This research targets retired singers from the university choral ensemble, offering an in-depth examination of the older adults' choir experiences, with a focus on their experiences and reflections. Prior studies have highlighted the benefits of musical involvement for retirees, including extending life expectancy, enhancing quality of life, and…

This study was designed to fill a need to explore the hypothesis that students who participate in middle school bands and or chorus have higher math cognitive functioning than their non-music peers. Using the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP), this study identified specific math domains that middle school music students showed higher functioning…

There has been a recent increase in the number of studies done on the use of music therapy and the use of music in general to support social connections, literacy, language skills, and communication in students with disabilities; however, little has been published that supports the specific benefits of using music to increase engagement and…

Voice misclassification threatens the vocal longevity and long-term career success of voice students enrolled in higher education (HE) vocal programs. Not every singer possesses the musculature required to support the unique vocal fold density and subglottal pressure necessary to sing repertoire and roles associated with certain voice types…

The purpose of this study is to identify how common the practice of block scheduling is currently among American public middle schools. This study also determines the perspectives of choral music educators working in public middle schools with existing block schedules. More extant literature is needed to examine block scheduling practices at the…

Choral ensembles often operate as hierarchical institutions where the conductor maintains a position of control over the musical, educational, and social aspects of singing with little or no input from singers. This dissertation reconceptualizes the choral experience as a dialogical process where conventional boundaries between conductor and…

Temporomandibular Disorders are a prevalent group of disorders affecting the temporomandibular joints and surrounding structures, including the masticatory muscles, ligaments, and tissues. Voice pedagogy literature and social media suggest an incomplete understanding of TMDs among voice teachers, with no repository containing a synthesis of…

The purpose of the study was to investigate secondary choral music educators' and administrators' perceptions of the use of the Mississippi Professional Growth System (PGS) as an applicable tool for evaluating secondary choral music educators. While there is limited research regarding the evaluation of choral music educators, this study aimed to…

This mixed methods study aimed to explore how using Model-Eliciting Activities (MEAs) in an aural skills classroom can promote student motivation and engagement. Aural skills courses, which focus on ear training and sight singing, benefit from MEAs--activities that require students to create models to solve progressively complex problems. As…

This study examines the educational journey and professional challenges faced by performing artists holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. Utilizing an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology, the research delves into the lived experiences of ten BFA holders in the performing arts, exploring their motivations, career…

This study sought to understand the skills and qualities a student needs to be successful in a music education career from a high school choral teacher's perspective. Pre-service music teachers must be prepared to teach and organize a music classroom in any K-12 setting when graduating college with a music education degree (Franzblau, 2013).…

Much has been written on the topic of critical pedagogy since the Brazilian educator Paulo Freire brought his critical approach and theory of knowledge to the world stage in "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" in 1968. As a self-reflexive pedagogy, it is in a near constant state of shaping and re-shaping. Through all of this, critical pedagogy…

Despite existing literature documenting patriotism and nationalism in education and children's knowledge of patriotic and national songs, the impact of patriotism and nationalism in American elementary music education through patriotic and national songs has not been examined in the context of current national standards. This examination is…

The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which university-level choral faculty experience impostor feelings across job responsibilities (conducting, teaching, and research), years of experience, and gender. Individuals experiencing "impostor phenomenon" (IP) are typically high-achieving, successful people, yet tend to feel…

This dissertation examines the integration of behavior analytical procedures into teaching performing arts dance skills to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), mainly the innovative use of song-lyrics self-instruction. Individuals with ASD often face unique challenges, including social communication delays, limited play interests, and…