Date of Award
Fall 11-10-2025
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Music
Department
School of Music
First Advisor
James Adams
Second Advisor
Jenna Sehmann
Third Advisor
Benjamin Morris
Fourth Advisor
Ezekiel Bocklage
Abstract
This thesis explores the sonic architecture of Disney’s Renaissance-era “I Want” songs and develops a framework for recreating their signature production style. This study analyzes how vocal timbre, microphone choices, layering, stereo placement, and mixing strategies contribute to the immersive qualities that define the Disney sound. Drawing from historical accounts, interviews with industry professionals, and technical literature, the thesis documents production practices unexamined in scholarly work. Inspired by David Gibson’s The Art of Mixing, my analyses prioritize spatial and textural qualities in Disney mixes, highlighting how sound design shapes narrative impact. The study culminates in two original compositions modeled after the Disney style, demonstrating the framework in practice. By bridging scholarship and applied recording, this thesis preserves and extends the techniques of a culturally significant musical era, offering a practical guide for future audio engineers and producers.
Repository Citation
Riley, Aiyanna E., "THE RESONANCE OF DESIRE: A SONIC EXPLORATION AND GUIDE TO RECREATING DISNEY’S SIGNATURE ‘I WANT’ SONGS" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 644.
https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/644
Creative Commons License
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Included in
Audio Arts and Acoustics Commons, Composition Commons, Musicology Commons, Music Performance Commons, Music Theory Commons, Other Engineering Commons
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