James A. Davis

James A. Davis serves as Professor of Musicology and Chair of the Music History Area at the School of Music, State University of New York at Fredonia. He holds a PhD in music history and theory from Boston University, following an MM in composition from the University of Texas and a BS in Music from the University of Colorado at Denver with emphasis in scoring and arranging.

Davis's scholarly work centers on the music and musicians of the American Civil War, with significant contributions to understanding Civil War-era music, patriotism in songs, military bands, and musical expression during this historical period. His research extends to music history pedagogy, American popular music of the 19th and 20th centuries, and the history of bands. His teaching interests include American Music, 18th- and 19th-century concert music, the history of popular music, and music history pedagogy.

His publications reveal a consistent focus on Civil War music, with recent articles examining topics like "Old 100th" hymns, Civil War bandsmen and humor, patriotism in songs, and the role of dance during the war. His scholarly output demonstrates both chronological depth in historical research and contemporary relevance in music pedagogy approaches.

Davis has presented papers at major academic conferences including the American Musicological Society, Society for American Music, College Music Society, Society for Ethnomusicology, Society for Military History, Music Library Association, and American Culture Association. He serves as the founding Editor for The Teaching of Music History Series with Routledge.

His research appears in prestigious journals including American Music, College Music Symposium, Journal of Military History, Journal of Band Research, and Journal of American Culture, as well as pedagogical journals like International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and Philosophy of Music Education Review.