College of Arts & Sciences
Department of Performing Arts
Department of Performing Arts

Capstone Tutorials

The capstone project is the culmination of the American Musical Cultures major, allowing students to integrate and apply the full range of their learning in a significant, self-directed project that reflects their interests and goals. Majors can choose between a yearlong, independent writing, performance, media, or composition project, providing a capstone experience that aligns with their specific goals and strengths. Students work individually with a faculty member to conceptualize, plan, and execute a substantial scholarship and/or artistic expression that draws upon the specialized knowledge and methodologies acquired through their advanced electives.

Recent Capstone Projects

Molly Dubens, Between Stations, a short film about music, cars, and radio, advised by Benjamin J. Harbert, 2025.

Tiffany Zheng, Unearth, songwriting and recorded EP and listening party presentation, advised by Jay Hammond, Spring 2025.

Brian Devine, Fish in Water, a film capstone with composed music, advised by Jay Hammond, 2024.

Cameren Evans, Pieces, a songwriting and recording capstone, advised by Jay Hammond, 2024.

Cameron Newman. California Dreamscape: Popular Music and the Construction of California Identity, a written research capstone, advised by Benjamin J. Harbert, 2024.

Katherine Cannon, AI’s Shifting Symphony: An Exploration into Authorship, Agency and Creativity, a a written capstone, advised by Benjamin J. Harbert, 2023.

Maya Cassady, Hearing Alabama: An Autoethnography and Reframing of the South, a written research capstone, advised by Robynn Stilwell, 2023.

Johannes Larson, Unsustainability in Music Streaming, a written research paper and nonprofit startup proposal, advised by Benjamin J. Harbert, 2023.

Jabari Butler, The Youth Sat in A Room Together, a recording capstone with final performance, advised by Jay Hammond, 2022.

Ashley Chase, Making Waves, a recording capstone, advised by Jay Hammond, 2022.

Matthew Hua, Short Works by a Short Guy, a composition portfolio capstone with presentation, advised by Carlos Simon, 2022.

Olivia Lei, Songwriting and recording capstone, advised by Carlos Simon, 2022.

Reitz, Beau A. Lost in Obscurity, a research paper and lecture/performance, advised by Anthony DelDonna, 2022.