UNIVERSITY PARK Pa. — Allison Brault, a master’s student in music with an emphasis on voice performance and pedagogy, has been recognized by the University with the Professional Master’s Excellence Award for her research, translation, pedagogy and performance of poetry and music written by a victim of the Holocaust.
The award recognizes students in their final year of graduate work based on their academic record and the quality and impact of their culminating experience, including creative works, performance, and projects conducted in a professional setting. Brault joins fellow College of Arts and Architecture recipients Erin Stanek, master’s student in theatre and Kimberly Cunningham, master’s student in architecture, in being recognized by the University.
Brault’s master’s work focuses on little-known Jewish poet and amateur musician, Ilse Weber, who lived from 1903 to 1944 and was a victim of the Holocaust.
Eight of Weber’s songs survived, and Brault has sought to bring more visibility to these works in an educational way that would benefit music pedagogy. While working toward her degree, Brault completed detailed pedagogical analysis as well as linguistic and phonetic translation. Her work culminated with a lecture recital of Weber’s songs.
“Success in the arts is so rarely acknowledged in academic spaces, so to feel recognized by the University for the work I’ve done is truly an honor,” Brault said. “This award has validated my life’s path of making Jewish song more accessible.”
During her time in the graduate program, Brault has taught voice lessons to voice minors as well as elective students. She co-taught the School of Music’s voice techniques class for instrumental music majors, served as the opera workshop teaching assistant and directed two opera scenes.
As a singer, she performed in voice area events such as weekly concerts, masterclass series and opera productions. Outside of her degree program, she created content for the School of Music’s TikTok.
“These past two years at Penn State have genuinely been the most special two years of my life. I have savored every moment and am walking away a stronger singer and teacher than I ever imagined,” Brault said. “The relationships I have formed with faculty and students have been impactful beyond belief.”
Brault came to Penn State after earning a bachelor of music degree in music education and music performance from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. After graduation she intends on pursuing a doctorate but has yet to decide on the university.