About This Journal
Overview
Confluence: Emerging Voices in Music Research and Creativity is an open-access, refereed journal of the University of Louisville School of Music. The journal provides a platform for undergraduate and graduate students to share scholarly and creative work with a broader audience, affirming the value of student inquiry as a meaningful contribution to the field of music.
Positioned at the intersection of multiple musical disciplines, Confluence reflects the diverse ways students engage with music as a field of study, practice, and creative expression.
Mission and Purpose
The mission of Confluence is to amplify student voices and support the development of emerging scholars, educators, and artists. The journal is grounded in the belief that student work—when thoughtfully developed and shared—can contribute meaningfully to ongoing conversations in music.
Through publication, Confluence seeks to:
• Foster cross-disciplinary dialogue within music and related fields
• Encourage innovative and exploratory approaches to scholarship and creative work
• Model professional standards of research, writing, and presentation
• Provide students with authentic experiences in scholarly dissemination
Editorial Approach
Confluence employs a refereed review process designed to balance rigor with mentorship. Submissions are evaluated by members of the editorial board for clarity, originality, and contribution to the field.
Because many submissions originate from coursework or faculty-mentored projects, the review process is not anonymous. Instead, the journal emphasizes transparency, constructive feedback, and educational value.
All submissions must be supported by a faculty endorsement confirming that the work has been reviewed for quality and is ready for consideration.
Audience
The journal is intended for students, faculty, and researchers across music disciplines, as well as practicing educators, clinicians, and artists interested in new and evolving approaches to music scholarship and creative work.