Like the noble groundhog, poking his head out to see if it is still winter, I am timidly poking my head out of the hole in which I have been burrowed for the past semester.
I know... I know... I told you I was going to be better about posting. And I had every intention of following through on that promise. But... I didn't. (You already know that).
So, recap of last semester:
Last semester was my toughest yet, and for reasons that I was not anticipating. Last semester was my first without classes. It was a semester completely dedicated to my dissertation. It turns out, I had a lot of trouble with the lack of structure. It was hard getting my feet under me, making achievable short-term goals, and staying on task. That is not to say I wasn't working hard. I just found myself spread a little too thin, trying to tacking too many things at once, and not making much headway as a result. I did manage to find my way and I finished the IRB protocol for my dissertation research before winter break. For those of you who are new or need a reminder, I have decided to do my dissertation research on creative thinking in large ensemble classes. The project is to give students independent chamber music experiences and whether it has any effect on students' creative processes and musical interpretations. I am focusing on interpretation as a vehicle for creative thinking in this project.
I got word over winter break that the school system in which I am going to be conducting my pilot study has approved my research, so I will hopefully begin the study soon, pending IRB approval.
This semester looks like it is going to be a busy one. I have to run my dissertation pilot study, write a large chunk of the dissertation manuscript, do Night Owls, take a course (Quantitative Research in Music Education), and defend my dissertation proposal. Additionally, I am presenting sessions at the Minnesota Music Educators Association, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, and New Hampshire Music Educators Association conferences. It feels very weighty already. I hope I survive!
I did knock out my last non-dissertation requirement this past week. I finally submitted the paper I had to write to make up for failing the music history diagnostic exam. The paper was about the historical practices still used today in school bands, and whether they are perpetuated because of their use or because of tradition. I am hoping to publish the paper, and will make it available once the professors have put their eyes on it.
I am going to (try) to do a better job of keeping you all up to date this semester!
Until next week, Future Dr. Mitch, out!
