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Devices for Teaching Creative Music in the Elementary Grades
The purpose of the creative approach in music education is to furnish the child with opportunities for originality of expression and for freedom and adventure. This thesis examines the goals and purposes of using creativity in music eduction.
An Analysis and Comparison of the Critical Works of Virgil Thomson and Olin Downes
A study of the critical work of Virgil Thomson, critic for the New York Herald Tribune and of Olin Downes, music critic for the New York Times, will perhaps give a better understanding of how different emphasis on purposes may influence critical work. Each man wrote brief, journalistic reviews. They attended many of the same concerts; yet, their critical judgments differed in many respects.
A Teaching Guide for Adult Beginner Piano Study
This teaching guide for adult piano study has been designed to be used with many of the methods which already exist, and to serve as a guide for the teacher who failed to keep abreast with the progress of modern piano study.
A Dramatic and Musical Analysis of the Character, Isolde, Derived from Both the Legend and Richard Wagner's Opera, Tristan and Isolde
This paper attempts to give a complete musical and dramatic analysis of the character of Isolde, from both the legend and Richard Wagner's opera, Tristan and Isolde, by first comparing the events as related in the two principal sources of the legend and then by an examination of Wagner's version of the story.
The Materials and Methods Employed in the Pedagogy of Woodwind Instrument Classes at the College Level
It is the purpose of this thesis to present some of the material to be employed in the pedagogy of the woodwind instrument classes at the college level in order that this material may serve as a useful and beneficial guide for the students and teachers of the woodwind instrument classes. This study has been prepared in the belief that a most serious obstacle in the teaching of woodwind instrument classes is the lack of a comprehensive text dealing with the fundamentals underlying the selection of teaching materials to be used. In a large number of instances young teachers are confronted with the necessity of developing a woodwind department in their schools without having had any systematic preparation for the task. This thesis attempts to meet this need.
A Critical Analysis of the Harmonic Idiom of Songs of Claude Debussy and its Influence on Compositions of Charles Loeffler and John Alden Carpenter
The main purpose of this study will be to analyze the impressionistic style and techniques of Debussy, how the idiom came to be, and the influence of this particular idiom on two American composers. For thorough understanding, the poetic and artistic backgrounds of impressionism must be brought out; the biography of the man who originated the idiom, as well as his aesthetic theories, must be briefly covered. More objectively, from biographies and various other studies the techniques peculiarly impressionistic will be listed, and analysis will be made of several of the Debussy songs from various periods of his composition.
Sonata form in Haydn's Piano Sonatas
The problem undertaken in this paper is a study of sonata form in regard to the number, types, and key schemes of movements in the pre-Haydn sonatas and a comparison of these with the sonata form as Haydn established it. Finally, a detailed analysis of the Haydn E-Flat Major sonata is presented showing typical formal characteristics. The history of the sonata form does not begin simultaneously with the advent of the sonata itself, for the sonata as we know it today is the result of many stages of experimentation. Its growth and development were a gradual process which lasted the better part of three centuries. Many composers contributed to this growth, but the sonata form itself cannot be ascribed to any particular composer.
An Evaluation of Present Practice in the Education of School Music Teachers in Texas
For a long time there has been a growing conviction among the music graduates from colleges in Texas that the training of music teachers has been limited both from the standpoint of the number of hours offered in music for a degree and of the adequacy of the training received. The trends in music teacher education in Texas need to be evaluated in order to determine whether or not teacher training in this state is adequate. In comparing the adequacy of the school curriculum as far as the number of hours and courses is concerned, McEachern's A Survey and Evaluation of the Education of School Music Teachers in the United States will be used as a source of comparison, since this study is inclusive of the curricula of colleges over the United States.
Some Modern Theories of Tonality
The traditional major-minor tonality and the means for its establishment have been developed and used for the last four centuries, until all the possibilities of musical ideas within the given frame of tonal coherence seem now to be exhausted. Today we see a violent change, affecting the basic vocabulary of music as well as musical grammar and syntax. The possibilities of the major-minor tonality seem to be overgrown and appear to be no longer sufficiently flexible to serve the creative spirit of present-day music as basis for musical expression. Thoughtful composers and theorists, however much they may differ in their background and in their attitude toward different traits of modern music, agree in the realization that musical composition is at a crucial point of development all of over the world.
A Stylistic Analysis of the Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra by Harl McDonald
The purpose of the following study is to make to stylistic analysis, on the basis of form, harmony, melody, and rhythm, of the Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra by Harl McDonald, a twentieth-century American composer. When a composer begins the composition of a concerto he is faced with a series of specific problems, e.g., the degree of prominence to be given the soloist in relation to the orchestra, the technique of the solo instrument, the traditional first movement sonata form, and the balance between solo and orchestra in regard to tone color and sound mass. By determining the elements of style typical of this particular work, the investigator aims to set forth in a general way to how the composer treated each of the problems stated above.The concerto for Two Pianos was selected for study because of its modernity and because of the writer's active interest in works for this medium.
Problem of the Arrangement for two Pianos of Sedlak by Jindr. Jindrich and Prelude, op. 34, no. 5, by Dmitri Shostakovich
This study was prompted by the writer's interest and experience in the field of two-piano performance. At the beginning of this writer's two-piano work the available material was scarce, and much of it was inadequate in quality from the standpoint of both composition and arrangement. It seems strange that this particular form of chamber music, so delightful to play and so enjoyable to listen to, did not completely take popular fancy until the twentieth century. During the past ten years however, teachers are realizing the benefits derived from training students in two-piano playing. There is no doubt in the writer's opinion that two-piano concerts will henceforth always be in demand.
A Stylistic Analysis of Schumann's Concerto in A Minor
The purpose if this study is to make an analysis of the structural elements and stylistic characteristics in the Concerto in A Minor for Piano by the nineteenth century German composer, Robert Schumann. These elements include the composer's treatment of melody, rhythm, form, and piano idiom. This problem has been limited to a stylistic analysis of Schumann's only concerto in A minor for piano and orchestra, Op. 54. Its purpose is to make an analysis of the structural and stylistic elements in the Concerto. These include the composer's treatment of melody, rhythm, form and the piano idiom. Since the matter of harmony is not of primary importance in this work, it is not discussed here. The present study does not include a consideration of the orchestral score and its relationship to the piano; however mention of it is made in the chapter on piano idiom.
Application of Certain Seashore Measures of Musical Talent and the Kuder Preference Record to the Building of a Music Program in Borger High School
In this research, an attempt is made to evaluate the music program of a typical high school in terms of its contribution to the development of pupils who show evidence of possessing musical talent. One of the aims of modern education is to help pupils develop emotional stability, desirable attitudes, and worthy ideals. In other words, the purpose is to teach pupils to feel, as well as to know and do. Music can be powerful force in fulfilling this aim. The purpose of this report is to apply the results of the Pitch and Tonal Memory tests of the Seashore Measures of Musical Talent and the results of the Kuder Preference Record to the building of a Program Music in Borger High School.
Chamber Music for Children
This study is a progressive series of string quartets for children ages six to eight. A picture and a story for the child accompany each of the twenty lessons. The stories are written about animals, birds, and incidents that exist in the child's world. They are designed to arouse associations between familiar subjects or incidents and unfamiliar problems at hand. The second section of this work is entitled "Instructions to the Teacher." A child's interest is sacrificed when he is burdened with too many technicalities. Thus the teacher is fully informed of the difficulties in each lesson, and suggestions are given for solving the problems that arise.
Analysis of Verdi's Choral Style as Found in the Manzoni Requiem
This study of Verdi's choral style in the Manzoni Requiem includes an investigation of the bibliography pertaining to the subject, and a detailed study of the score to determine and verify the characteristics of each stylistic component, tabulating statistical material and listing examples demonstrating the various characteristics.
A Study of the Personality of Music Students as Compared with other Students on the Basis of Nine Traits
This study was undertaken to try to determine of objective measurement of certain personality traits would indicate that music students are characterized by marked differences in personality make-up. In carrying out this investigation, a group of 100 music students and a control group of the same size were used. The type of measurement used was of such objective nature that evaluations could be made by other persons on identically the same trait indicators as were used in securing information from the person himself. The fact is of great importance, as it makes possible an evaluation of a person's personality by the group in which he is striving for social acceptance. Data for this study were obtained at North Texas State Teachers College during the spring semester of 1946, using cases from the Music Department and the remainder of the college for the two groups.
The Development of an Elementary Class Method of Band Instruction and Theory
The purpose of this study is to create a curriculum for beginning instrumentalists who have no background in music and are young students not yet capable of deciphering highly technical and academic sentences, phrases, and terms. This method is designed to give the student a foundation in theory without taking undue time from the instrumental phase of the curriculum and at the same time to increase the tempo of training in both phases.
A Stylistic and Structural Analysis of the Grieg Piano Concerto in A Minor
This problem has been limited to a study of the largest form among Grieg's piano compositions, the Piano Concert in A Minor. References are made to his smaller piano pieces, for the concerto has proved representative of his style of composition and, being one of his earlier works, it reflects a vigor and enthusiasm not present in his later work. Rhythm is discussed with relationship to the harmony and melody in the sections devoted to these two elements. The present study does not include consideration of the orchestral score and its relationship to the piano part.
A Critical View of the Rhetorical Idiom in Modern Music with Emphasis on the Development of the Contemporary Art-Song
This study was made in conjunction with a recital of contemporary American song literature. It it designed to show how the modern composer has taken the tools of words and music and utilized them in creating a valid art-form. I believe it is the first study of its kind that has been made. The song literature which formed the basis of the study has been attested to as valid data by Otto Luening, prominent modern composer and pedagogue and twice winner of the Guggenheim Fellowship in composition, and John Kirk, distinguished pianist and lecturer on modern music.
A Comparative Analysis of Six Beginning String Methods
Music educators admit that there is a great need for research in the field o public school music. Instrumental class teaching has suffered the trial and error method since its introduction into the schools. There is still an appalling lack of material on the subject. The two or three books published on instrumental class teaching are from twelve to seventeen years old. The Reader's Guide lists only nine magazine articles in the past ten years concerning the class teaching of string instruments. Yet, the successful teaching of instrumental classes requires a high type of organization and a specialized teaching technique. It is not only necessary for the teacher to be a good musician, but he must have a knowledge of proper classroom methods and apply it. The purpose of this study is to analyze and evolve from six recognized beginning string methods a course of study suitable for use in training a beginning string section.
An Evaluation of Motion Picture Films for Use in Music Education
The purpose of this thesis is to present an evaluated list of motion picture films which are related to the field of music and the teaching of music in order that both teacher and student of music may become familiar with the films which are available for use in music education and with the relative merit of each film.
A Proposed Plan to Teach College Students How to Tune Pianos
It is the belief of many tuners that the best education for the young tuner is to do apprentice work in a piano factory where he must learn all the construction of the piano from the frame work of the case to the final setting of the tuning pins. It appears that most tuners are men now in the late forties to late fifties and were either factory-trained or apprentice-trained by an experienced tuner. The situation has changed and the apprenticeship method of training professional men such as lawyers and physicians has long since been discarded as a method of education. It is now the generally accepted plan to go to a college or university where such specialized training is given or offered under the direction and tutelage of specialists, and where students learn other essential subjects, the knowledge of which is necessary to the success of any educated man or woman.
A Union List of Musical Literature in North Texas Regional Libraries, 1946
It is the purpose of the study to make a survey of the larger libraries in this region and to compile a list of the holdings of books about music. With the impetus of the North Texas Regional Union List of Serials, 1943; Comprising the libraries of North Texas State Teachers College. Southern Methodist University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Texas Christian University Texas State College for Women, and the Public Libraries of Dallas and Fort Worth, and its two supplements of 1943-45 and 1945-46, and following the general form of that work, the present "Union List of Musical Literature in North Texas Regional Libraries, 1946," has been compiled. The libraries represented in the North Texas Regional Union List of Serials are included here, with holdings listed as of March 1, 1946. These libraries are: North Texas State Teachers College and Texas State College for Women, Denton, Texas; Texas Christian University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Fort worth Public Library, Fort Worth, Texas; Southern Methodist University and Dallas Public Library, Dallas, Texas.
A Critical Evaluation of Two-Piano Music Available in American Publication
Th study of two-piano music was prompted by an active interest in that field and a recognized need for a knowledge of its literature on the part of the writer, who, for the past five years, has devoted most of her time to two-piano work. After careful investigation it becomes apparent that no other study similar to this has yet been made, and it is hoped that it may be helpful to others with interests in common. Much remains to be done and further study would prove profitable. More information might be gained from interviews with prominent duo-pianists, as well as from examination of foreign catalogues and of recital programs given in Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, and similar music centers.
A Critical and Analytical Evaluation of Experimental Data Currently Available Concerning the Therapeutic Use of Music
The problem which is reported in these pages represents an attempt to bring into one work a critical and analytical survey of the material currently available in the field of music therapy. There is such a wealth of new material, especially since the termination of the war, that the necessity for a new and up-to-date compilation of material is evident. The objective of this thesis is to collect general information as to the theory and practices of music therapy, rather than to secure for purposes of statistical analysis great numbers of detailed items in regard to a technique that has not yet been carried to a point where it can be standardized. However, this compilation does include some actual experiments which have been conducted in hospitals with the object of determining the effect on physical and mental patients of certain musical compositions and certain instruments.
A Comparative Critical Analysis of Beginning Piano Methods
It has been the purpose of this study to examine representative beginning piano methods, as found available in published form, and to compare and evaluate them according to musical, psychological, physical, and educational standards.
A Stylistic Analysis of the Twenty-Four Piano Preludes by Dmitri Shostakovich
The study of the twenty-four preludes of Shostakovitch [sic] has a three-fold significance. First, it deals with a body of music literature representing important aspects of twentieth-century music. Secondly, it is an original study since no detailed analysis of these preludes has been made. Very little has been written about this collection of short pieces, and no material is available along the line of a technical, scientific analysis. Thirdly, our subject deals with a collection of compositions written by one of the foremost living composers of today, not only of Russia, but of the entire musical world -- a man who is in the public eye at present, and in whose works the Soviet ideology is reflected.
A Critical Compilation of Graded Band Material at High School Level
The instrumental composition of the band is an outgrowth of utilitarian improvisation. The well-developed percussion section, and the voluminous reed and brass sections are a carry-over from the Military, where the emphasis was on functional beating of time for marching. Mobility and volume sufficient for the accompaniment of troop movements were also necessary. Until recent times, the band existed only for functional matters, never as an independent and self-justifying medium with its purpose being a musical organization. Through the growth of military, professional, and school bands, the band of today has developed into a musical organization in its own right, which can perform almost anything in the technical range of composition.
A Critical Appraisal of English Madrigals Currently Available in American Publication
The findings of this study should prove to be a boon to all those who enjoy performing madrigals, for through the cooperation of the leading music publishing houses in this country, a complete authoritative list of fine madrigals has been gathered. Many of these will be new both to the performers and the public.
Comparative First Year College Music Theory
The problem of this study is to set forth some principles of teaching beginning music theory in Texas colleges; to survey and evaluate critically a sampling of standard theory textbooks basing the evaluation on the principles outlined; and to recommend a methodology for teaching beginning college theory.
A Critical Analysis of the Choral Works of Roy Harris
Roy Harris is an American composer who has contributed and is still contributing to the field of modern music. This study is concerned with his choral music and the substantiation of the fact that his contributions in this field are outstanding and are expressive of a living Americanism. It is also the purpose of the study to examine and analyze the choral works of this notable Oklahoma composer and teacher in an effort to determine what Harris has to say musically and his method of expressing himself.
Contribution of the Westminster Choir Movement to American Choral Music
The purpose of this survey is to evaluate the contribution that the Westminster Choir movement has made to choral music in the United States today. It is hoped after the contributions have been stated by the investigator that the important position Westminster Choir College is occupying will be better understood.
A Study of Ravel's Tombeau de Couperin
Ravel' s "Tombeau de Couperin," a suite for piano, was published in 1918 by Durand. Its first performance was in the Salle Gaveau in Paris in April, 1919. Shortly afterwards Ravel scored four of the six movements of the piano suite for small orchestra, composed of flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and horns in pairs, English horn, trumpet, harp, and strings, The new version was introduced in America in 1920. The four orchestrated movements, Prelude, Forlane, Menuet, and Rigaudon, have no programmatic content and the titles identify the forms used. "Le Tombeau de Couperin" is a souvenir of World War I. Each movement is dedicated to the memory of a French soldier fallen in battle. The "Tombeau" form dates from the seventeenth century and is a musical "homage" to Francois Couperin, clavecinist of Louis XIV, and one of the great names of French music. "The separate movements, cast in eighteenth century dance forms often used by Qouperin have been described as "tonal wreaths," not too somber nor too profuse, laid with tenderness on an unforgotten tomb." This piece represents Ravel's extreme effort to express himself in the simplest possible manner. The music is subtly archaic; form, line and texture artfully suggest eighteenth century, but the harmony suggests twentieth century. "A transparent serenity full of color and feeling pervades this piece of classic purity written in tribute to Ravel's fallen comrades." A study of the piano suite has been made. The pieces are charmingly and precisely orchestrated. They have been used for a ballet which will not be dealt with.
Typical Elements of Brahms's Choral Style as Found in the German Requiem
An unusual opportunity to hear and perform this work has been afforded at North Texas State Teachers College by the presentation of the German Requiem in the summer of 1941. Furthermore, a Brahms Festival, including another presentation of the Requiem along with outstanding compositions of Brahms in other media, is to be given during commencement week of June, 1942. Not only does this type of emphasis promote interest among students and faculty, but it also serves as a stimulus to detailed study of the German Requiem, thus intensifying the immediate importance and personal significance of the subject.
A Critical Analysis of Schubert's Song Cycle "The Maid of the Mill"
The significance of a complete analysis of Schubert's orchestral larger works is self-evident to musicians and scholars. In the literature today one may find adequate analysis of many of the larger choral and orchestral works of the various masters, but rarely is it possible for one to secure a scholarly and intelligent analysis and interpretation of the smaller forms, especially the vocal works. Perhaps the reason for this state is the lack of interest in many of the aspects and phases of song literature as vocalists and teachers have probably been more concerned with the artistic rendition of the songs rather than an academic approach. But with the turn of the present decade, a decided interest has become apparent in musicological scholarship and the present study is but one evidence of the trend toward critical and academic analysis of smaller forms heretofore omitted in music literature.
Latin American Music: A Compendium of Bibliographical Aids for Teachers
In this bibliography an attempt has been made to furnish references to teachers that may assist them to develop in the students: (1) an attitude of friendly interest which will help to link the Americas in mutual respect and to promote a better understanding of problems to be met; (2) to gain an understanding and appreciation of the background of South American culture of today; (3) to become familiar with the folk music as well as the concert, both vocal and instrumental.
An Experimental Investigation of the Value of Music Workbooks in Junior High Music Classes
This study is an experimental investigation of two groups of junior high school students in an effort to evaluate the advantages of workbooks in their music classes. The comparison was made with two classes composed of thirty-two students each from the two junior high schools in the Beaumont Independent School District. One class used the workbooks in conjunction with the regular singing and appreciation work, but the other class did not use formal workbooks. They discussed the theory and notation of the music in relation to the work they were doing.
The Evolution of Viola Technique
Material relating to the viola, its history, technique, use as a solo and orchestral instrument, and its use in chamber music, is practically non-existent. For this reason, this document is being written in an attempt first, to collect and discuss, for the benefit of the author as well as for any who might have some interest in the viola, facts which might eliminate some of the common misunderstandings about the instrument, and second, to show, through examination of viola music, the use to which the viola has been put in solo, orchestral, and chamber music from the Baroque period to the present.
Simple and Compound Meter: An Historical Investigation of Their Differences and an Experimental Investigation of Their Current Significance
It was this writer's problem to determine which of these two contentions is correct; i.e., to find out whether or not it is possible for a person to perceive a difference in 2/4 and 4/4 meters by listening to the accents. It was felt that a large group of college music students and faculty members should provide satisfactory subjects for this experiment. If, as a result of this experiment, it was found that these trained musicians could actually discriminate between the simple meter and its compound with any marked degree of consistency, it would then be admitted that the difference in the two meters is important. If, however, it was found that even musicians, who knew the technical distinctions between 2/4 and 4/4, could not really hear the difference in the two when the music was played by competent performers, it would then be contended that no important difference exists.
A Stylistic Analysis of the Piano Works of Debussy and Ravel
This study has three purposes: first, to point out the stylistic elements of music that are present in the piano works of Debussy and Ravel; second, to determine how the composers have used these elements; and third, to discover the effects that have been achieved through individual uses of the elements.
Physics of the Violin and Its Defining Influence upon Technic
The purpose of this work is to set forth the physical characteristics of the generator and resonator of the violin and to determine in what manner and degree they influence the technic of artistically manipulating the instrument.
A Proposed Program of Music as it Functions in the High School Assembly
After teaching music in several high schools for a number of years, and observing the lack of continuity in assembly programs, the writer became interested in developing a program of music which would more adequately function in the high school assembly.
A Critical Analysis of the Works of Leo Sowerby
Leo Sowerby is an American composer who has, in the writer's opinion, made a fine contribution to the field of modern music. This fact will be substantiated in the following study, the purpose of which will be to examine and to analyze to some extent the works of this eminent Chicago composer, teacher, organist, and choir-master. This study will-be of particular interest to students of the organ, for it concerns itself chiefly with the organ works of Sowerby, and to students of composition and modern harmonic trends, for the study high lights the composer's characteristic procedures in these two directions.
“In Old Mexico:” Suite for Solo Piano
There is often difficulty in determining the most desirable medium to be used in the composition of music. After careful consideration, the writer chose the medium of piano to present the following musical composition. In the initial investigations, it appeared that the vocal idiom might provide a more suitable choice. However, piano teaching rather than work in the vocal field will probably consume a greater part of the writer's time in the future. The writing of a piano composition, then, appeared to be a justifiable decision.
A Course in Public School Music to be Taught at the College Level
Many persons who major in music with the intention of teaching, either at the public school or college level, are poorly equipped to cope with every problem confronting them. With this in mind, the author has attempted to assemble as much valuable and helpful material as possible into a course of study.
A Stylistic Comparison of the Accompanied Violin Sonatas of Bach and Handel
It is the purpose of this thesis to determine the comparative differences and similarities of the accompanied violin sonatas of the two contemporary eighteenth-century composers, Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frederick Handel.
The Improvement of Musically Deficient Children at the Elementary Level in the East Van Zandt School, Fort Worth, Texas
The presence of musically deficient children in the music classes of elementary public schools is a well-known and a widespread situation. The problem of this study was to determine which of two methods of giving special attention to such pupils would be the more successful in assisting them to improve musically.
An Evaluation of Comparative Piano Technique Since 1902
There are no figures available, but if a survey were made, possibly more people would be found engaged in the study and teaching of piano than any other musical instrument. It is much to be desired for both teachers and students to have an intimate acquaintance with the principles underlying the structure of modern piano technique. The situation as it generally exists contrasts sharply with the ideal situation. The ignorance of this important phase of piano study causes an enormous annual waste of time and money on the part of students. With an adequate technical knowledge, teachers, instead of allowing their pupils to practice blindly and mechanically, would be able to explain the reason for each movement they ask them to perform. Many failures in both classes occur because of the lack of understanding of what piano playing requires.
An Evaluation and Comparison of the Music Hour Series and the World of Music Series as Appropriate Basic Texts for Elementary Music
An important and unending responsibility of the music teacher is the competent evaluation of available basic text-series. It seems obvious that before any text-series, or any single book, is adopted for use in the public school music classes, a process of assessing the available series or single volumes should precede the final decision and purchase. Since a thorough search in music education literature has failed to reveal any set of formal rules of analysis, the writer has thought it possible to use those general principles recommended by two authoritative sources, The Psychology of School Music Teaching by Mursell and Glenn, and Music in the Grade Schools by Gehrkens in collaboration with personal ideas obtained from professional study of music teaching and experience as a music teacher.
The Origin and Development of the Solo Cantata
This thesis is designed to acquaint vocalists with the history of the solo cantata and to give a bibliography of available cantatas. Very few singers know that solo cantatas exist and little material is available on the subject in comparison to the material available on other musical forms.This work endeavors to aid the vocalist by compiling the solo cantata material that is available in the North Texas State College Library.
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