PROJECTS
Learn about some of the outstanding research and creative activity being done in our community that examines causes or manifestations of inequality, and offers practical solutions for increasing recognition, participation, and respect for the full spectrum.
RESEARCH
by Alicia Borromeo (BS in Music Industry, '17)
Historically, the electric guitar is regarded as an instrument pioneered by and primarily enjoyed by men. Academic research has offered some analysis as to why gender factors into the “inaccessibility of the instrument”, as well as the “institutional reasons” for the low numbers of female guitarists and manufacturers (Bourdage, 2007). While many of these observations are true...If the initial premise in academic study is that the electric guitar is a masculine instrument, how can women ever be seen as more than just novelties? As a result of this type of discussion, women who are acknowledged become grouped together by gender, without regard for how their individual experiences and playing styles are a part of the instrument's history. The Play Like a Girl project aims to challenge readers to view female electric guitarists as individuals who are integral to the history of the instrument.
This project came out of the course "40,000 Years of Music Technology."
Women and Game Music
by Michelle Houle (BS in Music Industry, '18)
Where are the women in game music? They've been here all along. Ever since the dawn of the gaming industry, women have been an influential part of its music. From the sound teams at Capcom in the 80s to the composers of today, there have been women shaping how we hear the games we play.
Through "Women and Game Music," Michelle Houle takes a look at some of the women who may have been overlooked who helped shape the industry, as well as some of the reasons why there are so few women in the video game music industry.
This project came out of the course "Divas, DJs, and Double Standards."
Gender in the Film Music of Star Wars
by Cole DiNome (BS in Music Technology, '19)
This study is focused on the music of Star Wars while consulting and considering how other films, primarily Gone With the Wind achieve success in their musical scores. By comparing Star Wars‘ shortcomings in its musical depiction of gender to Gone with the Wind‘s success, future mistakes can be avoided. A lot of the problems with Leia’s theme have little to do with the melody, but rather how and where it is used, and the orchestration. Based on such analytical insights, Cole DiNome recomposed Leia’s theme to incorporate some of his suggested changes.
This project came out of the course "Divas, DJs, and Double Standards."