Sarah Esslinger

Sarah Esslinger

I am a fifth-year student in the College of Arts and Architecture at University Park. My majors are music education and vocal performance, and my minors are global & international studies, special education, and deafness & hearing studies. My main research interest is feminism in music. My honors thesis examines the life and art songs of Amy Beach (1867-1944), a relatively unknown American composer. I explored manuscripts of Beach's writings and compositions using techniques of archival research and musical score analysis. In May, I went on an independent research trip to Ireland, where I examined female representation in Irish traditional music. As I interviewed women musicians around the island, I considered how the role of women musicians will continue to evolve in Ireland.

I can assist undergraduate students who are looking to get involved in research and find research opportunities. I have received an Erickson Discovery Grant and a Student Engagement Grant, as well as multiple awards at the Undergraduate Exhibition. I would be happy to discuss these opportunities with undergraduate students.

Project Title: 
A Performer’s Handbook for the Foreign Language Art Songs of Amy Beach
Project Description: 
My honors thesis examines the life and art songs of Amy Beach (1867-1944), a relatively unknown American composer. With the aid of an Erickson Discovery Grant, I explored manuscripts of Beach’s writings and compositions using techniques of archival research and musical score analysis. I have also received a Student Engagement Grant to support similar creative activities.
Mentor(s): 
Dr. Rachel Copeland
Major(s): 
Music Education, Vocal Performance
Minor(s): 
Global & International Studies, Special Education, Deafness & Hearing Studies
Campus: 
University Park