Text and Data Mining for Pianists? Bringing Digital Humanities to a Graduate Music Research Methods Course Through Topic Modeling

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article presents a case study on integrating a text and data mining (TDM) assignment into the Research Methods for Performers course for music graduate students. The objective was to introduce data research methods to performing arts students and expand their understanding of the scope and possibilities of research in music through the application of digital humanities in the study of music. The project was accomplished using ProQuest TDM Studio, a user-friendly tool for data exploration and visualization using built-in datasets. This article discusses the implementation process, learning objectives, methods and concepts, and recommendations for similar applications. Incorporating TDM activities into the Research Methods for Performers course enhanced students’ understanding of the scope of music research and exposed them to methods that expanded their research skillset.