Territory Claimed!

I just received the announcement that the DDM (Doctoral Dissertations in Musicology) database just completed its fall update; and I'm pleased to see my registration made it in time to be included in the update. Although the dates of my study are absent from the title, I feel relieved that my little niche has been staked and flagged with my name. With over 300 additions made in this update, including completed and "in progress" dissertations from all over the world, it was important not to wait too long. Journalistic criticism is currently a hot topic, as illustrated by a recent panel at the AMS (American Musicological Society) meeting last week. And now that my own tiny block is reserved, I'm much more thrilled about the excitement than I was when I was afraid someone would jump on my turf. Surprising how much competitive fervor permeates the world of musicology. My recent addition to the database also inaugurates a series of dissertations soon to follow by my colleagues all advised by my mentor. Until now, despite her successful publications and accolades, my advisor has not unveiled any protegees to the academic field. However, with a class of four of us all under her wing, that will soon change.