Musicologist Associate Professor Secures Mellon Emerging Faculty Leaders Honor
Catherine Provenzano, an esteemed scholar in English and cultural studies, has been granted a prestigious Mellon Foundation award for a new research project set to commence in fall 2024. However, the specific focus or details of this project remain undisclosed in current search data, with results primarily centring around unrelated topics.
Provenzano, who is also an assistant professor of musicology and music industry at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, has made significant strides in her field. Her upcoming project marks a departure from her previous work on pop music and recording software, delving instead into the fascinating world of circulation and fidelity in the context of megachurches.
This new research will explore the thoughts and perceptions of individuals who play weekly in megachurches and run sound, regarding mediation and technological tools. It's worth noting that megachurches are significant consumers of music technology and software, including pitch correction tools like Auto-Tune.
In a departure from her upcoming research, Provenzano's book manuscript, titled "Emotional Signals: Auto-Tune, Melodyne, and the Cultural Politics of Pitch Correction," is under contract with the University of Michigan Press and scheduled for publication in 2026. This book will delve into the main software packages used for pitch correction, Auto-Tune and Melodyne, in music recording.
The inventors of pitch correction software had a focus on emotion in the construction of these tools from the outset. Pitch correction software, such as Auto-Tune and Melodyne, is used across every genre of music, not just pop music. The use of such software can potentially affect the relationship between the performer and the listener, a topic Provenzano's research may address.
The Mellon Emerging Faculty Leaders Award, a prestigious program funded by the Mellon Foundation, supports early-career faculty whose research touches on contemporary America. Provenzano was named a scholar for this award in 2024, with the funds to be used to complete her book project, "Emotional Signals."
In addition to her academic pursuits, Provenzano's band, Kenniston, will be performing around Los Angeles beginning in fall 2024. The Institute for Citizens & Scholars, which has been supporting efforts to connect scholars with their communities for 75 years, may well be proud to have Provenzano among its ranks.
- Catherine Provenzano's new research project, funded by the Mellon Foundation, will delve into the usage of technology, particularly music technology and software, within the context of megachurches, focusing on the thoughts and perceptions of individuals who run sound.
- Provenzan's upcoming book, "Emotional Signals: Auto-Tune, Melodyne, and the Cultural Politics of Pitch Correction," scheduled for publication in 2026, will explore the usage of major pitch correction software, Auto-Tune and Melodyne, in the realm of music recording and education-and-self-development, discussing their impact on personal-growth, learning, and entertainment.
- In her role as an assistant professor of musicology and music industry, Catherine Provenzano's academic work extends beyond the study of pop music and recording software, as she also engages in entertainment and music, showcasing her band, Kenniston, around Los Angeles, contributing to the cultural growth of the community.
