"Many innovative approaches to teaching are being used around the country, and there is an exciting energy about the scholarship of teaching and learning. But what is happening in the most effective music theory and aural skills classrooms? Based on three years of field study spanning seventeen states, coupled with reflections from the author on her own teaching strategies, Teaching Music Theory: New Voices and Approaches highlights teaching approaches with substantial real-life examples from instructorsacross the country. The main premise of the text focuses on the question of why. Why do we assess in a particular way? Why are our curriculums designed in a certain manner? Why should students master aural skills for their career as a performer, music educator, or music therapist? It is through the experiences shared in the text that many of these questions of "why" are answered. Along with answering some of the important questions of "why," topics such as classroom environment, undergraduate research and mentoring, assessment, and approaches to curriculum development are emphasized. Teaching Music Theory: New Voices and Approaches is written in a conversational tone in order to provide a starting point of dialogue for students, new faculty members, and seasoned educators on any level. It is through the pedagogical trends presented and the continued conversation encouraged by the author that one can begin to have a greater appreciation of outstanding teaching and thus an understanding of our own approaches in the classroom"--
In recent years, music theory educators around the country have developed new and innovative teaching approaches, reintroducing a sense of purpose into their classrooms. In this book, author and veteran music theory educator Jennifer Snodgrass visits several of these teachers, observing them in their music theory classrooms and providing lesson plans that build upon their approaches. Based on three years of field study spanning seventeen states, coupled with reflections on her own teaching strategies,?Teaching Music Theory: New Voices and Approaches highlights real-life teaching approaches from effective (and sometimes award-winning) instructors from a wide range of institutions: high schools, community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and conservatories.
In recent years, music theory educators around the country have developed new and innovative teaching approaches, reintroducing a sense of purpose into their classrooms. In this book, author and veteran music theory educator Jennifer Snodgrass visits several of these teachers, observing them in their music theory classrooms and providing lesson plans that build upon their approaches. Based on three years of field study spanning seventeen states, coupled with reflections on her own teaching strategies,?Teaching Music Theory: New Voices and Approaches?highlights real-life teaching approaches from effective (and sometimes award-winning) instructors from a wide range of institutions: high schools, community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and conservatories.
Throughout the book, Snodgrass focuses on topics like classroom environment, collaborative learning, undergraduate research and professional development, and curriculum reform. She also emphasizes the importance of a diverse, progressive, and inclusive teaching environment throughout, from encouraging student involvement in curriculum planning to designing lesson plans and assessments so that pedagogical concepts can easily be transferred to the applied studio, performance ensemble, and other courses outside of music. An accessible and valuable text designed with the needs of both students and faculty in mind,Teaching Music Theory provides teachers with a vital set of tools to rejuvenate the classroom and produce confident, empowered students.
