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Marvin Martin Williams, Ph.D. is a 2026 graduate of the PhD Program in Leadership and Change at Antioch University.

marvin williams committee

Marvin Martin Williams at his Dissertation Defense.

From L-R: Dr. Carol Barrett, Committee Member, Dr. Diane Richard-Allerdyce Committee Chair, Dr. Elden Golden, Committee Member.

Dissertation Committee

  • Diane Richard Allerdyce, PhD, Committee Chair
  • Carol Barrett, PhD, Committee Member
  • Elden Golden, PhD, JD, Committee Member

Keywords

music, atmospherics, culture, music and cultural identity, music and cultural perception, equal temperament, ethnomusicology, music and emotion, music harmony, music and memory

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

This study explores whether listeners can identify the differences in harmonic progressions in a musical composition, and, if so, whether those differences can elicit a cultural or social perception of the origins of the music. By investigating how audiences respond to variations in harmony, specifically traditional versus altered harmonic treatments, the research offers a framework for music producers, educators, healthcare providers, and other cultural gatekeepers to better understand and engage with audiences on an empathetic and meaningful level. The underlying hypothesis posits that harmony in music does more than evoke emotion but may inform a cultural interpretation, thus presenting an opportunity to examine how music may connect across cultural divides for listener and composer. Central to this investigation is the premise that musical harmony functions not only as an aesthetic device but as a psychological mechanism capable of influencing a listener’s perception of culture or even social belonging, drawing on the limited exploration of harmony’s role in cultural perception, filling a notable gap in the literature. Participants were exposed to two contrasting harmonic treatments of a musical composition, after which they completed surveys designed to capture changes in their perception of cultural meaning, emotional resonance, and identification with the music. The findings revealed no statistically measurable differences in perception between the two treatments (p < 0.05), leading to the accepting of the null hypothesis and suggesting no measurable relationship between harmonic structure and cultural interpretation, regardless of the ethnic identity of the listener. Despite the participants’ limited formal music training, most had meaningful interactions with music in their daily lives, either through curated listening habits or participation in community music activities. The study’s structure emphasized natural listening contexts, allowing participants to respond authentically to the musical treatments. The responses demonstrated not only a consistent pattern in how harmony subtly influenced the listener’s awareness of who may have written or performed it and additionally provided some insight into a broader question examining the role music may play in shaping both individual and collective cultural narratives. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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Marvin Martin Williams

ORCID No.:  #0009-0004-2487-9483

Marvin Martin Williams has had, and continue to pursue, a multi-disciplinary career that has fueled his desire to be a lifelong learner and creator of knowledge.

Prior to completing his PhD at Antioch University, Williams’ academic life has spanned a BA in Music (McNeese State University), MALS (Excelsior University, thesis C’est Là J’ai Du: How has the Acadian Culture and Language Survived Through Its Music?), MALS Urban Education/Womens Studies (The City University of New York Graduate Center thesis Title IX: An Admission Policy, Educational Reform and Social Engineering) and an Executive Certification in History (Liberty University, capstone Espionage, Spy Craft and the Christian). Other graduate disciplines have included economics, marketing, music education, physics, pre-med and sociology. Currently, Williams is completing studies in law in pursuit of a Juris Doctorate, with the goal to serve as an immigration and tribal law advocate.

Williams’ professional life is just a wide ranging having served as college lecturer, police officer, paralegal, adult education specialist, and touring musician. During his time as a lecturer, Williams published papers and presented on topics ranging from Writing Across the Curricula, on-line learning for the community college student, the economics of tourism, women’s studies, and mass media. Marvin not only developed and deployed some of the first online courses for the City University of New York, he also coached women’s and men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and started the women’s softball team and gospel choir at his home college of Kingsborough.

Williams currently serves as a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the largest volunteer service and supplemental force to the Coast Guard. In his role as an auxliarist, Marvin has previously served as the Flotilla and Division Diversity Officer, attaining the National Commodore (NACO) 3-Star Award multiple years. For fun, Williams is also pursuing a civilian helicopter pilot license to further support the humanitarian objectives of the USCG.

Whether as an author, lawyer, lecturer, or musician, “To become as complete an advocate for the underrepresented and those who are struggling to find their place” is the ultimate vision for Marvin’s pursuits.

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