Thesis (D.M.A.)--University of North Texas, 2002. / Accompanied by recitals, recorded Apr. 8, 1998, and Mar. 27, 2002. Includes bibliographical references (p. 51-52).

Thesis (Dr. of Musical Arts)--University of Cincinnati, 1997. / Includes errata list for published scores of the works. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 181-184).

Thesis (M.Mus.)--University of Akron, School of Music-Music Theory, 2009. / "May, 2009." Title from electronic thesis title page (viewed 9/30/2009) Advisor, Daniel W. McCarthy; Committee members, Michele D. Mills, Nikola Resanovic, Brooks A. Toliver; Director of the School, William K. Guegold; Dean of the College, James Lynn; Dean of the Graduate School, George R. Newkome. Includes bibliographical references.

Master of Music / Department of Music / Frank C. Tracz / This document is written in support of a conducting recital given in partial fulfillment of the Master’s of Music Education with an Emphasis in Instrumental Conducting at Kansas State University. It encompasses the historical research, theoretical analysis, and rehearsal recommendations and considerations necessary to prepare the selected works for performance. The pieces analyzed are Michael Daugherty’s Motown Metal, Stanley Leonard’s Antiphonies, and Ira Hearshen’s second movement, “after the Thunderer” from Symphony on Themes of John Philip Sousa. I seek to highlight the significance of these works to the literature of their mediums, and show how they are valuable pieces of literature in the contemporary repertoire. In addition, I offer my philosophies on music learning and literature selection as a means to better understand the process entailed in laying the groundwork for successful authentic learning experiences for conductor and students.

Michael Daugherty has created his niche in the music world by composing works inspired by icons of American popular culture. Red Cape Tango is the final movement of his Metropolis Symphony, a work inspired by the life and times of the comic book character Superman. This movement in particular deals with the death of the superhero through the use of musical elements, most notably the Latin Sequence of the Mass for the Dead, Dies irae. Daugherty's ingenuity in blending profoundly dark subjects with humor is particularly evident in this work. Death is personified as a temptress and lures Superman through the power of a seductive tango. This study concentrates on Daugherty's compositional style and its impact in musical circles. A transcription for wind orchestra was created by another composer/conductor precisely because of the need to bring such an important work to another medium, thus making it accessible to a wider audience. In addition, this study looks at the changes in instrumentation necessary to create a second, equally formidable version of the work.

According to the American League of Orchestras' most recent report, Michael Daugherty is one of the ten most performed American composers of concert music in modern times. He has received six GRAMMY awards, including awards for Best Contemporary Classical Composition in 2011 and 2017. Characteristics of Daugherty's music are diverse: colliding tonalities and blocks of sound, driving polyrhythmic counterpoint, and jazz and pop elements. His music can be minimalistic at times and at others, stirringly melodic. Amongst this eclecticism, a fascination with American iconography remains a consistent hallmark of his music, exemplified by titles such as American Gothic, Jackie O, or Lost Vegas. Daugherty has stated that his goal is to create sophisticated, abstract music that is also catchy or memorable, with melodies and cultural allusions that audiences can "hang their hat on." Despite widespread success, relatively little scholarly work has been done on Daugherty's music, providing an opportunity for further research. The primary goal of this study is to add to the literature on Michael Daugherty by providing an analysis and conductor's guide of his first choral-orchestral work, Mount Rushmore. It is a genuine show piece, galvanizing and colorful, modestly demanding of the listener, and appreciated by individuals of diverse musical backgrounds. The work also contains multitudes, offering layers of musical complexity and extensive historical symbolism for those who wish to engage further. Daugherty's Mount Rushmore offers immediate appeal and an excellent return on investment. Using interviews with the composer as well as detailed formal, harmonic, and historical-textual analysis, this paper provides in-depth information and guidance to future conductors who wish to present an appealing choral-orchestral work by a prominent, living American composer. Conductors who program Daugherty's Mount Rushmore will find it valuable for their ensemble and community for years to come.