A series of nineteen posters, sized 18"x 24", showcasing individual sound designs, and one poster, sized 24"x 36", housing all sound designs, categorized within three themes describing musical intent. ​ The poster series is accompanied by a publication, providing further context on each piece, design system, and background information on the project.

A series of nineteen posters, sized 18"x 24", showcasing individual sound designs, and one poster, sized 24"x 36", housing all sound designs, categorized within three themes describing musical intent. ​ The poster series is accompanied by a publication, providing further context on each piece, design system, and background information on the project.

Between the major Allied Powers of Great Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union, and the major Axis Powers of Germany, Italy, and Japan, how differently was music used to justify their political stances during World War II? This question outlines the six countries that will be studied in the research portion of the project and defines the topic of interest, which is musical warfare. The overarching topic is music psychology, and how governments make use of this in their methods of propaganda. It is expected that I will find common themes encouraging the necessity of war, vilification of enemy forces, and the glorification of countries within each alliance.

Between the major Allied Powers of Great Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union, and the major Axis Powers of Germany, Italy, and Japan, how differently was music used to justify their political stances during World War II? This question outlines the six countries that will be studied in the research portion of the project and defines the topic of interest, which is musical warfare. The overarching topic is music psychology, and how governments make use of this in their methods of propaganda. It is expected that I will find common themes encouraging the necessity of war, vilification of enemy forces, and the glorification of countries within each alliance.

Music has the ability to affect our emotions, behaviours, mindsets, and also create a sense of identity. It was effective then, and it has continued to influence our culture in this generation as well. Although World War 2 is a major event that took place nearly 80 years ago, there are still lessons that can be learnt and applied in our generation. As political tensions are always high, it is important that as a society, people are able to form their own thoughts and stay aware of the media forms they are exposed to. Even during World War 2, there were many examples of resistance towards political messaging. Parties such as anti-Fascist groups in Italy, Jewish composers and musicians producing music in death camps, and American producers strongly disproving of the Office of War Information’s manipulation of the music industry, show how not all people were blind followers of the general opinion. Music has and will always be relevant to every generation, as it is usually a reflection of current events. My thesis and research serves as a cautionary tale for people to be aware of the messages they are exposed to on the daily, and have the ability to form personal opinions without the influence of political messaging and mob mentality.

Music has the ability to affect our emotions, behaviours, mindsets, and also create a sense of identity. It was effective then, and it has continued to influence our culture in this generation as well. Although World War 2 is a major event that took place nearly 80 years ago, there are still lessons that can be learnt and applied in our generation. As political tensions are always high, it is important that as a society, people are able to form their own thoughts and stay aware of the media forms they are exposed to. Even during World War 2, there were many examples of resistance towards political messaging. Parties such as anti-Fascist groups in Italy, Jewish composers and musicians producing music in death camps, and American producers strongly disproving of the Office of War Information’s manipulation of the music industry, show how not all people were blind followers of the general opinion. Music has and will always be relevant to every generation, as it is usually a reflection of current events. My thesis and research serves as a cautionary tale for people to be aware of the messages they are exposed to on the daily, and have the ability to form personal opinions without the influence of political messaging and mob mentality.