ASU Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This collection includes most of the ASU Theses and Dissertations from 2011 to present. ASU Theses and Dissertations are available in downloadable PDF format; however, a small percentage of items are under embargo. Information about the dissertations/theses includes degree information, committee members, an abstract, supporting data or media.
In addition to the electronic theses found in the ASU Digital Repository, ASU Theses and Dissertations can be found in the ASU Library Catalog.
Dissertations and Theses granted by Arizona State University are archived and made available through a joint effort of the ASU Graduate College and the ASU Libraries. For more information or questions about this collection contact or visit the Digital Repository ETD Library Guide or contact the ASU Graduate College at gradformat@asu.edu.
Displaying 41 - 45 of 45
Description
Alongside New York City, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, Minneapolis, Minnesota has become a cradle of hip-hop, breeding a distinct style that has grown swiftly from the 1980s to the present day. While Minneapolis is more commonly associated with the upbeat funk rhythms and prominent synthesizers of its favorite son, Prince (1958 – 2016), Minnesota hip-hop provides a strikingly contrasting listening experience characterized by dark, self-deprecating, and introspective traits. Minnesota and other regional hip-hop scenes have been overshadowed by academic studies that focus principally on New York City or Los Angeles. In this thesis, I advocate for a shift away from the Billboard charts and the East and West Coast, into the world of underground hip-hop of the Upper Midwest. This thesis explores and documents the development of hip-hop in Minnesota, specifically the Twin Cities and independent label Rhymesayers Entertainment, who have established Minneapolis as one of the largest hip-hop hubs in the country. A location that thrives on the “Minneapolis sound” of artists such as Prince and Morris Day (b. 1956), Minnesota hip-hop offered an alternative and more calloused genre for artistic expression. Following the arrival of hip-hop in Minnesota in the early 1980s, a group of like-minded youths gathered together to practice the art of hip-hop, which led to the creation of the Headshots Crew. Despite not having much of a local scene, the Headshots Crew created opportunities and performance spaces to showcase their talents, which eventually led to the creation of their own label, Rhymesayers Entertainment. Unlike many other independent labels Rhymesayers has found a way to sustain their success for over 25 years while maintaining their independence. Their most famous artist act is rap duo Atmosphere. By incorporating primarily biographical and historical methodologies this study means to create a cohesive understanding and foundation of Minnesota hip-hop.
ContributorsYuknas, Matt (Author) / Wells, Christopher (Thesis advisor) / Norton, Kay (Committee member) / Feisst, Sabine (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2020
Description
Increased awareness and technological solutions will not solve the global ecological crises of climate change and mass extinction by themselves. A fundamental shift is needed in how we view ourselves and our relationships with all life to avoid further degradation of the biosphere and ensure a more equitable future. A crucial part of such a shift means expanding the range of species that fall under human consideration. Viewing non-human life, including plants, as intrinsically rather than instrumentally valuable can be transformative to how we, as a species, think about and enact practices that encourage sustainable development. By highlighting the intelligence and communication abilities of plant life through artistic work, a strong counter-narrative can be developed against the dominant utilitarian view of plants as merely a resource for human cultivation and consumption. This dissertation explores plant intelligence and communication as models for music composition and networked sound installations. It is comprised of two complementary components, a sound installation, Unheard Voices, and the following document that explores the relevant artistic precedents, ecological, philosophical, and practice-based research that was conducted to facilitate the creation of the installation project. Focusing this research are the questions: 1) How can plant intelligence in communication, as outlined by plant neurobiologists and ecologists, serve as a model for creating sound installations? 2) How can such art pieces help viewers reflect on humanity’s interconnection to nature and reconsider plants as sentient, communicative, and intrinsically rather than instrumentally valuable?
ContributorsArne, Devin (Author) / Paine, Garth (Thesis advisor) / Feisst, Sabine (Committee member) / Broglio, Ronald (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2021
Description
While much has been written on the history of Education Concerts in the United States, there is a void in research focused on actual content, structure, and purposes of these concerts. This document seeks to fill this void through a detailed examination of salient aspects of Education Concerts, including programming, structure, rehearsal, and performance considerations. In conjunction with my research, I will draw on my first-hand experience as Associate Conductor of the Seattle Symphony, providing a glimpse into the creative challenges and solutions that confront a contemporary orchestra. Additionally, my research endeavors to discover ways of transforming the historically rigid model of orchestral operations into a structure that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, encourages connections, and sparks curiosity. The goal of this research, therefore, is to provide tangible references and practical guidance to the conductor or administrator who is venturing into the richness of Education Concert programming and performance in today’s everchanging orchestral landscape.
ContributorsXia, Sunny Xuecong (Author) / Caslor, Jason (Thesis advisor) / Bolanos, Gabriel (Committee member) / Feisst, Sabine (Committee member) / Meyer, Jeffery (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2023
Description
Ben Moore’s So Free Am I is a fascinating, yet little known song cycle addressing feminist concerns. This work consists of seven settings of poems by women, namely Amy Lowell, Katherine Philips, Anna Wickham, Dorothy Parker, and Muriel Rukeyser. It also features settings of texts by two anonymous 6th-century Buddhist nuns, which are translated into English by Uma Chakravarti and Kumkum Roy. The texts are diverse and all speak to the courage and dignity of women in the face of oppression. In this case study and performance guide, one of the primary purposes is to show how the poets’ lives and adversities inform their texts, and thus offers engagement for musical interpretation.
After a brief introduction of composer Ben Moore and his song cycle, each poet and text is discussed, providing biographical summaries and general interpretations of each poet’s text. What follows is a detailed reading of the text, illuminated by the poet’s particular life experiences. In the case of every text setting, the compositional interpretation was decidedly enhanced by the perspective of the poet, which could not be ascertained without the research into that particular poet’s life. I also offer a performance guide for selected songs, numbers I, III, and VII, which Moore recommends as an effective small set for performance. Finally, I hope that this study of Moore’s song cycle and the biographical sketches of each poet will be of help in the advancement women’s rights and to combat the oppression of women. It is further hoped that this study will encourage the performance of these songs and therefore lend these otherwise marginalized women a voice.
ContributorsHatch, Michelle Broadbent (Author) / Hawkins, Gordon (Thesis advisor) / Feisst, Sabine (Committee member) / Dreyfoos, Dale (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2024
Description
My approach to performing contemporary music, like many others, is centeredaround storytelling that merges the intention of the composer with my own interpretation. The balance between the two is unique for every work, as well as the sources of inspiration that shape each interpretation. In some cases, it works well to rely heavily on the historical context of the piece and the specific inspiration and process of the composer. In other cases, the composer desires more freedom and flexibility in the performance of their work, and the story of the piece is woven from the threads of personal stories, emotions, and imagery of the performer. For this project, I made audio recordings of three pieces including Seare Farhat’s Three Children’s Songs for Singing Percussionist, Keiko Abe’s Marimba d’Amore, and Thomas Kotcheffs Obbligato Snare Drum Music No. 1: The Power of Love. I then used these recordings to make music videos that blend elements of pop music videos and classical performance videos, using performance footage as well as narrative and abstract visuals to experiment with video making as a creative outlet while building a performance portfolio that represents me as an artist. In addition to a reflection of my process, this document is also designed as a resource for performers who are interested in learning how to make their own audio and video recordings, covering topics including project planning and preparation, working with collaborators, selecting gear, practicing for studio recordings, and designing and producing videos.
ContributorsSutherland, Morgan Brooke (Author) / Compitello, Michael (Thesis advisor) / Feisst, Sabine (Committee member) / Bolanos, Gabriel (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2024