Abstract

This collection of pieces works as a series of narrative stories told through music that speaks to my life experiences and how I have chosen to perceive them. I have always favored the inclusion of text when utilizing music’s innate ability to communicate stories and emotions in such a unique way while also understanding that the music speaks for itself. Communicating vulnerability to someone else or even yourself can be overwhelming and intimidating just as it can be overwhelming to hear those messages. Music allows a space in which one can sugarcoat, punctuate, or shift a message to allow for vulnerability where language alone does not.

The soundscape of this project is inspired by genres such as traditional bluegrass, newgrass, Celtic bluegrass, singer-songwriter genres, and folk music and includes instruments such as guitar, mandolin, fiddle, piano, trumpet, alto voice, and tenor voice. These are the genres and sounds that I grew up hearing and it felt right for me to explore those roots and create space for it in a professional setting.

Advisor

Haxo, Cara

Department

Music

Keywords

music composition, folk, bluegrass, guitar, mandolin, violin, piano, trumpet, storytelling

Publication Date

2025

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2025 Maeve E. Boley