Spoken Word Percussion and Its Intersection with Communication

Authors

Gwen Leuschen, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Dr. Emily Salgado

Second Advisor

Professor Anthony Falcone

Date of this Version

Spring 3-15-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

Leuschen, G. 2025. Spoken Word Percussion and Its Intersection with Communication. Undergraduate Honors Thesis. University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Comments

Copyright Gwen Leuschen 2025.

Abstract

Music is a form of communication, whether expressing emotion, telling a story, or delivering information. Communication is widely used in music. This communication takes place by conveying ideas through the sound produced by performers. This form of musical communication cues the audience into the messages, information, and emotions the composers intended. However, when text or spoken word is implemented into music, how does this affect the communication, and how can this be analyzed? This paper explores the history of music and spoken word, explains applicable communication theories, and finally applies these theories to music with spoken word, emphasizing percussion.