Andrew holds a PhD in Musicology. He has a wondering and wandering mind—when the wanderlust strikes, you'll find him exploring museums, galleries, and attending concerts. Andrew is keenly interested in art history, literature, opera, and other exciting topics. As an independent scholar, he delves into metamodernism as a current and developing theory-philosophy. Additionally, his work investigates the intersectional and intertextual relationships among art, literature, and music. He is a proud cat and believes where there is tea (or coffee), there is hope. He likes to keep his hands busy with knitting and Tunisian crochet in his free time. Aside from his computer, his favorite writing instruments are a well-balanced pencil or a quality fountain pen to write with in his numerous notebooks.
Education
PhD Musicology — North-West University – Potchefstroom Campus, 2023
Areas of Expertise
What Is Alternative Music? Tracing the History Decade-by-Decade
Discover the world of alternative music through a decade-by-decade breakdown as the term’s meaning has shifted according to various generations’ tastes—from proto-punk to post-grunge.
Why Is Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” So Important?
Explore one of the quintessential American masterpieces that set new standards for modern dance and American music — Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring, choreographed by Martha Graham.
How Did Philip Glass Revolutionize Opera?
Explore how Philip Glass forever changed the face and sound of opera, opening the genre to a wider audience.
7 Ancient Greek Instruments and What They Sounded Like
The ancient Greeks viewed music as an integral part of life. Discover the ancient Greek instruments that shaped society’s education, morality, philosophies, and values.
Understanding Karl Jenkins in 6 Compositions
Discover a world of soundscapes filled with world music, from African rhythms to New Age influences, in one of our times’ most prolific composers: Sir Karl Jenkins.
How Grunge Grew From Seattle’s Underground Movement to a World Phenomenon
Grunge, with its slow tempos, angsty delivery, and sludgy, distorted guitars, provided a musical vehicle through which Gen X could express their discontent.
Understanding Franz Schubert in 5 Compositions
Franz Schubert (1797-1828) is considered the bridge between the Classical and Romantic eras in music. Although he was never financially rich, he left a rich musical history.
5 Chopin Pieces That Explain His Genius
A focused guide to Frédéric Chopin’s compositions, explaining his melodic style, genre experiments, Gothic harmonies, and why his piano works still define Romantic music.
Understanding Richard Wagner in 5 Compositions
Richard Wagner was one of the greatest composers of the Romantic Era. He strove for a total synthesis of the arts, known as a Gesamtkunstwerk.
What Is the History of the Piano?
Today, the piano is one of the world’s most common instruments. Discover the history of the piano from ancient to modern times.
10 Rules for Collecting and Handling Rare Books
Humans like collecting things and rare books are among the top contenders. Here are ten guidelines for keeping your collection in top condition.
Beethoven’s 5 Most Influential Symphonies
Discover how Beethoven broke with Classical Era expectations while revolutionizing the symphony, forging an alternative path for the form.