Research at the College

Building upon a strong tradition of inquiry in music and theatre subdisciplines, the LSU College of Music & Dramatic Arts generates exceptional empirical research and disseminates findings in top-tier publications.

Our research produces new knowledge, influences teaching practice in the performing arts throughout the world and prepares the next generation of scholars to contribute to the music and theatre professions.

Through original, ground-breaking productions and concerts, our performance faculty continually contribute to the dynamic creative life in Louisiana, the United States and abroad. Meaningful engagement in the music and theatre arts within our local community is changing lives and preparing our undergraduate and graduate students to be artistic creators and leaders.

 

Recent CMDA Research News

LSU Assistant Professor of Music Education David Saccardi was recently named an AI/Data Analytics Fellow by LSU's Office of Data & Strategic Analytics, charged with developing AI and data-driven solutions to pressing higher education issues.

LSU Associate Professor of Jazz Studies Doug Stone recently published "Stepping Stones," a book of techniques to help developing jazz musicians build their improvisation skills.

Join festival participants, panelists, and LSU community members for this retrospective on the Han & Heung Festival, a unique fusion of the arts and social dialogue presented by the LSU School of Music in January 2023 and made possible by the Provost’s Fund for Innovation in Research.

LSU has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to receive a Challenge America award of $10,000. The grant will support the Collaborative Piano Institute at the LSU School of Music, a three-week annual summer program for up to 100 pianists, singers, composers, string instrumentalists and bassoonists.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has named Andreas Giger, Louise and Kenneth L. Kinney Professor of Opera and Musicology in the LSU School of Music, as the recipient of a grant to research and publish a critical edition of Pietro Mascagni’s opera Cavalleria rusticana (1890) with historical context and commentary.

The LSU College of Music & Dramatic Arts announced it has named Pamela Pike, Herndon Spillman Professor of Piano Pedagogy in the LSU School of Music, as the new Associate Dean of Research, Creative Practice, and Community Engagement, effective Oct. 18.

 

 

Upcoming Research Dates & Deadlines

Travel & Grants

Provost's Faculty Travel Grant
Application deadline for Winter 2024 travel is October 1, 2023

Application deadline for Spring 2024 travel is January 17, 2024

LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR GRANT

 

CMDA Student Travel Grants

APPLY FOR STUDENT TRAVEL GRANT

 

Douthat Study Abroad Grant
Application deadline is March 1

APPLY FOR DOUTHAT STUDY ABROAD GRANT

Additional grant application opportunities may be available beyond what is listed here. Visit the Opportunities page to learn more.

Events

CMDA Research Expo
April 15, 2024

Join us for a showcase of faculty and student research in the College of Music & Dramatic Arts.

Register To Present At The Expo

 

LSU Discover Day
April, 2024

The LSU Discover Undergraduate Research program supports student participation in faculty-mentored research and professional-level activities.

Learn More About LSU Discover

 

LSU Graduate Research Conference
April, 2024

The LSU Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School will host an internal research conference covering all disciplines within the university. More details will be announced later this spring.

Learn More

Visit the links below to learn more about our research activities and opportunities.

Opportunities

2023 RESEARCH EXPO PROGRAM

DOUTHAT STUDY ABROAD GRANT

Scroll through the gallery above for highlights from the 2022 CMDA Research Expo.