General music is informed by a variety of teaching approaches and methods. These pedagogical frameworks guide teachers in planning and implementing instruction. Established approaches to teaching general music must be understood, critically examined, and possibly re-imagined for their potential in school and community music education programs. Teaching General Music brings together the top scholars and practitioners in general music education to create a panoramic view of general music pedagogy and to provide critical lenses through which to view these frameworks. The collection includes an examination of the most prevalent approaches to teaching general music, including Dalcroze, Informal Learning, Interdisciplinary, Kodály, Music Learning Theory, Orff Schulwerk, Social Constructivism, and World Music Pedagogy. In addition, it provides critical analyses of general music and teaching systems, in light of the ways children around the world experience music in their lives. Rather than promoting or advocating for any single approach to teaching music, this book presents the various approaches in conversation with one another. Highlighting the perceived and documented benefits, limits, challenges, and potentials of each, Teaching General Music offers myriad lenses through which to re-read, re-think, and re-practice these approaches.

This book is a full multimedia curriculum that contains over 60 Lesson Plans in 29 Units of Study, Student Assignments Sheets, Worksheets, Handouts, Audio and MIDI files to teach a wide array of musical topics, including: general/basic music theory, music appreciation and analysis, keyboarding, composing/arranging, even ear-training (aural theory) using technology.

Successful professional music teachers must not only be knowledgeable in conducting and performing, but also be socially and culturally aware of students, issues, and events that affect their classrooms. This book provides comprehensive overview of social and cultural themes directly related to music education, teacher training, and successful teacher characteristics. New topics in the second edition include the impact of Race to the Top, social justice, bullying, alternative schools, the influence of Common Core Standards, and the effects of teacher and school assessments. All topics and material are research-based to provide a foundation and current perspective on each issue.

General Music: Dimensions of Practice is a practical guide for music teachers and teaching artists who strive to teach music holistically. The book begins by framing general music as a holistic music education that is comprehensive, meaningful, and relevant to diverse learners in school and community settings. It is followed by chapters that are organized into one of four dimensions of music practice: performing, connecting, creating, and responding. Chapter authors share creative and innovative teaching ideas, for both elementary and secondary school students, that focus on a wide range of topics, including: songwriting, composing, improvising, singing, moving, playing, listening, analyzing, contextualizing, and connecting. Each chapter provides (a) a rationale for a given area of music study, establishing its importance and relevance; (b) a research or theoretical background, to inform and guide practice; and (c) a pedagogical model or framework illustrated through lesson ideas, curriculum units, or vignettes. The ideas in this book seek to inspire and guide teachers as they build comprehensive music programs that are informed by students and communities.

A Field Guide to Student Teaching in Music, Second Edition, serves as a practical guide for the music education student, one that recognizes the importance of effective coursework while addressing the unique field-based aspects of the music classroom. Student teaching in music is a singular experience, presenting challenges beyond those encountered in general education classroom settings: educators must plan for singing and movement, performances and rehearsals, intensive parent involvement, uniforms, community outreach, and much more. This guide explores such topics common to all music placements as well as those specific to general, choral, and instrumental music classrooms, building on theoretical materials often covered in music methods courses and yet not beholden to any one pedagogy, thus allowing for a dynamic and flexible approach for various classroom settings. New to the second edition: Companion website featuring downloadable worksheets, résumé support, a cooperating teacher guide, and more: www.musicstudentteaching.com A new chapter on the transition from student to student teacher Expanded discussions on the interview process, including mock interviews, interviewing techniques, and online interview prep Updated content throughout to reflect current practices in the field. Leading readers through the transition from student to teacher, A Field Guide to Student Teaching in Music, Second Edition, represents a necessary update to the first edition text published a decade ago, an indispensable resource that provides the insights and skillsets students need to launch successful careers as music educators.