Honors Theses

Date of Award

Spring 5-13-2023

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Music

First Advisor

Ricky Burkhead

Second Advisor

Micah Everett

Third Advisor

Thomas Peattie

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

The following thesis is a culmination of four years of academic and musical development as a percussionist at the University of Mississippi. It offers a discussion and analysis of my original composition, The Butterfly Effect (2021-2023), exploring the compositional process from preliminary sketches to the finalized score. It also discusses the inspiration for composing an original work, the use of different music theory techniques relevant to an analysis of the work, and comparisons to relevant compositions throughout the history of Western music. The Butterfly Effect experiments with compositional techniques that often depart from established rules of harmony and counterpoint, a decision that is discussed throughout the thesis. Specific examples drawn from the fields of music theory and music history are provided, as well as visual aids to help illustrate the way in which compositional materials are used in this composition. Early drafts of the composition are also included, as well as the completed score.

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