2007
Thompson Symposium for Masters Degree Students:
Research in Practice
at Penn State
On May 5th, 2007 The Penn State School of
Music hosted the third biennial symposium, named for Dr. Keith
Thompson upon his retirement from the music education faculty. 
The
purpose of the Symposium was to provide a forum for Masters students
to share their research and interact in a scholarly and friendly
environment.
The Symposium drew 42 participants from 12 states and 17 different institutions representing masters, doctoral and undergraduate students, as well as practicing and retired faculty from nine Universities. The variety of participants, both National and International, made for lively and interesting discussions!
The Keynote Speaker for the 2007 symposium was Dr. Janet Barrett, Associate Professor of Music Education from Northwestern University. She is pictured here with Dr, Thompson.
The agenda for the day (Word) began at 8:30 and concluded at 5:00.
Here is a snapshot of our day ...
Continental Breakfast and Registration
Keynote Address by Dr. Janet Barrett
Keynote Overview - 
The Real World Significance of Research in Music Education
Break-out Discussion Groups
Dr. Thompson leading his break- out discussion group.
Large Group Discussion
Faculty and Doctoral: Poster Session I
- Julia Etta (Ettie) Crane (1855-1923): Life and Contributions to the Music Education Profession, Nancy Beitler, Penn State University
- Creativity in Middle School Instrumental Setting: Educators' Use of Improvisation and Composition, Nancy Beitler, Penn State University
- The Relationships Among Middle School Students’ Music Possible Self Beliefs and Their Participation in Music Activities, Debbie Campbell, Penn State University
- Musical Perceptions of College Music Students Enrolled in Music Appreciation Classes Using Verbal Reports and Listening Maps, Fred Dade, Shippensburg University
- Pennsylvania Orchestra Teachers Inclusion of Small Ensembles within the Overall Orchestra Program, Kenneth Docker, Penn State University
- Measuring Pre-service Teacher Responsiveness: Results of a Pilot Study, Beth Gibbs, Penn State University
Approaches to Teaching Korean Folk Songs in Korean Middle Schools, Seon-Hyeong Heo, Penn State University - The Use of Composition and Improvisation in Seventh Grade General Music Classes in Pennsylvania, Eileen Hower, Penn State University
- Musical Interactions among Infants/Toddlers and Early Childhood Teachers: The Role of Intervention on Scaffolding of Young Children's Music Learning, Yun-Fei Hsee, Penn State University
- Student Perception of Change in Music Listening Experiences as a Result of a Music Appreciation Course, Keith Thompson, Penn State University
Research Presentations, Group I
- Erin Dineen, “The Role of Competitive Marching Band Experiences in Students’ Decisions to Continue Music Activity After High School” Temple University
- Becky Thompson, “School Choral Students’ Self-Perception of Their Sight-Singing Achievement” Penn State University
- James B. Morford, “A Study of the Pedagogy of Selected Non-Western Musical Traditions in Collegiate World Music Ensembles” West Virginia University
Master's: Poster Session II
- Recruitment, Retention and Attrition of Band Programs in Pennsylvania Rural School Districts, Rebecca Leigh Bracken, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- The Role of Competitive Marching Band Experiences in Students' Decisions to Continue Music Activity After High School, Erin Dineen, Temple University
- A Study of Improvisation in Alternative High School String Ensembles, Kimberly Lansinger, University of Michigan
- The Relationship of Musical Pattern Discrimination Skill and Phonemic Awareness in Beginning Readers, Jennifer Lucas, Bowling Green State University
- A Study of the Pedagogy of Selected Non-Western Musical Traditions in Collegiate World Music Ensembles, James B. Morford, West Virginia University
- School Choral Students' Self-Perception of Their Sight-Singing Achievement, Becky Thompson, Penn State University
- Perceptions of Instrumental Music Teachers Regarding the Development of Effective Rehearsal Techniques, Charles Chaffin, University of Michigan
- Concerns of Beginning Music Teachers, Dawn Farmer, University of Maryland, College Park
- Anything but Quiet: The Effect of Japanese Taiko Drumming on the Development of Self-Esteem in Young Girls, Monina Sen, San Francisco State University
- Online Life: Marijuana and Musical Preference, Kimberly A. Wolfe, State University of New York, College at Fredonia
- Differences in Music Aptitude Among University Choir, Band, and Orchestra Members, Sookja Woo, Penn State University
Research Presentations, Group II
- Su-Young Bae, “A Qualitative Analysis of the Role of Music in Second Language Learning of Preschool ESL Students” Teacher’s College, Columbia University
- Jessica Nickel, “Attitudes of High School Students Toward Required General Music Instruction” Teacher’s College, Columbia University
- Maria Barkley, “Assessment of the National Standards for Music Education: A Study of Elementary General Music Teacher Attitudes and Practices” Wayne State University
Master's: Poster Session III
- A Qualitative Analysis of the Role of Music in Second Language Learning of Preschool ESL Students, Su-Young Bae, Teacher’s College, Columbia University
- Meeting His Standard: A Professor's Approach to Creating a Motivating Educational Environment, Justine Farenga, Arizona State University
- The Effect of a Tonal Vocabulary on the Vocal Improvisations of First and Second Grade Students, Krista Velez, University of Delaware
- Characteristics Common to High School Band Programs With High Retention of Middle School Students, Chad West, University of Michigan
- Assessment of the National Standards for Music Education: A Study of Elementary General Music Teacher Attitudes and Practices, Maria Barkley, Wayne State University
- Examining Parent Involvement in Music Education, Amylia Barnett, Teacher’s College, Columbia University
- Conducting Amateur Musicians: Leadership of Community Orchestras in the United States, Barbara Deegan, Missouri State University
- Attitudes of High School Students Toward Required General Music Instruction, Jessica Nickel, Teacher’s College, Columbia University
- Describing High School Instrumental Music Students' Heightened Musical Experiences, Joe Scheivert, Penn State University
Closing Remarks
Perhaps aptly summed up by these quotes from a few Symposium participants:
"The weekend was inspirational and fun. I left feeling inspired to research, rejuvinated about my own teaching and excited about the connections I made with other students there!" - Justine Farenga, Arizona State University
"Thank you to you and the faculty at Penn State for hosting such a stimulating event for master degree students! I thoroughly enjoyed my dialogue with new peers- and I have to say it really got my mind churning again on my own research. Thanks again!" - Kim Lansinger, University of Michigan
"I wish the symposium was an annual event--it was a very valuable experience.
Thanks again." - Jenni Lucas, Bowling Green State University
The Thompson Symposium will be held again at Penn State in the Spring of 2009. Please check this Web site for dates, submission information, and updates. The music education faculty at Penn State continues to support the work of masters degree students engaged in systematic inquiry that supports their practice, as well as the practice of other teachers.
Comments, suggestions, and questions can be emailed to Dr. Linda Thornton at lct12@psu.edu.
Penn State Music Education Faculty and Staff:
Russell Bloom, Publicity, Recruitment and Student Teaching support
O. Richard Bundy Instrumental Music Education
Ann Clements, General Music Education
Norene Ferris, Coordinator, Partnership for Music Teacher Excellence
Robert Gardner, Instrumental/String Music Education
Anthony Leach, Choral Music Education
Joanne Rutkowski, General Music Education, Area Coordinator
Debbie Shelley, Music for the Classroom Teacher
Lisa Stamm, Music Education Secretary
Linda Thornton, Instrumental Music Education