Theses and dissertations

This collection includes both ASU Theses and Dissertations, submitted by graduate students, and the Barrett, Honors College theses submitted by undergraduate students. 

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Harnessing Aspects of Mental Imagery to Reduce Music Performance Anxiety, with Special Attention to Neuroplasticity, Growth Mindset, and Flow Theory.

Description
The aim of this paper is to empower musicians with the knowledge and tools to address the challenges of music performance anxiety (MPA) with confidence and efficacy. Three evidence-based concepts will be examined, beginning with neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s capacity to change both structurally and functionally. It is thus…

The aim of this paper is to empower musicians with the knowledge and tools to address the challenges of music performance anxiety (MPA) with confidence and efficacy. Three evidence-based concepts will be examined, beginning with neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s capacity to change both structurally and functionally. It is thus in a constant state of evolution. On the functional side, evidence demonstrates that it is possible for individuals to change the way they think in order to provide more positive outcomes in music performance. Secondly, existing literature on the cognitive side of learning and optimal performance will be examined; particularly, flow theory of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (1975) and Carol Dweck’s mindset theory (2006). Finally, a review of sports psychology research on mental imagery will be provided. For each area of research, I will suggest strategies with which musicians may incorporate these theories in their own practice and performance in order to develop a growth mindset, alter their negative thought patterns, and overcome MPA, achieving their optimal performance level.
ContributorsLee, Kah Yan (Author) / McLin, Katherine (Thesis advisor) / Norton, Kay (Committee member) / Meyer, Jeffery (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
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Kenneth Frazelle’s Appalachian Songbooks (1989) and Doug Borwick’s Southern Comfort (1989) An Investigation into Singing Contemporary American Art Song Requiring Authentic Southern Regional Dialects

Description
This dissertation investigates vocal performance of art songs requiring authentic and appropriate regional dialects of the American South. Through close analysis of performance practice in American opera, musical theatre, and art song, this document follows the existence of regional southern dialects on the stage from the early 1800s to today’s…

This dissertation investigates vocal performance of art songs requiring authentic and appropriate regional dialects of the American South. Through close analysis of performance practice in American opera, musical theatre, and art song, this document follows the existence of regional southern dialects on the stage from the early 1800s to today’s practice. Evidence of specified regional southern accents is discussed regarding literary depictions in librettos, lyrics, and dialogue. Other topics include the ways regional nuances and colloquialisms differentiate southern regional accents, the existence of a generic “southern” accent to stand for any representation of rural whites, and, briefly, the nonspecific ways African American southern dialects are usually rendered. Art song selections from Kenneth Frazelle’s Appalachian Songbooks (1989) and Doug Borwick’s Southern Comfort (1989), which I studied, recorded, and transcribed into singer’s IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet), are the central texts of this discussion. The recording can be accessed online at https://soundcloud.com
ina-c-garguilo/sets/southern-study-through-song.

This research will benefit the performers of American art song that specifically requires “white” dialects, the native and non-native speakers of some Southern-American dialects, and scholars who seek to promote authentic performance practice of southern oral tradition in concert music.
ContributorsCole, Nina Michelle (Author) / Dreyfoos, Dale (Thesis advisor) / Norton, Kay (Thesis advisor) / FitzPatrick, Carole (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2017