachita, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Division of Music in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present Cordell Hufstedler in his junior vocal recital on Friday, March 3, at 11 a.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The recital is free and open to the public.

Hufstedler is a junior vocal performance major from Thayer, Mo. His principal applied instructor is Dr. Margaret Garrett, professor of music at Ouachita.