Dr. Leigh Vanhandel

Associate Professor

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Biography

Leigh VanHandel is an Associate Professor in the School of Music at the University of British Columbia. Her research primarily focuses on music theory pedagogy and music cognition, exploring the interplay between music and language. Through her research, she aims to deepen the understanding of how individuals process music and the implications this has for teaching. VanHandel leads the UBC VanLab, an interdisciplinary group composed of undergraduate and graduate students interested in music cognition and research. Her recent projects include the Tempo Project, which investigates the perception of tempo and the impact of musical cues on tempo perception. She has authored the 'Music Theory Skill Builder', an online music fundamentals drill practice program published by Oxford University Press, and has contributed to various editorial boards and research publications in notable journals such as Music Perception and Journal of Music Theory Pedagogy. In 2022, she co-directed workshops focused on current research practices in music theory pedagogy, further demonstrating her commitment to education and research in this field.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.