Major: Music Composition and Russian Studies
Houston Scholars Project: 
Muscovite Music - A Study of the Russian Sacred Choral Tradition since 1917
Advisor: Dr. Rob Smith and Dr. David Rainbow

Sophomore and double major (Music Composition and Russian Studies) Madeline Styskal is planning to attend Moscow State University this summer for a Russian language immersion program.  Madeline’s goals for this immersion experience extend beyond language proficiency to include her studies in music.  As a pianist and composer, one of Madeline’s greatest influences is Sergei Prokofiev.  In Moscow, Madeline will have access to the Prokofiev Museum and the opportunity to take lessons to refine her performance in accordance with the Russian school of piano technique, focusing on Prokofiev’s Ten Selections from Romeo and Juliet.  Upon her return, Madeline plans to build on her immersion experience by conducting research on Russian choral music and, guided by Professor Rob Smith, to compose a short choral piece drawing from the Russian Orthodox liturgical tradition.  The piece will be performed at Moores School of Music and will be included in Dr. David Rainbow’s Russian Revolution Centennial Project in Spring 2017.  

Future Direction:  This Houston Scholars experience will provide Madeline with unique opportunities to make connections that will support her future goal of becoming an artist-in-residence with a Russian choir, possibly through a Fulbright scholarship.