Investigating music, psychology, language, and education through research and teaching.
Academia
My academic interests explore the intersection of music, psychology, communication, culture, language, and learning. Through formal research, teaching, and ongoing study, I seek to better understand how people create meaning, connect with one another, and experience the world around them.
Music psychology
Music and attention
Music and identity
Neuroscience of music
Language learning
Cultural and digital media technologies
Korean popular music
Worship music and religious experience
Research & Publications
Phillips, E.J., O’Neill, K. (In Review). The role of the ‘face’: Understanding marketing strategies and functions of Korean popular music visual members in music videos.
Phillips, E.J., O’Neill, K. (In Review). Time flies when the audio engages: Cognitive resource allocation and subjective time estimation in on-hold contexts.
Research Assistant – Music Psychology
Research Assistant – Arts and Creative Technologies; Music Marketing
Research Interests
Current Focuses & Work
Music Research
Exploring how music shapes thought, emotion, identity, and human connection through research spanning psychology, culture, and communication.
Language Study
Exploring language learning, intercultural communication, and linguistic diversity through the study of Korean, Swedish, French, and other languages as part of a lifelong commitment to learning and global connection.
English Teaching
Supporting learners through English language education, drawing on experience in TEFL, language exchange, and learner-centred approaches to communication and confidence building.
Education
Leeds Beckett University (UK) - MSc Psychology (Conversion & Distance)
SEPT 2025 - PRESENT (Exp. 2027)
BPS Accredited Psychology MSc degree with focus on social psychology, neuroscience of behaviour, cognitive psychology, and developmental psychology
University of York (UK) - MA Music Management and Marketing
SEPT 2023 - SEPT 2024
Grade: Distinction, Valedictorian
Advanced degree in strategic management, audience development, and the commercial, organizational, and promotional dynamics of the global music and creative industries.
Leeds Conservatoire (UK) - BA Music Production (with Honours)
SEPT 2020 - JUN 2023
Grade: 2:1
Professional degree in audio production, recording, live sound, creative project management, and technical expertise across studio, performance, and digital media environments
Work Experience
Online Private Teacher, English as a Second Language (ESL) - Self Employed, Remote
OCT 2025 - PRESENT
Administration Assistant, Strategic Marketing - University of Leeds, UK
SEPT 2025 - PRESENT
Research Assistant, Arts and Creative Technologies (Music) - University of York, UK
JUL 2025 - MAR 2026
Research Assistant, Music Psychology - University of York, UK
JAN 2025 - SEPT 2025
Private Music Theory Tutor - Freelance, USA
SEPT 2020 - SEPT 2021
Assistant Instructor & Support, A Positive Note Program - Colorado Springs Conservatory, USA
(JUN 2018 - JUN 2020)
Lead Project Coordinator, Loud in the Library Music Lessons - Colorado Springs Conservatory, USA
(JUN 2018 - JUN 2020)
Certifications, Achievements, Skills
AI for Marketing - LinkedIn, Issued Oct 2025
Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TEFL) - The TEFL Org, Issued Aug 2025
Top of Class, Valedictorian - University of York, MA
International Scholarship Recipient - Leeds Conservatoire, BA (2020-2023)
International Bursary Recipient - Leeds Conservatoire, BA (2020-2023)
KOREAN - (B2, TOPIK 4)
FRENCH - (B1)
SWEDISH - (A2)