Ruth Mazur

Thesis

Thesis

A longitudinal investigation of Contemporary Rap Music exploring the benefits to wellbeing, engagement and learning in secondary education.

Supervisor: Pete Dale and Mimi O'Neill

My PhD investigates the relationship between Contemporary Rap Music (CRM) and adolescent identity formation, wellbeing, and social bonding in UK secondary-school contexts. Although CRM is a major cultural reference point for many young people, it is frequently marginalised within educational and public discourse, with limited research that centres adolescents’ own perspectives. The study addresses this gap through a longitudinal design that focuses on young people’s lived experiences and creative engagement with CRM. The research aims to contribute to music psychology and music education scholarship, while offering practical insights for culturally responsive teaching and inclusive classroom practice.

Biography

Biography

Ruth Mazur is a WRoCAH-funded, part-time PhD researcher in the ACT Department at the University of York, alongside her role as Head of Music at a secondary school in London. She has taught in inner-London secondary schools for 25 years and is passionate about inclusive, creative music education that reflects young people’s lived musical worlds. Ruth holds a BAHons in Music and English from Durham University, a PGCE from Roehampton University, and an MA (Distinction) in Music Psychology, Performance and Wellbeing. Outside of research and teaching, Ruth enjoys reading, musical theatre and travelling.

Research

Research Interests

Music Education, Music Psychology, Contemporary Rap Music, Music and Wellbeing, Musical Improvisation in education, Music education and museums.