Nicola Pennill

Dr Nicola Pennill is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield, affiliated with the Department of Music under the School of Languages, Arts and Societies. She contributes to teaching on the MA Music Management and MA Psychology of Music programs and serves as a postdoctoral Research Associate on the Mapping Music for Health and Wellbeing project, funded by Research England. Her research bridges music psychology and organizational behavior, focusing on coordination, leadership, and interaction patterns in self-organized music ensembles.

• PhD in Music and Organisation Studies (University of Sheffield, 2019)
• MSc in Performance Science (Royal College of Music)
• BA Hons, BSc Hons (University of Nottingham), LRSM (Licentiate of Royal Schools of Music), DMS (Diploma in Management Studies), DipM (Diploma in Marketing)

Her research explores how verbal and nonverbal interactions evolve in ensembles preparing for performance. She analyzes implicit and explicit communication, rehearsal phases, and team dynamics through longitudinal case studies. Her work incorporates organizational theories like the punctuated equilibrium model and semistructure concepts to explain ensemble coordination.

Her publications span music psychology, performance science, and organizational dynamics, with recent articles addressing creativity training, intonation in vocal ensembles, and time management in rehearsals. She received a WRoCAH scholarship for her PhD and has delivered guest lectures at institutions like Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and University of New South Wales.

Notable contributions include:

• Longitudinal studies on rehearsal interaction patterns in vocal and instrumental ensembles
• Research on pitch accuracy and tuning strategies in a cappella singing
• Interdisciplinary analysis linking organizational science to creative collaboration in music

Her teaching and research emphasize practical applications of ensemble coordination theories, informed by her dual expertise in music performance and management consultancy.