Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

School of Music

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

Visual aids are commonplace in classroom settings, but effective visualization does more than simplify complex ideas to facilitate learning. In mathematics specifically, student engagement with dynamic visualization has been linked to higher student achievement and better conceptual reasoning by various studies in mathematics pedagogy research. These dynamic visualizations are generated by Dynamic Geometry Environments (DGEs) that are designed to help build conceptual understanding through visualization. Post-tonal music theory pedagogy could likely benefit from similar tools that are readily accessible.

In this dissertation I discuss the psychological and pedagogical rationale behind the inclusion of visualizations specifically in the post-tonal theory classroom, demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of several visualization schemes for specific objectives, explore theoretical concepts in the repertoire through analysis, and hypothetical extensions of more common practice ideas into the domain of microtonal spaces, beat-class set-theory, and transformational theory. This ideological framework is exhibited in a suite of web-based software to aid in analysis and teaching.

I demonstrate the viability of my software through analytical vignettes which primarily use the interface of the software as figures. I also explore a more speculative, concept-forward approach to post-tonal thinking that might be better suited to advanced students. These software tools permit the learner or analyst to explore ideas from pitch-class set theory, twelve tone theory, scale theory, and transformational theory in a generalized way, which can help clarify understanding, reinforce conventional understandings, and allow for creative application in musical spaces that are less frequented in the classroom and in the literature.

Date

3-30-2026

Committee Chair

Robert Peck

LSU Acknowledgement

1

LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment

1

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Available for download on Monday, March 12, 2029

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