Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Required Additional Files
Berlioz Example LeadUp+Drums.wav (6342 kB)
Supplemental Audio for Figure 2
Berlioz Example with Drone.wav (6342 kB)
Supplemental Audio for Figure 7
Berlioz Example Full MockUp.wav (6342 kB)
Supplemental Audio for Figure 8

Degree Type

DMA

College

College of Creative Arts

Department

School of Music

Committee Chair

Katelyn Best

Committee Member

Carson McTeer

Committee Member

Hakeem Bilal

Committee Member

Carla Brigandi

Abstract

The modern music job market calls for musicians to cultivate and engage with a diverse range of area interests and skillsets. Collegiate music programs provide opportunities to prepare students professionally, yet programs have traditionally fallen behind changes in the job market. One way that music faculty within higher education can help prepare students to succeed after graduation is by teaching students to engage with digital audio workstations, also known as DAWs. Using DAWs, students can gain new practice tools, as well as learn skills that are helpful in a number of musical careers. This is of particular use to the student tuba player given the changing nature of audition practices. Graduate schools, summer festivals, and some professional job auditions require virtual submissions. While this form of auditioning is a benefit as it relates to not having to travel with the large instruments, it functions as a detriment if the tubist does not know how to record themselves well. In addition, there is typically only one tuba part in large ensembles, making it less likely for students to be able to perform repertoire commonly called for on auditions and in professional engagements. This study situates the benefits of DAW proficiency and offers example projects for use in the applied studio. The applied studio serves as an excellent laboratory to explore DAW usage, with the one-to-one nature of instruction providing an auspicious avenue to individualize instruction to student interests and their majors. This study uses bibliographic analysis to determine how DAWs can be utilized in the applied studio, how the applied studio can be improved to better meet student needs, and how to implement projects using DAWs into applied studio curricula.

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