History of American Music Class and SAEM Students Visit Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

"Thanks to what I’ve learned in class, I was able to recognize a lot more names and understand the timeline of music history and how the names and artifacts I saw played into the larger story of American music."

Emma Christley, sophomore interdisciplinary design major

Point Park University students in the History of American Music class taught by Jehnie Burns, Ph.D., associate professor of history, as well as SAEM majors from Ed Traversari’s entertainment management classes, recently traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, to explore the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Pictured are Point Park students at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. | Photo submitted by Jehnie Burns, Ph.D.

“This trip was an opportunity for students interested in music history and the music industry to see the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and think about music in a different way than we can in class,” Burns said.

Sophomore interdisciplinary design major Emma Christley enjoyed revisiting the museum with the new knowledge she’s gained from Burns’ class.

“When I visited the Hall two years ago, a lot of the information and significance of the artists went over my head. However, thanks to what I’ve learned in class, I was able to recognize a lot more names and understand the timeline of music history and how the names and artifacts I saw played into the larger story of American music,” said Christley, a graduate of Butler Area Senior High School in Butler, Pa.

Junior transfer sports, arts and entertainment management major Allison Roup found the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the music pioneers who were showcased inspiring.

“The museum solidified my belief that hard work, passion and perseverance will allow you to achieve amazing things,” said Roup, a native of Pittsburgh and graduate of Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School in Midland, Pa.

Roup added: “Aside from the classes I can take at Point Park, the ample chances to network and meet with working individuals who are currently in the industry is such a unique and helpful experience. Within my first two semesters at Point Park, I have experienced the power of networking by the connections I have made.”

"It was a pleasure taking our students to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame for the day. What an incredible experience being able to see some of the historical artifacts that were available including presentations from Bruce Springsteen and The Rolling Stones to Johnny Cash and James Brown,” Traversari said.

Senior creative writing major Matt Waigand’s favorite part of the trip was seeing all the items used by legendary bands including guitars played in specific albums, stage props and hand-written lyric notes from the artists.

“With so much music history tied to these things, it felt unreal to be able to stand in the same room as them,” said Waigand, a graduate of Keystone Oaks High School in Pittsburgh.

Waigand added: “Point Park has greatly helped develop my writing skills with workshops and approachable professors who really do want you to improve. It's also great to be able to take classes to learn about other interests like music.”

History of American Music Class and SAEM Students Visit Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Tuesday, April 9, 2019