The Teaching of Instrumental Music

Book excerpt: The Teaching of Instrumental Music, Sixth Edition, introduces music education majors to basic instrumental pedagogy for the instruments and ensembles commonly found in the elementary and secondary curricula. It focuses on the core competencies required for teacher certification in instrumental music, with the pervasive philosophy to assist teachers as they develop an instrumental music program based on understanding and respecting all types of music. Parts I and II focus on essential issues for a successful instrumental program, presenting first the history and foundations, followed by effective strategies in administrative tasks and classroom teaching. Parts III, IV, and V are devoted to the skills and techniques of woodwind, brass and percussion, and string instruments. In all, The Teaching of Instrumental Music is the complete reference for the beginning instrumental teacher, commonly retained in a student’s professional library for its unique and comprehensive coverage. This Sixth Edition includes: Streamlined language and improved layout throughout, making this edition more concise and accessible to students. Updated content throughout, including insights from current research for curriculum development, coverage of current law and policy changes that impact the classroom, contemporary motivational strategies, and more information on the history of African-American and all-female music ensembles. Updated references, photos, lists of artists, and online resources.