The Learner-Centered Music Classroom: Models and Possibilities is a resource for practicing music teachers, providing them with practical ideas and lesson plans for implementing learner-centered pedagogical concepts into their music classrooms. The purpose of this book is to propose a variety of learner-centered models for music teaching and learning through the use of a variety of autoethnographic viewpoints. Nine contributors provide working and concrete examples of learner-centered models from their classrooms. Offering lesson plan ideas in each of these areas, the contributors provide practical approaches for implementation of learner-centered approaches in music instruction across a variety of landscapes. Learner-centered teaching provides an approach to music education that encourages social, interactive, culturally responsive, creative, peer-based, open-formed, facilitated and democratic learning. Chapter 1 defines the what, why, and perceived benefits of learner-centered approaches in music teaching and learning contexts Chapters 2-10 will include example lesson plans, rubrics, etc. as models for teachers. The contributors to this book suggest that learner-centered approaches, when embedded into the culture and curricular framework of a music classroom, offer exciting approaches for teaching music in ways that are culturally and educationally appropriate in contemporary education.

Calling on more than 26 years of experience, Patricia Bourne explores, in accessible and sincere fashion, this pairing of the practical and philosophical in K-6 general music. Go inside the classroom to discover the who (students) and what (curriculum and methodology) of music education, along with concrete suggestions for how to navigate the landscape once you're "in." The real-world considerations of classroom management and additional responsibilities, such as ensembles and the performance expectations that come with them, are addressed in detail, as is the subject of finding and succeeding in "the" position. As Will Schmid writes, "[this] is the most practical and inspiring music education book I have read in a long time. Whether you are a pre-service college student, a beginning music teacher, or even a veteran educator in need of recharging your batteries, this book will become a valued mentor and trail guide."

If you ever want to start a fight in the staffroom then bring up the question of the use of music in the classroom. And if you want to settle that perennial dispute then this is the book to do it with. Nina's groundbreaking research has proven how music can be of direct benefit for learning and motivation in classrooms across the school and this book , simply and effectively, tells you what music to use, when and why. So, put away your whale song CD and your James Last box set and explore how real music can transform your classroom.

The Music History Classroom brings together essays written by recognized and experienced teachers to assist in the design, implementation, and revision of college-level music history courses. This includes the traditional music history survey for music majors, but the materials presented here are applicable to other music history courses for music majors and general education students alike, including period classes, composer or repertory courses, and special topics classes and seminars. The authors bring current thought on the scholarship of teaching and learning together with practical experience into the unique environment of the music history classroom. While many of the issues confronting teachers in other disciplines are pertinent to music history classes, this collection addresses the unique nature of musical materials and the challenges involved in negotiating between historical information, complex technical musical issues, and the aesthetics of performing and listening. This single volume provides a systematic outline of practical teaching advice on all facets of music history pedagogy, including course design, classroom technology, listening and writing assignments, and more. The Music History Classroom presents the 'nuts-and-bolts' of teaching music history suitable for graduate students, junior faculty, and seasoned teachers alike.

Achieving Musical Success in the String Classroom describes a fully pragmatic pedagogical approach toward developing complete musicianship in beginning through advanced level string players by incorporating the ideas of Mimi Zweig, Paul Rolland, and Shinichi Suzuki. Author Karel Butz's philosophical assumptions are explained regarding the structure and purpose of string teaching contributing to a high level of musical artistry among students. Introductory through advanced string concepts relating to instrument set-up, posture, left and right hand development, music theory, aural skills, assessment procedures, imagery in playing, the development individual practice and ensemble skills, and effective rehearsal strategies are explained in a sequential approach that benefit the classroom teacher and student. In addition, several score examples, sample lesson plans, grading rubrics as well as videos of Butz demonstrating his pedagogical ideas and techniques with musicians are included.

Teachers the world over are discovering the importance and benefits of incorporating popular culture into the music classroom. The cultural prevalence and the students' familiarity with recorded music, videos, games, and other increasingly accessible multimedia materials help enliven course content and foster interactive learning and participation. Pop-Culture Pedagogy in the Music Classroom: Teaching Tools from American Idol to YouTube provides ideas and techniques for teaching music classes using elements of popular culture that resonate with students' everyday lives. From popular songs and genres to covers, mixes, and mashups; from video games such as Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero to television shows like American Idol, this exciting collection offers pedagogical models for incorporating pop culture and its associated technologies into a wide variety of music courses. Biamonte has collected well-rounded essays that consider a variety of applications. After an introduction, the essays are organized in 3 sections. The first addresses general tools and technology that can be incorporated into almost any music class: sound-mixing techniques and the benefits of using iPods and YouTube. The middle section uses popular songs, video games, or other aspects of pop culture to demonstrate music-theory topics or to develop ear-training and rhythmic skills. The final section examines the musical, lyrical, or visual content in popular songs, genres, or videos as a point of departure for addressing broader issues and contexts. Each chapter contains notes and a bibliography, and two comprehensive appendixes list popular song examples for teaching harmony, melody, and rhythm. Two indexes cross-reference the material by title and by general subject. While written with college and secondary-school teachers in mind, the methods and materials presented here can be adapted to any educational level.