School of Music Student Success Initiative
by Lisa Chaufty & Elizabeth Craft
As part of a significant new student success initiative funded through the Dee Foundation and private donations, the School of Music is soliciting proposals focusing on student success, student wellness, and social justice from students and faculty. The McKay Music Library Committee will review and support these proposals.
Over the past seven months we all have had to cope with additional stresses in our lives, as we have explored new ways of working and performing together under various levels of quarantine and have witnessed events of racial and social injustice. As we have come together to begin this new and unique academic year, we need healing. We are also presented with an opportunity to seize the moment and reflect on our art and creative aspirations, and to open ourselves to innovative thoughts, ideas, and experiences. This reality inspires the School of Music to expand the student experience through events that contribute to student wellness and success and that lead to a deeper understanding of our place and our art in a diverse world.
These events, on a wide range of topics, are already well underway. In September, music theorist Lissa Reed gave a talk “On White Supremacy and Antiracism in Music Theory,” discussing the history of music theory as a discipline and sharing strategies for integrating anti-racist ideas and policies into the classroom and curriculum. In “So What’s Next?” flutist Lindsey Goodman talked with performance students from across the School of Music about portfolio careers and music entrepreneurship. Upcoming events include panel discussions and a masterclass on African American art song and opera and also a series of workshops with Luc Vanier, Director of the School of Dance, on the Alexander Technique, which teaches improved posture and movement. Many of these events have been recorded and catalogued in the School of Music’s new Music Online Resources and Enrichment (MORE) Canvas Library, allowing for access beyond the date of the event. One exciting part of this initiative is a student wellness microgrants program. Students are encouraged to submit proposals for events or activities with an aim toward increasing the wellness of their School of Music peers. Proposals should address one or more of the multiple dimensions of wellness, such as emotional, intellectual, physical, professional, and social wellness.
Upcoming Student Success Initiative Events
Jan. 26 | 4:10 p.m.
Plagiarism: When do I Need to Cite a Source?
Presented by Prof. Lisa Chaufty, Director, McKay Music Library
Plagiarism is a serious academic offense and its consequences can include a failing
grade in a course, or expulsion from a program. In this age where so many secondary
sources for research are easily accessible online, there are a variety of factors
that can lead to a quick copy+paste, or a misguided paraphrase, with unfortunate results.
This session will focus on what plagiarism is and how to avoid it through citation.
February 11 | 4:10 p.m. (2-hour session)
Music and Mindfulness Masterclass
Presented by Dr. Frank Diaz, Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music
Frank M. Diaz, Ph.D., is associate professor at the Jacobs School of Music and an
Affiliate Member of the Cognitive Science Department at Indiana University. He is
also Director of the Institute for Mindfulness-Based Wellness and Pedagogy. At IU, Dr.
Diaz established one of the country's first academic courses focused on mindfulness
in teaching and performing arts.
February 16 | 4:10 p.m.
Alexander Technique and Developmental Movement for Musicians, Session 3:
Alexander Technique basic principles part 2
Presented by Luc Vanier, Director, School of Dance
More details to come.
February 25 | 4:10 p.m.
Taming the Beast: How to Recognize and Manage Performance Anxiety Symptoms
Presented by Erika Qureshi, student microgrant recipient, and DMA student in oboe
performance with musicians' health as her DMA related area.
Meeting ID: 915 2008 5440
Passcode: MUSIC
March 18 | 4:10 p.m.
Alexander Technique and Developmental Movement for Musicians, Session 4:
Your instrument and your questions
Presented by Luc Vanier, Director, School of Dance
More details to come.
Fall Semester '20 Student Success Initiative Events
Sept. 17-Oct. 30
Student Wellness Microgrants applications open
Oct. 15 | 4:10 p.m.
Alexander Technique and Developmental Movement for Musicians, Session 1: The body
and mind as habitual patterns
Presented by Luc Vanier, Director, School of Dance
Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing
information about joining the meeting.
Nov. 2 | 5-7 p.m.
Panel Discussion
Dr. Louise Toppin, Professor Darryl Taylor, Dr. Marquese Carter and Dr. Naomi André.
A panel discussion on diversity in the arts, including but not limited to the topics
of allyship, music theory, music history, composition and performance (i.e. through
art song, opera and casting).
More details to come.
Nov. 6 | 5-7 p.m.
Panel Discussion
Dr. Louise Toppin, Professor Darryl Taylor, Dr. Marquese Carter and Dr. Naomi André.A panel
discussion on diversity in the arts, including but not limited to the topics of allyship,
music theory, music history, composition and performance (i.e. through art song, opera
and casting).
More details to come.
Nov. 7 | TBD
Masterclass with Dr. Louise Toppin and Darryl Taylor
More details to come.
Nov. 12 | 4:10 p.m.
Alexander Technique and Developmental Movement for Musicians, Session 2: Alexander
Technique basic principles part 1
Presented by Luc Vanier, Director, School of Dance
Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing
information about joining the meeting.
Nov. 23- Dec. 11
McKay Library End-of-Semester Stress Buster events
STUDY BUDDY BAGS
(packed with study snacks, no-stress activity scrolls, and an SOM “Transcend” T-shirt).
Get yours Nov. 23-25.
Or, pick one up when we reopen on 11/30 after Thanksgiving Break. (We will be open during the online period by appointment since the building will be
locked--just call 801-581-6691 or email mckaylibrary@music.utah.edu.)(Available until gone)
VIRTUAL REFERENCE (up and running during our open hours)
VIRTUAL RESEARCH CONSULTATION & WRITING ASSISTANCE
Contact Prof. Lisa Chaufty (lisa.chaufty@utah.edu), library director, if you would like some assistance with navigating library resources
like the catalog or periodical indexes; or, if you need some guidance with your writing.
VIRTUAL MUSICIANSHIP & THEORY TUTORING
The library offers musicianship and theory tutoring. Please contact the tutor (haruhito.miyagi@utah.edu) or the library (mckaylibrary@music.utah.edu) to arrange an appointment. You can also call us at 801-581-6691 during our open
hours.
VIRTUAL MUSIC HISTORYI Q&A
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday: 10-11 a.m.
Wednesday & Friday: 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Nov. 30 - Dec. 11
SAVASANA WITH SASHA
(Zoom Yoga focusing on relaxation and stress-relief)