Dr. Nina Penner

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Nina Penner is a musicologist focused on opera, musical theatre, film, and video games. Her research aims to bridge musicology and analytic philosophy, revealing how philosophical traditions can contribute to musicology and vice versa. Her book, 'Storytelling in Opera and Musical Theater' (Indiana University Press, 2020), systematically explores how sung forms of drama communicate stories. She analyzes the origins of opera and contemporary musicals, examining the roles of character-narrators and how music influences spectators' understanding of character perspectives and emotions. Penner's research reflects on how historical works remain relevant to modern audiences, striving to attract new and diverse audiences to opera and musical theatre. She is currently engaged in research that intersects philosophical work on games and ludomusicology, exploring how music shapes players' values, goals, and actions within games. Additionally, Dr. Penner teaches courses like 'Music and Global Cultures,' 'Western Music from Hildegard to Haydn,' 'Western Music from Beethoven to Beyoncé,' and 'Storytelling in Musical Theatre.'

Research Interests

Requirements for Brock University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:21
Reading
Required:21
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:88
PTE
Listening
Required:60
Reading
Required:60
Writing
Required:60
Speaking
Required:60
Overall
Required:60
Prerequisites
Four-year undergraduate degree in a related field Satisfactory academic standing
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Two electronic reference reports
  • Statement of Intent
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

This entry applies to the general Graduate Studies standard for departments such as English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, and Sociology.