Mazi Soprano/Alto Choir and Tigerchor Tenor/Bass Choir: Mazi presents Jocelyn Hagen's “Flight” and Tigerchor presents “Hard Times”

RESEARCH

IMPACTS ON MUSIC

THIS PAST WINTER, THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS was named an Research 1 University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The highly coveted R1 designation distinguishes the University as a top-tier research institution and often translates to increased economic and workforce development, recruitment of high-quality students and faculty members and expanded external funding. Making the connection between music and research may be difficult for some, but Dr. Kevin Sanders, director of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, is ready to connect the dots. “Research expands our understanding of music’s impact on human development and well-being,” said Sanders. “It allows us to be better musicians and teachers and ultimately leads to innovation and discovery to the benefit of society.” During his tenure, he has seen increased research activity among faculty and students. Students like Cordara Harper, a doctoral student pursuing his PhD in Music Education, selected the UofM for its accessibility and commitment to research. This year, Harper placed first at the University of Memphis 34th Annual Student Research Forum in the Liberal and Fine Arts Division for his “Development and Validation of a Scale Assessing Teaching Artists’ SelfEfficacy of Entrepreneurial Competence” research project. The School’s commitment to research brought Harper to Memphis and the new R1 designation that elevated his decision. “R1 status is considered a statement that the institute is engaged in the highest level of research activity, that research is a priority and faculty and students are contributing to their respective fields,” said Harper. As the School of Music expands its research efforts and contributes to the University’s position as a leader in research and scholarship, it is laying the foundation to launch its own bachelor’s degree in music therapy. Music therapy is one of the fastestgrowing music study programs in the country. It will connect the School to the Memphis medical community and contribute to the University’s extensive research efforts. It also connects STEM-funded grants to fine arts. “The arts intertwine with the STEM fields,” said Sanders. “We still have much to learn in researching music’s impact on technology and the medical field. In addition, recorded music and music therapies can address stress, pain and general quality of life.” Music therapy focuses on clinical and evidence-based uses of music in therapeutic relationships. The R1 designation attracts partnering agencies and policymakers who make funding decisions. Assistant professor of Music Therapy, Jim Pierce, is excited to be developing a music therapy program in Memphis, a city known for research and innovation.

Cordara Harper (center) won first place in the University of Memphis 34th Annual Student Research Forum. Also pictured Luke Waldren (L) and Justine Piontek (R). “As a music therapy professor and practicing clinician, research is the north star for providing the most current music therapy populationspecific interventions to achieve individual nonmusical goals,” said Pierce. “The impact of research is a primary objective for students earning a music therapy bachelor’s degree.”

The University of Memphis was one of only 137 institutions to achieve R1 status in the Carnegie Classification’s 2021 update, including nearly 3,900 institutions. R1 universities meet benchmarks across several data sources, including an institution’s annual research expenditures, the density of its research staff and the number of doctoral degrees it confers each year. Carnegie reclassifies institutions every three years.