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Philosophical Perspectives

How do you program music for ensembles?

How do you program for ensembles? Jordan Randall Smith posted the following message on Twitter on 12/26/19 (along with some great connected questions): Many conversations about programming in music education tend to focus on the “what” (the repertoire). So, questions about principles and processes are refreshing! I suggest checking out the thread for varied perspectives on programming music. Here are some thoughts regarding programming music for an ensemble in an educational context. Consider these ideas as starting points to expand… Read More »How do you program music for ensembles?

Wayne Shorter’s and Herbie Hancock’s open letter to artists

Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock recently wrote an open letter to artists that is definitely worth a read and would be worth sharing with students. It is particularly appropriate for students in that it is addressed to the next generation of artists on how to respond to recent global events and contemporary society. Whatever students’ plans for the future, the suggestions could serve as organizers or starting points for projects in music ensembles or classes. Much of what Wayne Shorter and Herbie… Read More »Wayne Shorter’s and Herbie Hancock’s open letter to artists

Christmas concerts on Chanukah and considering issues of cultural sensitivity. . .

Around this time of year, the Music Teachers Facebook Group is full of posts about Christmas concerts, religion and music education, sacred music in schools, and associated issues. The majority of the posts often position Christmas as the default holiday during wintertime and focus of concerts that occur this time of year. Some posts or comments even dismiss perspectives that question this focus or admonish students who are uncomfortable with foci on Christmas and related music. I’m left wondering how well music education is doing at addressing issues of understanding, cultural sensitivity, and meaning making in relation to these types of conversations.Read More »Christmas concerts on Chanukah and considering issues of cultural sensitivity. . .

The ASU Music Education Department

A few years ago the ASU Music Education Department revised our curriculum to address the contemporary state of music education and help students adapt for a rapidly changing society. Along with providing more choices for undergraduate students we reorganized our curriculum around the following core principles: Flexible musicianship Innovative practices Inquisitive minds Community leadership Here’s a sense of what takes place throughout the ASU Music Education program: Music Education from ASU School of Music on Vimeo. Interested in a dynamic… Read More »The ASU Music Education Department

Should knowing how to read music be an essential requirement for children learning music? A response. . .

The National Association for Music Education recently shared the following twitter message (tweet) via its twitter account: Should knowing how to read music be an essential requirement for children learning music? http://t.co/mGB7ptrotE #musiced via @SinfiniMusic — NAfME (@NAfME) February 18, 2015 I offer an extended excerpt from my chapter Learning with digital media and technology in hybrid music classrooms in the forthcoming book Approaches to Teaching General Music: Methods, Issues, and Viewpoints, edited by Carlos Abril & Brent Gault,  as one… Read More »Should knowing how to read music be an essential requirement for children learning music? A response. . .