Music and Cats / Book of Abstracts - Catalog - Page 56
Presenters
Clare Wilson
Dr Clare Wilson is a lecturer in music in Dublin City University. Clare’s
research background covers areas of music analysis, French literature
and culture from about 1870–1940, jazz studies, and new approaches to
music education. Clare is in the process of preparing the first English
language monograph on the songs of André Caplet, and her current
research projects explore feline symbolism in twentieth-century
modernist music, advocating for greater recognition of animal agency
and voice within musicological discourse. Clare’s holistic approaches to
education are founded upon principles embracing practice-led
pedagogical methods and reflective and critical engagement with
musical materials, as well as creativity, integration, and inclusivity.
Clare's deep commitment to animal advocacy was forged through
extensive educational outreach from a younger age through working on
her family’s open farm as tour guide where she supported and led tour
programs promoting public understanding of animal welfare, proper
care practices, and the intrinsic value of human-animal relationships
through sustained visitor engagement. Through comprehensive
hands-on animal care responsibilities including feeding, grooming, care
and maintenance of living spaces for domestic and exotic animals and
birds, as well as engaging in equestrian activities, she developed a
profound sense of responsibility, care, and empathy towards animals.
Immersion in this foundational advocacy and care-taking work during
Clare's youth, rooted in hands-on education and community outreach,
established her dedication to animal welfare and continues to inform
both her personal devotion to her three cats, two rabbits and her current
scholarly focus to advance animal-centered (primarily feline!)
perspectives within academic discourse.
Merlin & Molly
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