Research
The interplay between flow states in music listening experiences and self-actualisation: an autoethnography of a queer music educator
This study by Prof Conroy Cupido, published in SAMUS 43/44, delves into the interplay between flow states, positive emotions, and peak experiences in music listening, and sheds light on the novel application of autoethnography as method and its capacity to generate...
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The changing nature of celebrity in musical theatre: the development of star casting
Celebrity casting in musical theatre is and always will be a hot topic among fans of the genre. However, this is not a new phenomenon. Celebrities and stars have been cast in music theatre shows since the beginning of the artform. So, what has changed that has caused...
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A theory of joyful experiences in Dalcroze Eurhythmics
"My life's work" — This is how Prof Liesl van der Merwe describes her latest research article, published less than two weeks ago in the International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being. This "theory of joyful experiences in Dalcroze Eurhythmics"...
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A pianist’s technique rehabilitation after post-traumatic stress: an autoethnographic study
Prof Liesl van der Merwe and Master's graduate Ms Carla Lewis published this article in Qualitative Health Research in January 2024. This study is a personal account of a professional pianist who experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emphasising the...
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Sharing vulnerability: A duoethnographic enquiry into the development of digital competencies at a South African university
Prof Janelize Morelli and Dr Kristien Andrianatos (NWU School of Languages) published an article in the journal Critical Studies in Teaching & Learning titled "Sharing vulnerability: A duoethnographic enquiry into the development of digital competencies at a South...
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Clients’ experiences of Music and Imagery (MI) sessions
Prof Liesl van der Merwe and PhD graduate, Dr Petra Jerling, recently published an article titled “Clients’ experiences of Music and Imagery (MI) sessions: An integrative literature review” in Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy. Music has the...
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Is there a sonic climate of Zulu history?
Prof Chris van Rhyn (Director, MASARA Focus Area, NWU) and Prof Willemien Froneman (NWU alumna and Associate Professor in the Centre for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest (AVReQ) at Stellenbosch University) co-authored an article that was...
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A duoethnography about musicking at an older adult care home during COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people felt lonely, but older adults in care homes were especially isolated due to lockdown restrictions. Community musicians also struggled because they could no longer perform or interact with people through music. In this study,...
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A Framework for Positive Music Education
Prof Ewie Erasmus [above, left] and Prof Liesl van der Merwe [right] were the guest editors of a special edition of the International Journal of Education & the Arts on positive psychology and music education that was published earlier this year. Eleven of the authors...
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Mitigating performance anxiety in opera singers
In our September newsletter, we reported that Mr Thomas Erlank delivered a poster presentation on his doctoral research at the 58th NATS Conference. We asked him to tell us a little bit more about his research. Why are you doing this research? The title of my...
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MASARA @ the Faculty of Humanities International Spring School
Reported by Prof Chris van Rhyn The Faculty of Humanities hosted an enriching International Spring School from 16–20 September 2024 at the Khaya iBhubesi Conference Centre near Parys. This event brought together scholars, students, and professionals to engage in...
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MASARA upgraded to Focus Area
by Prof Chris van Rhyn, Director: MASARA [Originally published in the October 2024 issue of @theConserve newsletter.] The recent upgrade of MASARA from a Niche Area to a Focus Area stands out as a significant milestone. This upgrade, following an internal evaluation...
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