research overview
- Jason Brandt Schaefer has expertise in creative writing (specifically in writing fiction, personal essay, and poetry) and music (specifically songwriting, live performance, vocal performance, and instrumental performance on saxophone and electric guitar). Schaefer is currently invested in the study of environmental literature and the history of the American West from the perspective of pre-Columbian indigenous peoples, their lifestyles and cultures, and their interactions with settlers during the era of westward expansion. As a musician, Schaefer is learning best practices in the development and leadership of a performing rock band, and contemporary conventions in the development, creation, sale, and distribution of music and merchandise in the recording industry. Schaefer is also currently studying the styles and lyrics of contemporary cross-genre singer/songwriters working in the funk, folk, rock, jazz, and blues genres.