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Music and computer science graduate Ryan Tobin ’03 (Pennsburg, Pa.) has always been interested in the unique sounds produced by instruments, and his passion helped him unearth a new trend in music.
He conducted an independent study examining the development of wind instruments from the late Renaissance to early Baroque periods.
“There is a movement to play music from these eras on period instruments instead of their modern day counterparts,” says Tobin. “Because of the heightened interest in Renaissance and Baroque instruments, research tools are more accessible, and my research is very relevant.”
Tobin, who was guided by William Melin, professor of music, scrutinized the records of early instrument makers and period textbooks and encyclopedias to trace the evolutionary line of flutes, oboes, trumpets, and trombones.
“Dr. Melin is very knowledgeable about early music, and he knows a lot about the tools used to research music history,” says Tobin.
“Lafayette is a good place to do research projects,” he adds. “There is a lot of support from faculty and ample resources for each student to pursue their particular interests.
“The college gives students many great opportunities. The general curriculum provides the knowledge needed to succeed in the real world, and internships, theses, independent studies, and workshops allow students to explore their own interests in a field. In this way, Lafayette keeps its small college feel while providing plenty of opportunities to engage in interesting and challenging work.”
Last summer, Tobin worked as an EXCEL Scholar to computerize Lafayette’s music library. Under the supervision of J. Larry Stockton, professor and head of music, he developed a web-based program detailing the library’s holdings. In EXCEL, students work closely with faculty on research while earning a stipend.
Tobin was also introduced to how music is taught during an internship at Shawnee Middle School in Easton, Pa. He conducted band rehearsals, taught music lessons, repaired instruments, and prepared new music.
Tobin was president of Association of Computing Machinery, a member of Pep Band, a peer tutor and lab manager for the music department, and founder of the brass ensemble. He also took euphonium lessons.
Ryan Tobin ’03, a double major in computer science and music, created a computer database of the music department’s music library in an EXCEL Scholars research project with J. Larry Stockton, professor and head of music.