Athens Academy Student Published Music Research

Evangeline Bina authored a paper on music and child development following a two-year project.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Secondary Education

Athens Academy Student Published Music Research

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Should high school students prioritize independent scholarly research as part of their academic curriculum?

Athens Academy student Evangeline Bina recently published a research paper in the American Journal of Student Research. The work explores the connection between music and early childhood development.

Why it matters

The study offers insights into how structured musical engagement impacts children in early educational settings. It highlights the potential for student-led research to contribute to academic discourse in developmental fields.

The research originated from a two-year Capstone project completed at Athens Academy. Bina also developed a week-long music program designed for kindergarten through second-grade children.

The players

Evangeline Bina

She is an Athens Academy student who conducted independent research on music and child development.

Elisa Olson

She serves as a faculty advisor at Athens Academy who assisted with the research project.

The details

The research paper was the culmination of a two-year Capstone project developed under the guidance of faculty advisor Elisa Olson. Bina prepared for this work through extensive orchestral performances, songwriting, and vocal training at programs including Belmont University and Nuci's Space.

Bina conducted a week-long music program for children in the summer of 2026.

Culture Shift

This achievement reflects a growing movement in secondary education to emphasize independent, scholarly research as a standard component of the high school experience. It marks a departure from traditional models that prioritize passive learning over active contribution to academic fields.

For local students at Athens Academy, this project serves as a practical model for how to structure long-term academic inquiries. It highlights the utility of leveraging community resources like Nuci's Space to gain specialized training relevant to career or research goals.

The takeaway

Students looking to publish research should seek faculty mentors early to help structure their inquiries over long periods. Establishing clear goals and utilizing specialized programs can bridge the gap between classroom interests and formal academic publishing.