Faculty Research + Creative Activity
Examining centuries past and determining the future
Faculty scholarly and creative activities include themes and topics that connect across time and genres—from music of the 17th century to hip-hop culture and everything in between. On a daily basis, Dana School of Music faculty realize their potential to impact our community and region, on many different levels and with diverse populations, that aid in our understanding of music and its importance and influence in our lives and society.
Want to learn more?
Would you like to view prior research and creative activities in which our faculty and students have been engaged?
56th International Horn Symposium Performance
Dana School of Music professors Caroline Oltmanns and Misook Yun, alongside professional horn player Sean Yancer, who make up the SaeRon Trio, performed at the 56th International Horn Symposium (IHS) held at Colorado State University. IHS is an annual event that brings music teachers, performers, students, exhibitors, and enthusiasts together from all over the world.
“Your DAW Can Do What?” OMEA Conference Presentation
Associate professor of music Daniel Keown was selected to give a presentation titled “Your DAW Can Do What? Exploring Strategies for Integrating DAWs to Teach Students Music Content” at the 2024 Ohio Music Education Association's (OMEA) Professional Development Conference in Columbus. His presentation focused on the innovative use of digital studio workstation (DAW) technology in secondary school music classrooms.
“Create a Recording Class” OMEA Conference Presentation
Dana School of Music lecturer Bryan Helsel was selected to give a presentation titled “Create a Recording Class with Little or No Budget” at the 2024 Ohio Music Education Association’s (OMEA) Professional Development Conference in Columbus. His presentation educated high school teachers on the curricular outcomes, equipment, and goals necessary to create a recording class.
Women at the Piano
Professor of music Caroline Oltmanns recently published an entry in the Journal of International Alliance of Women in Musictitled “Women at the Piano.” Among other topics, the article probes gender bias in concert programming.
Leading role: Donna Anna in Don Giovanni
Professor of music Misook Yun performed the leading lady role of Donna Anna in a performance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Don Giovanniat the 2023 Cascadia Chamber Opera Festival in Astoria, Oregon. The fully-staged production, accompanied by the festival orchestra, featured other cast members from New York, Oregon, and North Carolina.
Madd for Tadd
Professor of jazz Kent Engelhardt released a double album titled Central Avenue Swing & Our Delightwith his band, Madd for Tadd, in 2023. The album is made up of covers of Tadd Dameron material.
Unfreezing Music Education
Professor of music Paul Louth published his book Unfreezing Music Education: Critical Formalism and Possibilities for Self-Reflexive Music Learningthrough Routledge in 2023. The book argues that in formal music education, the conflicting meanings of music should be discussed so students can better understand the ways in which the meanings of music are found.
2022 Steinway Top Piano Teacher Award
Professor of music Caroline Oltmanns was awarded the 2022 Steinway Top Piano Teacher Award during a ceremony held in February 2023 at the Steinway Piano Gallery in Cleveland. The award is given in recognition of an educator’s passion and commitment towards inspiring their students through music.
College Band Directors National Association Showcase
Michael Butler, lecturer and director of bands in the Dana School of Music, led the YSU Wind Ensemble to the 2023 College Band Directors National Association National Conference and Showcase, hosted by the University of Georgia. The ensemble was one of seven chosen for the showcase out of hundreds of applicants.
ArsDocta International Music Festival
Professor of music Misook Yun recently led an online masterclass for students from Brazil and Argentina at the 2023 ArsDocta International Music Festival. In addition, she was a reviewer for Oxford University Press’ book proposal Korean Lyric Diction for Singers;performed in recitals at the University of Dayton and the University of Tampa; and was an unofficial reviewer for Korean translations of Estill Voice Training Level Oneand Level Two.