Research Profile

Eva McMullan - Glossop

Biography

Eva is a musicologist in the Department of Music UCC with a particular interest in the neuroscience of music, specifically music and the brain. This focus coalesces with Eva’s passion about music in early years education and how it can impact on the neurological development of children of all abilities. These are integrally linked to Eva’s interest in connecting communities through choral music and devising diverse teaching methodologies that increase the accessibility and receptiveness of music. Renowned for her enthusiastic presentations, Eva currently lectures on undergraduate programmes that illustrate her expertise in choral studies, disability studies and music education in early years. She is also the musical director and conductor of the University College Cork Choir and has also lectured extensively on the Adult Continuing Education programmes at UCC. Eva has also been an invited guest lecturer on AN2020 An Introduction to Neuroscience, the Brain and Behaviour for the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience.

Eva graduated from University College Cork in 2001 where she attained first place in the BMus degree program. Subsequently, Eva received scholarships from the Department of Music at UCC, including the Brian McCarthy Award, which is the largest bursary to be awarded by any individual department in the University, to pursue her studies. In 2003, Eva graduated with an MPhil in which she devised a language to accommodate the juxtaposition of medieval and contemporary compositional techniques in the music of Peter Maxwell Davies. As a result of the success of this language, Eva was fully funded in order to extend its parameters further at PhD. level which she completed in 2011. Eva is currently completing an MSc in the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience which has been fully funded by the College of Medicine and Health (UCC). In 2019, Eva helped establish TIMBRE (The Irish Music and the Brain Research Group) and now sits as a committee member on the group.


One of Eva’s most prominent roles is that as conductor of the University College Cork Choir with whom she has collaborated with a number of national and internationally acclaimed artists and ensembles. The choir have performed alongside the acclaimed Cork Soprano Cara O’Sullivan, Iarla Ó’Lionáird, John Spillane, C
ónal Creedon, Brian Kennedy, and Karen Casey. In addition, they have also performed with the Kansas State University Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Dr. David Littrell, the Dublin Orchestral Players conducted by Dr. Ciarán Crilly and NUIG Orchestra conducted by Mr. Hugh Kelly. Eva has transformed the choir since she has taken up the post of musical director in 2011.


It has been a great pleasure for me to work with Eva McMullan and the UCC Choir. We have had some fantastic adventures together. We’ve performed a fantastic version of my song ’The Dance of the Cherry Trees’ live on the Late Late Show in Donnybrook Dublin 4. Eva’s enthusiasm and professionality are infectious and there is a great spirit in that choir.Eva is dynamic and energetic and brings the best from the choir, unifying their diverse voices into one essential living force. (John Spillane) 

A tiny mite of a woman with a fierce determination in her to get things right. When she stands in front of you there is no messing. I liked her from the start. The choir loves her. Eva had arranged some of my own songs and I was a bit overwhelmed by this. Thank you Eva McMullan for being the Trojan spirit that you are, for continuing in what is an extremely difficult time for you, to write beautiful, thoughtful and provoking arrangements that show off the strengths of your wonderful choir..... (Karan Casey)
 

Eva's teaching ability, publications and research  is unequivocal and self-evident, but I was fascinated by Eva's outreach work - beyond the college gates and into the broader population as a conductor of a number of choirs attached to universities and various community choirs. (
Cónal Creedon)
 

Thank you all who come to our two-night residency here in Crosshaven Templebreedy church. A JOY to sing with the community choir directed by the extraordinary Eva. (Brian Kennedy)
 

Dr. McMullan's input was crucial as a bridge and support between me and the choir. I found her skill, patience and capacity to understand my needs as a performer quite exceptional. My interactions with her and the choir were a highlight of my year at UCC. (Iarla Ó’Lionáird)


Under the direction of Dr. Eva McMullan, the choir have been involved in a number of initiatives that aim to raise awareness of prominent societal issues and have subsequently helped raise funds for a number of charities, both on a national and international level. Eva was awarded the President's Award in 2016 under the Impact category for her outstanding contribution to the community both on campus and in Cork City for this work. For example, the choir have a long association with the national charity
Féileacáin – The Neonatal Still Birth and Neonatal Death Organisation. UCC Choir have sang at their annual services since their formation in 2009 https://feileacain.ie/. The choir have appeared on the Late Late Show in 2016 and featured on 'As Seen on the Late Late Show' recording that helped to raise much needed funds for St. Vincent de Paul. They recently recorded an arrangement of the Elton John song ‘I’m Still Standing’ that helped raise €4,500 for the Cancer Society, and specifically cancer research.
 As a researcher, Eva is always keen to strengthen the cross-curricular connections between music and science. In a recent collaboration, she brought acclaimed percussion group STOMP together with the UCC Choir, students from the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience and the wider community, including residents from Haven Bay Care Centre Kinsale. Endorsed by former rugby international Frankie Sheahan, STOMPING OUTLOUD emphasises the research that is much needed in the area of music and the brain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un-eDnUk-ck. Music and accessibility have become important aspects to Eva’s contribution to the University. Eva has lead a number of projects that highlight this. Hands On: Feel the Music was a collaborative research project that took place between the Department of Music and the Disability Support Service. The project aimed to increase the accessibility of music to blind and visually impaired students at University College Cork. The project resulted in the publication of a handbook that, for the first time, brought national and international experts together in order to find appropriate methodologies for teaching blind and visually impaired students alongside their sighted peers. As part of this project Eva has become literate in braille and is currently learning braille music.

Eva’s interest in accessibility has extended beyond this project and, together with her colleague Padraig Wallace, launched Music4Children in 2011 which brings a new innovative and exciting music programme to children of all abilities to Cork City and County. Enjoying remarkable success, this programme facilitates many research and community-based projects including working closely with Down Syndrome Cork, and most recently, Down Syndrome Ireland. Currently Eva, in collaboration with Prof. Yvonne Nolan (Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience) Dr. Jason Chan (School of Applied Psychology) and Dr. Annalisa Setti (School of Applied Psychology) is researching the impact music on the neurological development of children with Down Syndrome. In addition, she is exploring the impact of song on vocabulary development in collaboration with Dr. Pauline Frizelle (Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences UCC).

Eva's engagement with music in community settings has also lead to the creation of the Crosshaven Community Choir and a ukulele group called the Ukuladies. This group brings people from all backgrounds and musical abilities together and they have performed throughout the City and County raising funds for many charities. 

Research Interests

Research Interests Include...
  • Choral Music and its societal implications;
  • The Neuroscience of Music, specifically Music and the Brain,
  • Neural Education Models,
  • Song and Language Development
  • Early Years Music Education,
  • Increasing Accessibility of Music 
  • Community Music Engagement 

Publications

Books

 YearPublication
(2014)Hands On: Feel the Music.
McMullan-Glossop, E. (2014) Hands On: Feel the Music. Cork: UCC. [Details]
(2011)Encyclopaedia of Music in Ireland.
Cremin D; (2011) Encyclopaedia of Music in Ireland. Ireland: UCD Press. [Details]

Peer Reviewed Journals

 YearPublication
(2017)'Hues, Tints, Tones and Shades: Timbre as Colour in the Music of Rebecca Saunders'
Dr. Eva McMullan-Glossop (2017) 'Hues, Tints, Tones and Shades: Timbre as Colour in the Music of Rebecca Saunders'. [Details]

Other Journals

 YearPublication
(2012)'Hands On: Feel the Music'
McMullan-Glossop, E (2012) 'Hands On: Feel the Music' ISME Journal, . [Details]

CD

 YearPublication
(2016)As Seen on the Late Late Show - Dance of the Cherry Trees.
RTE, John Spillane, Eva McMullan-Glossop, Padraig Wallace (2016) As Seen on the Late Late Show - Dance of the Cherry Trees. CD [Details]

Documentary

 YearPublication
(2017)Penny Dinners Recording with High Hopes Choir.
Elizabeth Murphy and Steven Bean (2017) Penny Dinners Recording with High Hopes Choir. Documentary [Details]

Music score

 YearPublication
(2015)Go to Sleep for SATB Choir and Soloist.
Comp. Karen Casey, arr. Eva McMullan-Glossop (2015) Go to Sleep for SATB Choir and Soloist. Music score [Details]
(2015)Lovely Annie for SATB Choir and Soloist.
Comp. Karen Casey, arr. Eva McMullan-Glossop (2015) Lovely Annie for SATB Choir and Soloist. Music score [Details]
(2014)The English Market for SATB Choir and Soloist.
Comp. John Spillane, arr. Eva McMullan-Glossop (2014) The English Market for SATB Choir and Soloist. Music score [Details]
(2014)Fáinne Gael an Lae for SATB Choir and Soloist.
Perf. Iarla Ó’Lionáird, arr. Eva McMullan-Glossop (2014) Fáinne Gael an Lae for SATB Choir and Soloist. Music score [Details]
(2014)Eleanor Plunkett for SATB Choir and Soloist.
Perf. Iarla Ó’Lionáird, arr. Eva McMullan-Glossop (2014) Eleanor Plunkett for SATB Choir and Soloist. Music score [Details]
(2013)Life in an Irish Town for SATB Choir and Soloist.
Comp. John Spillane, arr. Eva McMullan-Glossop (2013) Life in an Irish Town for SATB Choir and Soloist. Music score [Details]
(2013)Passage West for SATB Choir and Soloist (comp. John Spillane, arr. Eva McMullan-Glossop).
Eva McMullan-Glossop arr. (2013) Passage West for SATB Choir and Soloist (comp. John Spillane, arr. Eva McMullan-Glossop). Music score [Details]
(2013)All the Ways You Wander for SATB Choir and Soloist.
Comp. John Spillane, arr. Eva McMullan-Glossop (2013) All the Ways You Wander for SATB Choir and Soloist. Music score [Details]
(2013)The Ballad of Patrick Murphy for SATB Choir and Soloist.
Comp. John Spillane, arr. Eva McMullan-Glossop (2013) The Ballad of Patrick Murphy for SATB Choir and Soloist. Music score [Details]

Performances (Music)

 YearPublication
(2017)FUAIM Concert Series.
UCC Choir with Glasheen Boys (2017) FUAIM Concert Series. Performances (Music) [Details]
(2016)FUAIM Concert Series.
Dr Eva McMullan and High Hopes Choir (2016) FUAIM Concert Series. Performances (Music) [Details]
(2016)The Late Late Show - The Dance of the Cherry Trees.
Dr. Eva McMullan-Glossop, Padraig Wallace and John Spillane (2016) The Late Late Show - The Dance of the Cherry Trees. Performances (Music) [Details]
(2015)FUAIM Concert Series: University College Cork Choir & Karen Casey, St. Finbarr's Cathedral.
Eva McMullan-Glossop (Musical Director) (2015) FUAIM Concert Series: University College Cork Choir & Karen Casey, St. Finbarr's Cathedral. Performances (Music) [Details]
(2014)John Spillane & Guests at which the University College Cork Choir performed at The Everyman Palace Theatre.
Eva McMullan-Glossop (Musical Director) (2014) John Spillane & Guests at which the University College Cork Choir performed at The Everyman Palace Theatre. Performances (Music) [Details]
(2014)FUAIM Festival: John Spillane & the UCC Choir at the Cork Opera House.
Eva McMullan-Glossop (Musical Director) (2014) FUAIM Festival: John Spillane & the UCC Choir at the Cork Opera House. Performances (Music) [Details]
(2014)FUAIM Concert Series: University College Cork Choir & Iarla Ó’Lionáird, Glucksmann Gallery, University College Cork.
Eva McMullan-Glossop (Musical Director) (2014) FUAIM Concert Series: University College Cork Choir & Iarla Ó’Lionáird, Glucksmann Gallery, University College Cork. Performances (Music) [Details]
(2013)FUAIM Concert Series: University College Cork Choir & John Spillane, Honan Chapel, University College Cork.
Eva McMullan-Glossop (Musical Director) (2013) FUAIM Concert Series: University College Cork Choir & John Spillane, Honan Chapel, University College Cork. Performances (Music) [Details]
(2013)John Spillane & Guests at which the University College Cork Choir performed at The Everyman Palace Theatre.
Eva McMullan-Glossop (Musical Director) (2013) John Spillane & Guests at which the University College Cork Choir performed at The Everyman Palace Theatre. Performances (Music) [Details]
(2012)FUAIM Concert Series: University College Cork Choir with Cara O'Sullivan, Devere Hall, University College Cork Choir.
Eva McMullan-Glossop (Musical Director) (2012) FUAIM Concert Series: University College Cork Choir with Cara O'Sullivan, Devere Hall, University College Cork Choir. Performances (Music) [Details]
(2011)UCC Campus Chorus and the Kansas State Orchestra, Devere Hall UCC.
Eva McMullan-Glossop (Musical Director) (2011) UCC Campus Chorus and the Kansas State Orchestra, Devere Hall UCC. Performances (Music) [Details]
(2009)UCC Campus Chorus and the Dublin Orchestral Players, Birr Co. Offaly.
Eva McMullan-Glossop (Musical Director) (2009) UCC Campus Chorus and the Dublin Orchestral Players, Birr Co. Offaly. Performances (Music) [Details]

Professional Activities

Honours and Awards

 YearTitleAwarding Body
2016President's Award 'Impact' President of UCC
2014Outstanding Citizen Award Nomination University College Cork
2014Teaching and Learning Bursary National Forum for Teaching and Learning
2012Disability Support Service Bursary Disability Support Service UCC
2009PhD Scholarship UCC College of Arts
2008PhD Scholarship UCC College of Arts
2007PhD Scholarship UCC College of Arts
2003Brian McCarthy Fellowship Department of Music UCC
2002M.Phil Studentship Department of Music UCC
2001Mary V. Hart Award Department of Music UCC

Professional Associations

 AssociationFunctionFrom / To
Society of Music Education Ireland Member09-SEP-13 /
MENVI - Bridging the Gap between the Blind and Music Member03-MAR-11 /
Society of Musicology of Ireland Member10-SEP-09 /

Conference Contributions

 YearPublication
(2014)Hands On: Feel the Music,
Eva McMullan-Glossop (2014) Symposium that brought national and international experts together to help launch Hands On: Feel the Music Handbook. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Hands On: Feel the Music, University College Cork . [Details]
(2014)Let the Music Play: The Integration of Play Theory and Quality Music Education in Preschool Settings,
Eva McMullan-Glossop (2014) OMEP. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Let the Music Play: The Integration of Play Theory and Quality Music Education in Preschool Settings, University College Cork . [Details]
(2013)Let the Music Play: The Integration of Play Theory and Quality Music Education in Preschool Settings,
Eva McMullan-Glossop & Padraig Wallace (2013) Society of Music Education Ireland. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Let the Music Play: The Integration of Play Theory and Quality Music Education in Preschool Settings, University of Limerick . [Details]
(2009)Inside Out or In-between: The Effects of Spatial Manipulation in Contemporary Music,,
Eva McMullan-Glossop (2009) Society of Musicology of Ireland. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Inside Out or In-between: The Effects of Spatial Manipulation in Contemporary Music,, Royal Irish Academy Dublin . [Details]
(2007)Thick or Clear? Considerations Preliminary to the Formation of a Textural Vocabulary,
Eva McMullan-Glossop (2007) Society of Musicology of Ireland. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Thick or Clear? Considerations Preliminary to the Formation of a Textural Vocabulary, Dublin Institute of Technology . [Details]

Committees

 CommitteeFunctionFrom / To
Cork International Choral Festival Board Member2013 / 2013

Employment

 EmployerPositionFrom / To
University College Cork Part-Time Lecturer01-OCT-11 /
Music4Children Business Director01-SEP-11 /
Magic of Music Business Developer/Music Faciltator06-SEP-09 / 06-JUN-10
Franciscan Friars Musical Director of St. Francis Church Choir01-SEP-06 /
University College Cork Staff Members Musical Director of Campus Chorus01-OCT-05 / 01-MAY-11
University College Cork Coordinator of the Early Start Programme01-MAY-12 / 30-SEP-12

Education

 YearInstitutionQualificationSubject
2011University College Cork PHDMusic
2003University College Cork Master of PhilosophyMusic
2001University College Cork BMusMusic

Consultancy

 ClientDescription
Cork City Council
Facilitator for Cork Music Education Partnership (C.M.E.P) in Compiling an Application for the Music Generation Funding
RTE Lyric Fm
Consultant on O'Riada's Orchestra Music CD,

Outreach Activities

 Description

Formed in 2011, this group comprises of over 50 amateur ukulele players. This group was created with an aim to increase the accessibility of music making to adult learners. The Ukuladies are a passionate group of men and women who live locally, love to sing and play the ukulele. The group really define the essence of the great Cork community spirit through song and merriment. They are your mum, your neighbour, your best friend attracting women and men of all ages and musical abilities.The Ukuladies have helped to raise much needed funds for charities such as Marymount Hospice, the Cancer Association, an Orphanage at Tanzania and Fort Camden Crosshaven. They have performed as part of the Street Feast in Crosshaven, at the Crane Lane in Cork City and, most recently, at the Red Head Convention.

In 2013 I attained a Certificate (Fetac Level 5) in reading Braille. I am currently learning Braille Music to increase the accessibility of studying music at third level.

Under Eva's direction, the Choir has performed at the annual service for Féilecáin, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association. UCC choir have continued to sing at this deeply moving and at what can be a very affecting ceremony each year. Marie Creegan, the founding member of Féilecáin has “felt that the choir’s presence each year has contributed greatly to the success of the service.”

Music4Children is a not-for-profit organisation that provides quality music education to children from the age of 31/2 in the City Centre. This programme has a strong connection with Down Syndrome Cork that has gone on to support a research project entitled An Investigation of the neurological effects of musical training in children with Down Syndrome.

Formed in 2011, this drumming circle initially comprised of children only. Through their many performances they inspired the creation of an adult group, many of which are the parents of the younger drummers. These groups now perform regularly together at community events bringing generations of learners together, children, parents and grandparents.

The UCC Choir is made up of both students and staff from across campus, as well as members from Cork City and county. As director of the choir since 2011, they regularly contribute to events taking place both within UCC and, most importantly, in Cork City itself. They contribute to the annual ceremony at Felieacain (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association Ireland) and have raised much needed funds for charities. They featured on the CD 'As Seen on the Late Late Show' alongside John Spillane that was released in 2015 to raise money for St. Vincent de Paul. They have also collaborated with many Cork Choirs and organisations such as the High Hopes Choir, St. Francis Church Choir, Glasheen Boys School Choir, as well as the Music4Children Chorus.

In 2011 I collaborated with Child Vision and Disability Support Services UCC to increase the accessibility of music to blind and visually impaired students. This involved carrying out a number of voluntary workshops with blind and visually impaired children. The success of these workshops lead to the creation of a hand book. Entitled Hands On: Feel the Music, this resource brought National and International experts together for the first time in efforts to increase the accessibility of music at UCC to blind and visually impaired students.

Facilitated music workshops for blind and visually impaired children on behalf of the Disability Support Service UCC in 2010 and 2011.

Artist with FUAIM Lifesounds Project University College Cork: An inter-generational project in which Eva worked with four other artists in two residential care settings to produce two creative projects in 2012.

Teaching Activities

Teaching Interests

Eva contributes to a number of undergraduate and continuing education courses both within the Department of Music and across campus. Her teaching reflects her engagement with music education, music literacy, music history, music and other arts, music performance and conducting skills.  
Eva has taught the following modules:
  • Choral Studies 2 (MU2019)
  • Choral Studies 3 (MU3034)
  • Ensemble (MU1023)
  • Disability Studies (MU3012)
  • Let the Music Play: The Integration of Play Theory and Music Education in Preschool Settings (MU2079)
  • Women in Music (MU3003)
  • Music Literacy (MU1001)
  • Popular Ensemble 2 (MU2051)
  • Popular Ensemble 3 (MU3051)
  • Popular Ensemble 4 (MU4051)
  • Art of Sound (MU2032)
  • Studies in Musical Repertoire (MU1806)
  • Music Form and Design (MU1805)
  • Music and Cultural Studies (MU2804)
  • Ensemble Skills II (MU2801)
  • An Introduction to Neuroscience, Brain and Behaviour - 'Music and the Brain' (AN2020)
  • Understanding Music: An Introduction to Music Appreciation (Sc54)
  • The Culture of the Big House: Music and Identity in the Anglo-Irish Home (Sc0106)
  • Vienna City of Dreams: Beethoven and the Construction of a Musical Genius (Sc0047)
  • Vienna City of Dreams: Tales from the Vienna Woods (Sc0047)
  • Facilitating Inclusion: Hands On: Feel the Music (HDFIDS)

Eva's interest in community engagement is reflected in her teaching with Music4Children where she teaches in a number of contemporary settings bringing accessible music to early years as well as adult learners. Eva currently teaches and co-ordinates the following courses.
  • Music4Preschoolers
  • Music4Children Step 1 Musical Beginnings
  • Music4Children Chorus
  • Co-Ordinates the Ukuladies
  • Director of the Crosshaven Community Choir

Research Information

External Collaborators

 NameOrganisation / InstituteCountry
Richard Taesch Southern California Conservatory of MusicU.S.A.
Prof. Adam Ockelford University of Roehampton, LondonENGLAND

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